What is Green Building?5852573
The word green may bring many images to your mind. You might think 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?
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 different 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% rate improve in the past year. Costs continue to escalate, and the price of living rises yearly - does your income keep up with these price increases?
If you look closely at your month-to-month budget, most likely a hefty portion of your outlay goes for fuel, electrical energy, 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 might have noticed the Energy Star rating on many appliances simply because they meet government requirements for energy conservation. Following the lead of many other nations, North America is quickly gaining momentum in the quest for knowledge 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, multiple chemical sensitivity (mcs), or other health issues, you may already 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 materials are, nicely, substandard when it comes to health).
Part of the issue is what we don't 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 recognized carcinogen) in OSB board, kitchen and bath cabinets, insulation,and furniture, to the myriads of chemical substances found 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 quite ill, or at the extremely least, unwell.
Once 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 increasing rapidly. 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!
Decreased CONSUMPTION
Reduced consumption has lengthy been emphasized as component of the green movement. You might hear of the plea to buy supplies locally (saving on transportation costs and decreasing pollution), utilizing recycled or reclaimed building supplies, 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 ideas that are foreign to you.
It is quite feasible for you to choose a regular building plan, and then simply choose numerous supplies and systems to "green" that particular plan.
Spend a bit of your time researching the green options available for building and remodeling. Do not dismiss the concept because you think it will only be much more costly. Many green suggestions 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 cost tag on your family's health and nicely-becoming!
