What is Green Building?7239723
The word green may 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?
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 different individuals, but 3 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 price tag on your monthly electric/energy bills? In my area of the state, the power company attempted a 43% price improve in the past year. Costs continue to escalate, and the cost of living rises yearly - does your income maintain up with these rate increases?
If you look closely at your monthly spending budget, most likely a hefty portion of your outlay goes for fuel, electricity, and water consumption. Slashing these costs could make a huge 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 countries, North America is quickly gaining momentum in the quest for knowledge and demand for safer green living.
NON TOXIC Materials
Why the fuss over non-toxic building materials? Well, if you or your child has allergies , asthma, multiple chemical sensitivity (mcs), or other health problems, you may already comprehend this. If not, then I want you to know that this is a serious issue. And it is one that many builders still do not address (regular building materials are, well, 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 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 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 very least, unwell.
As soon as we turn out to be conscious of the effects of unsafe building materials, we will demand change. The good news is, the options for non-toxic living are increasing quickly. When we know and then insist on safer products, they will become more readily available and expenses will reduce. Much more and much 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 supplies locally (saving on transportation expenses and decreasing pollution), using 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 require to embrace concepts that are foreign to you.
It is fairly feasible for you to choose a regular building plan, and then merely select various materials and systems to "green" that specific plan.
Spend 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 more expensive. Many green ideas may actually save you a significant quantity of money in month to month out-of-pocket expenses for energy usage. And of course, it's extremely hard to place a price tag on your family's health and nicely-being!
