What is Green Building?2263007
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 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 industry?
Because "green" is so a lot in the news lately, it would be perfect to come up with a common definition.
Green building can imply various 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 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. Prices 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 month-to-month budget, most likely a hefty portion of your outlay goes for fuel, electrical energy, and water consumption. Slashing these expenses could make a massive 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 simply because they meet government requirements 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 issues, you may already comprehend this. If not, then I want you to know that this is a serious problem. And it is one that many builders nonetheless do not address (regular building materials are, nicely, substandard when it comes to health).
Component 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 known carcinogen) in OSB board, kitchen and bath cabinets, insulation,and furniture, to the myriads of chemical substances discovered 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 quite ill, or at the extremely least, unwell.
Once we become conscious of the effects of unsafe building supplies, we will demand change. The great news is, the options 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 accessible and expenses 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
Reduced consumption has lengthy been emphasized as component 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. While these are all possibilities, green building does not mean that you need to embrace concepts that are foreign to you.
It is quite feasible for you to choose a standard building plan, and then merely choose various materials and systems to "green" that particular plan.
Invest a bit of your time researching the green options available for building and remodeling. Don't dismiss the concept simply because you believe it will only be much more costly. Many green suggestions might actually save you a substantial amount of money in month to month out-of-pocket expenses for energy usage. And of course, it's very hard to place a price tag on your family's health and well-becoming!
