Green Building
The term “green building” has become the standard phrase for sustainable or environmentally sensitive design and construction. It covers three broad areas:
- Energy Efficiency-using less electricity and natural gas
- Resource Conservation-using renewable, reusable, and recycled materials
- Indoor Air Quality-using products which let off less or no harmful gasses
The advantages of incorporating green elements into your new or remodeled home can include:
- saving money
- greater comfort
- durability
- raising quality
- lower maintenance
- healthier air quality
Some local jurisdictions have adopted green building standards for homes. As time goes on more and more building departments will require certain green measures as part of new construction projects. I can help you sort out what is needed to comply in your area.
Checklist for Green Building
Design
- Building smaller (it’s the greenest strategy)
- Passive solar heating and cooling
- Low water / low maintenance landscaping
Energy Efficiency
- On-demand hot water circulation pump
- Over-insulated walls and roof
- Furnace and ducts tested for performance
- Heating ducts within heated spaces
- Whole-house fan for cooling
- Solar water heating
- Photovoltaic electrical panels
- Energy Star appliances
- Fluorescent and LED lighting
Resource Conservation
- Engineered-wood beams and trusses
- Advanced framing techniques
- Recycled content insulation
- Dual-flush toilets
- High fly ash content concrete
- FSC-certified wood
- Renewable and recycled cabinets, countertops, and flooring
Indoor Air Quality
- Low- or no-VOC paints
- Vapor barrier in crawlspace
- Sealed combustion furnaces and water heaters
- Bathroom fan with timer
- Sealed gas fireplaces
- Low-emitting insulation
