What is Green Building?8040165
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 famous tune: It Ain't Simple 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 typical definition.
Green building can imply various things to different people, but 3 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 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 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 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 nations, North America is quickly gaining momentum in the quest for understanding and demand for safer green living.
NON TOXIC Materials
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 currently 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 supplies 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 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 found in traditional 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 quite ill, or at the extremely least, unwell.
Once we become aware of the effects of unsafe building materials, we will demand change. The good news is, the options for non-toxic living are increasing rapidly. When we know and then insist on safer products, they will turn out to be much more readily accessible and expenses will decrease. 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!
Decreased CONSUMPTION
Decreased consumption has lengthy been emphasized as component of the green movement. You might hear of the plea to buy supplies locally (saving on transportation expenses 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 standard building plan, and then simply select various supplies and systems to "green" that specific plan.
Spend a bit of your time researching the green options accessible for building and remodeling. Don't dismiss the concept simply because you believe it will only be more expensive. Many green ideas might really save you a substantial quantity of money in month to month out-of-pocket expenses for energy usage. And of course, it is extremely hard to put a price tag on your family's health and nicely-being!
