What is Green Building?6641464
The word green may bring many images to your mind. You may believe of green with envy, greenbacks, a greenhorn, Geico lizard green or how could we neglect Kermit the Frog's well-known tune: It Ain't Easy Bein' Green?
So what is the meaning of green as it relates to the residential building business?
Since "green" is so much in the news lately, it would be perfect to come up with a common definition.
Green building can mean different things to various people, but 3 themes seem to emerge from the vast quantity of information written on this topic:
1. Energy Efficiency
2. Non-toxic materials
3. Reduced consumption (fuel and resource conservation)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Let's start with energy efficiency. Are you mortified by the skyrocketing gas costs? Are you shocked by the cost tag on your month-to-month electric/energy bills? In my area of the state, the power company attempted a 43% rate improve in the previous year. Costs continue to escalate, and the price of living rises yearly - does your income maintain up with these price increases?
If you look closely at your monthly spending budget, most most likely a hefty portion of your outlay goes for fuel, electricity, and water consumption. Slashing these expenses could make a massive distinction in your cash flow.
Even the U.S.government recognizes the significance of energy efficiency. You might have noticed the Energy Star rating on many appliances because they meet government requirements for energy conservation. Following the lead of numerous other countries, North America is rapidly gaining momentum in the quest for knowledge and demand for safer green living.
NON TOXIC Materials
Why the fuss over non-toxic building supplies? Well, if you or your child has allergies , asthma, multiple chemical sensitivity (mcs), or other health problems, you may already comprehend this. If not, then I want you to know that this is a serious problem. And it is one that many builders nonetheless do not address (standard building supplies are, well, substandard when it comes to health).
Component of the problem is what we don't know. And yes, it can hurt us! From the arsenic in the treated wood that is used to develop our decks, to the high levels of formaldehyde (a known carcinogen) in OSB board, kitchen and bath cabinets, insulation,and furniture, to the myriads of chemicals found in traditional carpeting (with some studies showing the death of mice who breathe them), we live daily in a toxic soup that has the capacity to render us fairly ill, or at the very least, unwell.
As soon as we become aware of the effects of unsafe building materials, we will demand alter. The great news is, the choices for non-toxic living are growing quickly. When we know and then insist on safer products, they will become much more readily accessible and costs will decrease. Much more and more builders will jump on the bandwagon when they see that the trend is green home building and we hold the wallets!
Reduced CONSUMPTION
Decreased consumption has long been emphasized as component of the green movement. You might hear of the plea to buy materials locally (saving on transportation costs and decreasing pollution), using recycled or reclaimed building supplies, or even building a strawbale home or a rammed earth dwelling. While these are all possibilities, green building does not mean that you require to embrace concepts that are foreign to you.
It is quite feasible for you to choose a standard building plan, and then simply select numerous supplies and systems to "green" that particular plan.
Invest a bit of your time researching the green options available for building and remodeling. Do not dismiss the concept because you believe it will only be more costly. Many green suggestions might really save you a significant quantity of money in month to month out-of-pocket costs for energy usage. And of course, it is very hard to put a price tag on your family's health and well-becoming!
