What is Green Building?3900545
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 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 a lot in the news lately, it would be ideal to come up with a common definition.
Green building can mean different things to various people, 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 costs? Are you shocked by the cost tag on your monthly electric/energy bills? In my region of the state, the power company attempted a 43% rate increase in the past year. Prices continue to escalate, and the cost of living rises yearly - does your income keep up with these price increases?
If you look closely at your month-to-month budget, most most likely a hefty portion of your outlay goes for fuel, electrical energy, and water consumption. Slashing these costs could make a massive difference in your cash flow.
Even the U.S.government recognizes the importance of energy efficiency. You may have noticed the Energy Star rating on numerous appliances because they meet government standards for energy conservation. Following the lead of many 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, multiple chemical sensitivity (mcs), or other health problems, you may already understand this. If not, then I want you to know that this is a serious problem. And it is one that many builders still do not address (regular building materials are, nicely, substandard when it comes to health).
Component of the issue 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 found in conventional 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 materials, we will demand change. The good news is, the options for non-toxic living are growing rapidly. When we know and then insist on safer products, they will turn out to be much more readily available and expenses will reduce. 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 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 require to embrace concepts that are foreign to you.
It is fairly feasible for you to choose a standard building plan, and then merely choose numerous supplies and systems to "green" that specific plan.
Spend a bit of your time researching the green options accessible for building and remodeling. Do not dismiss the idea because you think it will only be more costly. Many green suggestions might really save you a significant quantity of money in month to month out-of-pocket costs for energy usage. And of course, it's very hard to put a cost tag on your family's health and nicely-becoming!
