What is Green Building?7723738
The word green may 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 Easy Bein' Green?
So what is the meaning of green as it relates to the residential building industry?
Since "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 individuals, but three themes seem to emerge from the vast quantity of information written on this subject:
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 costs? Are you shocked by the price tag on your monthly electric/energy bills? In my region 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 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 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 numerous appliances 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 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 already 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 (standard 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 known carcinogen) in OSB board, kitchen and bath cabinets, insulation,and furniture, to the myriads of chemicals discovered in conventional carpeting (with some research 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 very least, unwell.
Once we turn out to be conscious of the effects of unsafe building materials, we will demand change. The good news is, the choices for non-toxic living are growing quickly. When we know and then insist on safer products, they will turn out to be 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
Reduced consumption has long been emphasized as component of the green movement. You might 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 concepts that are foreign to you.
It is quite feasible for you to choose a standard building plan, and then simply select various supplies and systems to "green" that particular plan.
Invest a bit of your time researching the green options available for building and remodeling. Do not dismiss the concept simply because you believe it will only be more costly. Many green ideas may 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 place a price tag on your family's health and well-becoming!
