What is Green Building?2404892
The word green might bring many images to your mind. You might 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 Simple 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 perfect to come up with a common definition.
Green building can mean different things to various individuals, but 3 themes seem to emerge from the vast quantity of information written on this topic:
1. Energy Efficiency
2. Non-toxic materials
3. Reduced 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% 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 monthly budget, most most likely a hefty portion of your outlay goes for fuel, electricity, and water consumption. Slashing these expenses could make a massive difference in your cash flow.
Even the U.S.government recognizes the significance of energy efficiency. You might have noticed the Energy Star rating on numerous appliances because they meet government standards for energy conservation. Following the lead of numerous other nations, North America is quickly gaining momentum in the quest for understanding 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 problems, you might currently understand this. If not, then I want you to know that this is a serious problem. And it is one that many builders nonetheless do not address (regular 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 chemical substances discovered in conventional carpeting (with some research 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 become conscious of the effects of unsafe building materials, we will demand alter. The good news is, the options for non-toxic living are growing rapidly. When we know and then insist on safer products, they will become more readily available and costs 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 long been emphasized as component of the green movement. You may hear of the plea to buy supplies 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 mean 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 simply choose numerous 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 because you think it will only be much more expensive. Many green ideas may really save you a significant quantity of money in month to month out-of-pocket expenses for energy usage. And of course, it's very hard to place a cost tag on your family's health and well-becoming!
