What is Green Building?3819079
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 Easy Bein' Green?
So what is the meaning of green as it relates to the residential building industry?
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 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 prices? Are you shocked by the price tag on your monthly electric/energy bills? In my area 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 income maintain up with these rate increases?
If you look closely at your monthly budget, most most likely a hefty portion of your outlay goes for fuel, electricity, and water consumption. Slashing these costs could make a massive 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 many appliances simply because they meet government requirements for energy conservation. Following the lead of numerous other nations, 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 materials? Well, if you or your child has allergies , asthma, numerous chemical sensitivity (mcs), or other health issues, you may currently comprehend this. If not, then I want you to know that this is a severe problem. And it is one that many builders still do not address (standard building supplies are, well, substandard when it comes to health).
Component 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 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 traditional carpeting (with some research displaying 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 supplies, we will demand change. The great news is, the options for non-toxic living are growing rapidly. When we know and then insist on safer products, they will become much more readily available and costs 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 lengthy been emphasized as component of the green movement. You may 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. While these are all possibilities, green building does not imply that you require to embrace ideas 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 available for building and remodeling. Don't dismiss the concept simply because you think it will only be more expensive. Many green suggestions might actually save you a substantial 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!
