What is Green Building?8651612
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 forget 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 a lot in the news lately, it would be perfect to come up with a common definition.
Green building can imply different things to various people, but 3 themes seem to emerge from the vast quantity of information written on this topic:
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 previous year. Costs continue to escalate, and the price of living rises yearly - does your income keep 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 huge distinction in your cash flow.
Even the U.S.government recognizes the significance of energy efficiency. You might 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 quickly gaining momentum in the quest for understanding and demand for safer green living.
NON TOXIC Materials
Why the fuss over non-toxic building supplies? Well, 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 nonetheless do not address (regular building materials are, well, substandard when it comes to health).
Part 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 recognized carcinogen) in OSB board, kitchen and bath cabinets, insulation,and furniture, to the myriads of chemicals discovered in traditional 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.
As soon as we become conscious of the effects of unsafe building supplies, we will demand alter. The good news is, the options for non-toxic living are increasing quickly. When we know and then insist on safer products, they will turn out to be much more readily available and costs will decrease. More and 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 may 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 select various supplies and systems to "green" that specific plan.
Invest a bit of your time researching the green options available 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 substantial amount of money in month to month out-of-pocket costs for energy usage. And of course, it's extremely hard to put a cost tag on your family's health and well-becoming!
