What is Green Building?2462832
The word green might bring many images to your mind. You might believe of green with envy, greenbacks, a greenhorn, Geico lizard green or how could we neglect Kermit the Frog's famous tune: It Ain't Simple Bein' Green?
So what is the meaning of green as it relates to the residential building business?
Because "green" is so a lot in the news lately, it would be ideal 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 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% price increase in the past 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 monthly budget, most most likely a hefty portion of your outlay goes for fuel, electricity, 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 standards for energy conservation. Following the lead of numerous other nations, North America is rapidly gaining momentum in the quest for knowledge and demand for safer green living.
NON TOXIC Materials
Why the fuss over non-toxic building supplies? Nicely, if you or your child has allergies , asthma, numerous chemical sensitivity (mcs), or other health issues, you might already understand this. If not, then I want you to know that this is a severe issue. And it is one that many builders still do not address (standard building supplies are, nicely, substandard when it comes to health).
Component 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 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 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 very least, unwell.
Once we turn out to be aware of the effects of unsafe building supplies, we will demand alter. The good news is, the choices for non-toxic living are growing rapidly. When we know and then insist on safer products, they will become 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!
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 costs 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 mean that you require to embrace ideas that are foreign to you.
It is fairly feasible for you to choose a regular building plan, and then simply choose numerous 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 much more costly. Many green suggestions might actually save you a substantial quantity of money in month to month out-of-pocket costs for energy usage. And of course, it is very hard to place a price tag on your family's health and well-being!
