If you are looking to build or remodel a home that is more energy efficient, healthier, and uses more renewable and recycled materials, then build it "green." Green homes are environmentally friendly and cheaper to operate. There are many resources and organizations that focus on green building and give consumers tips.
The U.S. Green Building Council (www.usgbc.org) is the nation's foremost coalition of leaders from across the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work. This non-profit organization has the LEED for Homes program in place to certify homes based on their Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program. It is a voluntary initiative promoting the transformation of the mainstream home building industry towards more sustainable practices. There are four certification levels or "shades of green" including: platinum, gold, silver and certified.
Green is an approach to building homes that conserve natural resources and highlight environmental quality. Green homes are healthier in terms of air and water quality. The products used to build these homes emit fewer health endangering gases or volatile organic compounds. These gases are often produced from paints, stains, carpeting, wall paper, flooring adhesives, plywood, solvents, and synthetic fabrics.
A house is green if it is built and furnished with recycled or renewable resources. For example there are many hardwood floors that are green options to consider. Bamboo is one alternative. It is not really a wood, but rather a fast growing grass with a seven-year growth cycle and is harder than maple or oak. Eucalyptus is another hard and durable wood grown in sustainable forests. It is harder than cherry or pine.
One "green" recycled-fiber carpet choice is made of polyester fiber recovered from plastic soda bottles. This plastic is often called PET, short for polyethylene terephthalate. Wool carpets are also considered "green" and have been around for a long time, tend to be pricy, but last a long time and are stain resistant.
Energy-Efficient Homes
Green homes use less energy and some of them incorporate alternative energy systems like geothermal, photovoltaic cells, and wind mills. These homes also take advantage of the construction site and place many windows on the south portion of the home to take advantage of the heat of the sun. This passive solar approach saves on heating costs. Landscape design includes the installation of shade trees to help in cooling the home. Large overhangs on the south facing side of the house also helps shade the windows.
Energy consumption is further reduced by wall and ceiling insulation improvements. A guide for insulation is a rating of R-13 for walls, ceiling, and roof in the southern states and R-19 for walls and R-38 for ceilings and roofs in the northern states. Some insulation products that are green include: recycled cotton, soy-based foam, wool, and recycled newsprint (cellulose).
Another way to save on heating and cooling bills is to install multiple pane windows Low-E II insulating glass with argon gas. The argon gas-filled space between the panes of glass offers insulation against the transfer of heat. A coating on the glass significantly blocks the sun's ultraviolet rays.
Dark colors absorb the heat of the sun, therefore to keep a home cooler, select lighter colored roofing and exterior wall colors. Green roofing materials will contain less asphalt and have products embedded to reduce the growth of mold.
Another way to save energy is in your choice of appliances. When choosing large appliances, look for those that are ENERGY STAR rated. They save in water consumption and energy costs.
As you consider your options for lighting your home, consider integrating natural light as much as possible by installing windows, skylights, sun tunnels, glass block, and dormers. Sunlight can provide the task lighting you need for many hours in a day, saving you the need to turn on an electric light. For night time use and on cloudy days, supplemental lighting is needed. When selecting light fixtures, include LED and halogen light bulbs to save electricity.
Green is an Easy Choice
Buyers of building products are concerned about protecting the environment, living in healthier homes, and saving money through lower water, electricity and gas bills. Green products are more prevalent than in the past, and are highlighted in manufacturers' marketing materials. Price points for green products do not always have a higher price tag associated with them. In the long run, building green is a better way to build.
THE PO!NT (by Micène R. Fontaine, Director): Even though there are heated discussions on the issue of climate change itself, I think we all see the benefits of a cleaner planet for generations to come: If your "green" inner self is ready to take over but need help getting started and navigating the maze of "green" certifications and the myriad "green" claims, then here are a couple of pointers that will get you going:
- Learn: Join Design Arts' "Designing Sustainable Homes That Make Life Easier" continuing education seminar to learn what it takes to develop universal and sustainable homes from the basics to insider practical tips to the newest products.
- Source: Rosemarie Rosstti is the catalyst behind the Universal Design Living Laboratory, a national demonstration home. Manufacturers who contributed to this project are a wonderful place to start for accessible and sustainable sourcing ideas. The U.S. Green Building Council's Green Home Guide is wonderful resource.
- Catch Up: Not sure what LEED is all about? We've got you covered with our free LEED Rating System and Project Certification 101 (download, pdf format)
In a recent article on buildinggree.com, Alex Wilson addresses the common "Green Building Myth" that "It's All About Materials!" Well worth the read!