What is Green Building?7605198
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 forget Kermit the Frog's famous tune: It Ain't Simple 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 typical definition.
Green building can imply various things to different people, but 3 themes seem to emerge from the vast quantity of information written on this subject:
1. Energy Efficiency
2. Non-toxic supplies
3. Decreased 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 price 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 past year. Prices continue to escalate, and the cost of living rises yearly - does your earnings keep 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, electrical energy, and water consumption. Slashing these costs could make a huge distinction in your cash flow.
Even the U.S.government recognizes the importance of energy efficiency. You may have noticed the Energy Star rating on numerous appliances simply because they meet government requirements for energy conservation. Following the lead of many other nations, North America is quickly gaining momentum in the quest for understanding and demand for safer green living.
NON TOXIC Supplies
Why the fuss over non-toxic building materials? Nicely, if you or your child has allergies , asthma, multiple chemical sensitivity (mcs), or other health problems, you might currently comprehend this. If not, then I want you to know that this is a serious issue. And it is one that many builders nonetheless do not address (regular building materials are, nicely, substandard when it comes to health).
Component of the issue is what we don't 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 chemical substances discovered in conventional 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 extremely least, unwell.
Once we turn out to be conscious of the effects of unsafe building supplies, we will demand alter. The good news is, the choices for non-toxic living are increasing quickly. When we know and then insist on safer products, they will turn out to be much more readily accessible and costs will decrease. 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
Reduced consumption has lengthy been emphasized as part of the green movement. You might hear of the plea to buy supplies locally (saving on transportation costs and decreasing pollution), utilizing recycled or reclaimed building supplies, or even building a strawbale home or a rammed earth dwelling. Whilst these are all possibilities, green building does not imply 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 various materials and systems to "green" that specific plan.
Invest a bit of your time researching the green options available for building and remodeling. Don't dismiss the concept simply because you think it will only be more costly. Many green ideas may really save you a substantial quantity of money in month to month out-of-pocket costs for energy usage. And of course, it's very hard to place a cost tag on your family's health and nicely-becoming!
