What is Green Building?9598957
The word green may bring many images to your mind. You may believe of green with envy, greenbacks, a greenhorn, Geico lizard green or how could we neglect Kermit the Frog's well-known 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 a lot in the news lately, it would be ideal to come up with a typical definition.
Green building can imply different things to different 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. Decreased 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 region of the state, the power company attempted a 43% price improve in the previous year. Prices continue to escalate, and the price of living rises yearly - does your income maintain up with these rate increases?
If you look closely at your month-to-month budget, most likely a hefty portion of your outlay goes for fuel, electrical energy, 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 many appliances because they meet government requirements 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 Supplies
Why the fuss over non-toxic building materials? Nicely, if you or your child has allergies , asthma, multiple chemical sensitivity (mcs), or other health issues, you might already comprehend this. If not, then I want you to know that this is a severe issue. And it is one that many builders nonetheless do not address (standard building materials are, well, substandard when it comes to health).
Component 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 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 chemicals discovered in conventional 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 fairly ill, or at the very least, unwell.
Once we turn out to be conscious of the effects of unsafe building materials, we will demand change. The great news is, the choices for non-toxic living are growing quickly. When we know and then insist on safer products, they will become more readily available and costs will decrease. 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!
Decreased CONSUMPTION
Decreased 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), 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 imply that you need to embrace concepts that are foreign to you.
It is quite feasible for you to choose a regular building plan, and then merely choose various materials and systems to "green" that particular plan.
Invest a bit of your time researching the green options accessible for building and remodeling. Do not dismiss the concept simply because you believe it will only be much more expensive. Many green suggestions might actually save you a substantial amount of money in month to month out-of-pocket expenses for energy usage. And of course, it's very hard to place a price tag on your family's health and nicely-being!
