What is Green Building?5554894
The word green might bring many images to your mind. You might think of green with envy, greenbacks, a greenhorn, Geico lizard green or how could we forget 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 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 various individuals, but 3 themes seem to emerge from the vast quantity of information written on this topic:
1. Energy Efficiency
2. Non-toxic materials
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 month-to-month electric/energy bills? In my region of the state, the power company attempted a 43% price 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 spending budget, most likely a hefty portion of your outlay goes for fuel, electrical energy, and water consumption. Slashing these expenses could make a huge difference in your cash flow.
Even the U.S.government recognizes the importance of energy efficiency. You might have noticed the Energy Star rating on many appliances simply because they meet government standards for energy conservation. Following the lead of many other nations, North America is rapidly gaining momentum in the quest for knowledge 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, numerous 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 problem. And it is one that many builders still do not address (regular building materials are, nicely, substandard when it comes to health).
Part of the problem is what we don't 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 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 become conscious of the effects of unsafe building supplies, we will demand change. The great news is, the choices for non-toxic living are increasing quickly. When we know and then insist on safer products, they will become more readily available and expenses 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!
Decreased CONSUMPTION
Decreased 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), 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 require to embrace ideas that are foreign to you.
It is quite feasible for you to choose a standard building plan, and then merely select various materials and systems to "green" that particular plan.
Spend a bit of your time researching the green options accessible for building and remodeling. Do not dismiss the idea because you think it will only be more costly. Many green ideas might actually save you a significant amount of money in month to month out-of-pocket costs for energy usage. And of course, it is extremely hard to place a price tag on your family's health and nicely-being!
