What is Green Building?8404677
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 neglect 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?
Because "green" is so a lot in the news lately, it would be ideal to come up with a common definition.
Green building can imply various things to various people, but three themes seem to emerge from the vast quantity of information written on this subject:
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 region of the state, the power company attempted a 43% price increase in the previous year. Costs continue to escalate, and the price of living rises yearly - does your earnings keep up with these rate increases?
If you look closely at your month-to-month budget, most most likely a hefty portion of your outlay goes for fuel, electricity, and water consumption. Slashing these costs 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 many appliances simply because they meet government standards for energy conservation. Following the lead of many other countries, North America is quickly gaining momentum in the quest for knowledge and demand for safer green living.
NON TOXIC Supplies
Why the fuss over non-toxic building supplies? Well, if you or your child has allergies , asthma, multiple chemical sensitivity (mcs), or other health issues, you may currently understand 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 supplies are, nicely, substandard when it comes to health).
Component 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 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 chemical substances discovered in conventional 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 very least, unwell.
As soon as we turn out to be aware of the effects of unsafe building supplies, we will demand alter. The good news is, the options for non-toxic living are increasing quickly. When we know and then insist on safer products, they will become much more readily accessible and costs will reduce. 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 long been emphasized as component of the green movement. You may hear of the plea to buy materials locally (saving on transportation expenses and decreasing 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 imply that you require to embrace concepts that are foreign to you.
It is fairly feasible for you to choose a regular building plan, and then merely choose various supplies and systems to "green" that specific plan.
Spend a bit of your time researching the green options accessible for building and remodeling. Do not dismiss the concept because you think it will only be much more expensive. Many green suggestions might really save you a significant amount of money in month to month out-of-pocket costs for energy usage. And of course, it is very hard to place a price tag on your family's health and nicely-being!
