What is Green Building?6145836
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 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 business?
Since "green" is so a lot in the news lately, it would be perfect to come up with a common definition.
Green building can mean various things to various individuals, but three themes seem to emerge from the vast quantity of information written on this topic:
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 month-to-month 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 earnings maintain up with these rate increases?
If you look closely at your monthly budget, most likely a hefty portion of your outlay goes for fuel, electrical energy, 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 may have noticed the Energy Star rating on many appliances because they meet government requirements for energy conservation. Following the lead of many 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 might currently understand this. If not, then I want you to know that this is a severe problem. And it is one that many builders still do not address (regular building supplies are, nicely, substandard when it comes to health).
Part of the issue 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 chemicals discovered in conventional 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 fairly ill, or at the very least, unwell.
As soon as we turn out to be conscious of the effects of unsafe building materials, 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 turn out to be more readily accessible 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 long been emphasized as component of the green movement. You may hear of the plea to buy materials locally (saving on transportation costs and decreasing 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 imply 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 particular plan.
Invest a bit of your time researching the green options available for building and remodeling. Do not dismiss the idea simply because you believe it will only be much more expensive. Many green ideas might really save you a substantial amount of money in month to month out-of-pocket costs for energy usage. And of course, it is extremely hard to place a price tag on your family's health and nicely-being!
