What is Green Building?5378233
The word green may 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 industry?
Because "green" is so a lot in the news lately, it would be perfect to come up with a typical definition.
Green building can imply different things to various individuals, but three 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 cost tag on your monthly 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 price of living rises yearly - does your income maintain up with these rate increases?
If you look closely at your monthly 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 significance 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 countries, North America is rapidly gaining momentum in the quest for understanding 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 might currently comprehend this. If not, then I want you to know that this is a severe issue. And it is one that many builders still do not address (regular building materials are, well, substandard when it comes to health).
Part of the problem is what we do not 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 recognized carcinogen) in OSB board, kitchen and bath cabinets, insulation,and furniture, to the myriads of chemicals found in traditional carpeting (with some studies displaying the death of mice who breathe them), we live daily in a toxic soup that has the capacity to render us quite ill, or at the extremely least, unwell.
As soon as we become aware of the effects of unsafe building supplies, we will demand change. The good news is, the options for non-toxic living are growing quickly. When we know and then insist on safer products, they will become much more readily available 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 supplies 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 need to embrace ideas that are foreign to you.
It is quite feasible for you to choose a regular building plan, and then simply choose various supplies 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 expensive. Many green ideas may actually save you a significant amount of money in month to month out-of-pocket expenses for energy usage. And of course, it's extremely hard to put a price tag on your family's health and nicely-being!
