What is Green Building?3414232
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 neglect Kermit the Frog's well-known 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 different 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. 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 increase in the previous year. Costs continue to escalate, and the price of living rises yearly - does your earnings maintain up with these price 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 costs could make a massive difference in your cash flow.
Even the U.S.government recognizes the importance 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 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 issues, you may currently comprehend this. If not, then I want you to know that this is a serious issue. And it is one that many builders still do not address (standard building materials 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 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 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 become conscious of the effects of unsafe building materials, we will demand alter. The great news is, the options for non-toxic living are growing quickly. When we know and then insist on safer products, they will become more readily accessible and expenses 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
Decreased consumption has long been emphasized as component of the green movement. You may hear of the plea to buy supplies locally (saving on transportation costs and decreasing pollution), using recycled or reclaimed building materials, or even building a strawbale home or a rammed earth dwelling. While these are all possibilities, green building does not mean that you need to embrace concepts that are foreign to you.
It is fairly feasible for you to choose a regular building plan, and then simply select various supplies and systems to "green" that specific plan.
Invest a bit of your time researching the green options accessible for building and remodeling. Do not dismiss the concept because you believe it will only be much more costly. Many green ideas might really save you a substantial amount of money in month to month out-of-pocket costs for energy usage. And of course, it is extremely hard to put a price tag on your family's health and nicely-becoming!
