What is Green Building?3040044
The word green might bring many images to your mind. You may believe 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 industry?
Since "green" is so much in the news lately, it would be perfect to come up with a common definition.
Green building can imply various things to different individuals, but three themes seem to emerge from the vast quantity of information written on this subject:
1. Energy Efficiency
2. Non-toxic supplies
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 area of the state, the power company attempted a 43% price improve in the previous 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 monthly budget, most likely a hefty portion of your outlay goes for fuel, electricity, and water consumption. Slashing these expenses 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 many appliances 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 knowledge and demand for safer green living.
NON TOXIC Supplies
Why the fuss over non-toxic building supplies? Nicely, if you or your child has allergies , asthma, multiple chemical sensitivity (mcs), or other health problems, you might currently understand this. If not, then I want you to know that this is a serious issue. And it is one that many builders still do not address (standard building supplies 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 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 fairly ill, or at the very least, unwell.
Once we become aware of the effects of unsafe building materials, we will demand alter. The great news is, the choices for non-toxic living are growing rapidly. When we know and then insist on safer products, they will become much more readily available and costs 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
Reduced consumption has lengthy been emphasized as component of the green movement. You might hear of the plea to buy materials locally (saving on transportation expenses and reducing pollution), using recycled or reclaimed building supplies, or even building a strawbale home or a rammed earth dwelling. Whilst these are all possibilities, green building does not mean that you require to embrace concepts that are foreign to you.
It is fairly feasible for you to choose a standard building plan, and then merely select various materials and systems to "green" that specific plan.
Invest 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 more costly. Many green suggestions might really save you a substantial quantity of money in month to month out-of-pocket costs for energy usage. And of course, it's very hard to put a price tag on your family's health and well-becoming!
