What is Green Building?4889380
The word green may bring many images to your mind. You may think of green with envy, greenbacks, a greenhorn, Geico lizard green or how could we neglect 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 business?
Because "green" is so much in the news lately, it would be ideal to come up with a common definition.
Green building can imply various 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 materials
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 cost tag on your monthly electric/energy bills? In my area of the state, the power company attempted a 43% price improve in the previous year. Prices continue to escalate, and the cost of living rises yearly - does your earnings 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 importance of energy efficiency. You may have noticed the Energy Star rating on numerous appliances because they meet government requirements for energy conservation. Following the lead of numerous other countries, 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? Well, if you or your child has allergies , asthma, numerous 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 still do not address (standard building materials are, well, 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 recognized carcinogen) in OSB board, kitchen and bath cabinets, insulation,and furniture, to the myriads of chemical substances discovered in traditional carpeting (with some studies 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.
As soon as we turn out to be aware of the effects of unsafe building supplies, we will demand alter. The great news is, the options for non-toxic living are growing rapidly. When we know and then insist on safer products, they will become much more readily accessible and costs 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 might hear of the plea to buy supplies locally (saving on transportation expenses and reducing pollution), utilizing recycled or reclaimed building supplies, 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 fairly feasible for you to choose a standard building plan, and then simply select numerous materials 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 simply because you believe it will only be more costly. Many green suggestions may really save you a significant amount of money in month to month out-of-pocket expenses for energy usage. And of course, it is extremely hard to place a cost tag on your family's health and nicely-being!
