What is Green Building?3276944
The word green may bring many images to your mind. You may 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 industry?
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 different individuals, but three themes seem to emerge from the vast quantity of information written on this subject:
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 costs? Are you shocked by the cost tag on your monthly electric/energy bills? In my area of the state, the power company attempted a 43% price increase in the previous year. Prices continue to escalate, and the cost of living rises yearly - does your earnings maintain up with these price increases?
If you look closely at your month-to-month budget, most 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 many appliances simply 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 Supplies
Why the fuss over non-toxic building supplies? Nicely, if you or your child has allergies , asthma, multiple chemical sensitivity (mcs), or other health problems, you may currently comprehend 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).
Component of the problem 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 found in traditional 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.
Once we turn out to be conscious of the effects of unsafe building materials, we will demand change. The great 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 reduce. More and more builders will jump on the bandwagon when they see that the trend is green home building and we hold the wallets!
Reduced CONSUMPTION
Decreased consumption has lengthy been emphasized as part of the green movement. You might hear of the plea to buy materials locally (saving on transportation expenses and reducing pollution), using 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 require to embrace ideas that are foreign to you.
It is quite feasible for you to choose a regular building plan, and then merely select numerous supplies and systems to "green" that specific plan.
Invest a bit of your time researching the green options available for building and remodeling. Do not dismiss the concept because you think it will only be much more costly. Many green ideas may really save you a substantial amount of money in month to month out-of-pocket costs for energy usage. And of course, it's very hard to place a cost tag on your family's health and nicely-becoming!
