What is Green Building?7520651
The word green might bring many images to your mind. You might believe of green with envy, greenbacks, a greenhorn, Geico lizard green or how could we forget 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?
Because "green" is so much in the news lately, it would be ideal to come up with a typical definition.
Green building can imply various things to various individuals, but 3 themes seem to emerge from the vast quantity of information written on this topic:
1. Energy Efficiency
2. Non-toxic supplies
3. Reduced consumption (fuel and resource conservation)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Let's start with energy efficiency. Are you mortified by the skyrocketing gas prices? Are you shocked by the cost tag on your month-to-month electric/energy bills? In my region of the state, the power company attempted a 43% rate improve in the past year. Costs continue to escalate, and the cost of living rises yearly - does your income maintain up with these rate increases?
If you look closely at your monthly spending budget, most likely a hefty portion of your outlay goes for fuel, electricity, and water consumption. Slashing these expenses could make a massive difference in your cash flow.
Even the U.S.government recognizes the importance of energy efficiency. You might have noticed the Energy Star rating on many appliances simply 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 Supplies
Why the fuss over non-toxic building materials? Well, if you or your child has allergies , asthma, multiple chemical sensitivity (mcs), or other health issues, you might currently comprehend this. If not, then I want you to know that this is a serious problem. And it is one that many builders still do not address (standard building supplies are, nicely, substandard when it comes to health).
Part of the issue is what we do not know. And yes, it can hurt us! From the arsenic in the treated wood that is used to build our decks, to the high levels of formaldehyde (a recognized carcinogen) in OSB board, kitchen and bath cabinets, insulation,and furniture, to the myriads of chemicals found in traditional carpeting (with some research 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.
Once we turn out to be conscious of the effects of unsafe building supplies, we will demand change. The great news is, the options for non-toxic living are increasing rapidly. When we know and then insist on safer products, they will turn out to be more readily available and expenses will decrease. Much more and much more builders will jump on the bandwagon when they see that the trend is green home building and we hold the wallets!
Decreased 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 reducing pollution), utilizing recycled or reclaimed building materials, or even building a strawbale home or a rammed earth dwelling. Whilst 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 merely choose numerous materials and systems to "green" that specific plan.
Spend a bit of your time researching the green options accessible for building and remodeling. Don't dismiss the concept because you believe it will only be more costly. Many green suggestions may actually save you a significant quantity of money in month to month out-of-pocket costs for energy usage. And of course, it's extremely hard to place a price tag on your family's health and nicely-being!
