What is Green Building?7719081
The word green might bring many images to your mind. You may think 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 much in the news lately, it would be perfect to come up with a typical definition.
Green building can mean different 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 prices? 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% rate increase in the past year. Costs continue to escalate, and the price of living rises yearly - does your earnings 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, electricity, and water consumption. Slashing these costs could make a huge distinction in your cash flow.
Even the U.S.government recognizes the significance of energy efficiency. You may have noticed the Energy Star rating on numerous 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 Materials
Why the fuss over non-toxic building supplies? Nicely, if you or your child has allergies , asthma, numerous chemical sensitivity (mcs), or other health problems, you may currently understand this. If not, then I want you to know that this is a serious issue. And it is one that many builders nonetheless do not address (regular building supplies are, well, substandard when it comes to health).
Component 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 known carcinogen) in OSB board, kitchen and bath cabinets, insulation,and furniture, to the myriads of chemicals found 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 very least, unwell.
Once we become conscious of the effects of unsafe building materials, we will demand change. The great news is, the choices for non-toxic living are increasing rapidly. When we know and then insist on safer products, they will turn out to be more readily available and expenses will reduce. 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!
Reduced CONSUMPTION
Decreased consumption has long been emphasized as part of the green movement. You might hear of the plea to buy supplies locally (saving on transportation costs and reducing 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 imply that you require to embrace ideas that are foreign to you.
It is quite feasible for you to choose a regular building plan, and then simply choose various supplies and systems to "green" that particular plan.
Spend a bit of your time researching the green options available for building and remodeling. Don't dismiss the idea simply because you believe it will only be much more costly. Many green ideas might really save you a significant quantity 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 well-becoming!
