What is Green Building?1739198
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 well-known tune: It Ain't Easy 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 ideal to come up with a common definition.
Green building can imply different 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 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 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 month-to-month 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 might have noticed the Energy Star rating on many appliances simply because they meet government standards for energy conservation. Following the lead of numerous other countries, North America is quickly gaining momentum in the quest for understanding and demand for safer green living.
NON TOXIC Supplies
Why the fuss over non-toxic building supplies? Well, if you or your child has allergies , asthma, multiple chemical sensitivity (mcs), or other health issues, 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 nonetheless 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 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 chemical substances 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 quite ill, or at the very least, unwell.
Once we become aware of the effects of unsafe building supplies, we will demand change. The good news is, the choices for non-toxic living are increasing quickly. When we know and then insist on safer products, they will turn out to be 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 part of the green movement. You may hear of the plea to buy materials locally (saving on transportation expenses and decreasing pollution), utilizing recycled or reclaimed building materials, or even building a strawbale home or a rammed earth dwelling. Whilst 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 regular building plan, and then simply choose various materials and systems to "green" that specific plan.
Invest a bit of your time researching the green options accessible for building and remodeling. Do not dismiss the idea simply because you believe it will only be more costly. Many green ideas might really save you a substantial quantity 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 nicely-becoming!
