The goal of the green building and remodeling trend is to assure homes are designed and built to be energy efficient, resource efficient and healthier for their occupants. As energy costs continue to rise, consumer interest in energy efficient building techniques is increasing as well.
We are seeing a growing interest in energy efficient building applications among our clients. We have been promoting this technology in all of our projects for several years. While increased energy efficiency is by far our client’s biggest concern, more and more consumers are becoming aware of the overall benefits of building green.
The goal of green building or remodeling is to create or modify a home to use less energy and water, makes better use of natural resources, creates less waste and is healthier for its occupants. We accomplish this by concentrating on the concepts of energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, resource efficiency use and durability, site management and use, and water conservation.
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Energy Efficiency - This is the most quantifiable aspect of green building. The goal is to create a better building envelope and incorporate more energy efficient mechanical systems, appliances and lighting into a home, yielding long-term utility bill savings and increased comfort.
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Indoor Environmental Quality - Effective management of moisture, ventilation, and other issues can create better indoor air quality and a healthier, more comfortable indoor environment.
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Resource Efficiency - Advanced framing techniques and home designs can effectively optimize the use of building materials. Managing construction waste via reuse and recycling is also important. This also details how careful material selection can reduce the amount of time and money needed for home maintenance and demonstrates equally important construction waste management concepts.
•Site Management - Even before the foundation is poured, careful planning can reduce the home’s impact on natural features such as vegetation and soil. Positioning the home on the site so there are large south-facing windows helps heat the home in winter and allows for increased natural lighting.
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Water Conservation - Water availability and usage varies from area to area, but there are many water saving devices for bathrooms and kitchens, in addition to natural rain water systems, that can greatly reduce the amount of supplied water a home uses.
Making Your Building or Remodeling Project Greener
So how does a home become green? Here are some common methods and materials you can use in your next building or remodeling project to make your home greener.
Durable roof coverings like steel and rubber composite reduce the frequency of roof replacement. Solar and thermal roofing products integrate asphalt shingles, metal roofing and slate or clay tiles.
Oriented strand board (OSB) is an engineered wood product that does not require large trees for its manufacture. Durable and resource efficient, it is used in 75% of new homes.
Factory-built components, including trusses and S.I.P.’s allow efficient use of raw materials, make optimum use out of every piece of lumber.
Recycled plastic lumber and wood composite materials reduce reliance on chemically treated lumber and durable hard wood for decks, patios, etc.
Increasing the amount of R-value of insulation is a cost effective way to save energy and help reduce heating and cooling bills, which account for nearly half of energy use in the home. Sprayed insulation made of foam or paper/wool by products is an alternative to traditional fiber glass batting.
Foundations should be as well insulated as the living space walls for efficient home energy use and enhanced comfort, especially if the basement is used as living space.
In addition to natural wood, flooring choices include low VOC carpet for better indoor air quality and laminates that mimic hard wood.
Energy efficient windows incorporating advanced technologies like Low-E glass coatings, gas filler between layers and composite framing materials keep heat inside in the winter and outside in the summer.
Vinyl siding on exterior walls saves money on installation and maintenance. Fiber cement siding is extremely durable and water resistant.
Selecting more efficient, correctly sized HVAC and water heating products saves significant cost. Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand at a preset temperature rather than storing it, thereby reducing standby heat loss, resulting in energy cost savings.
Energy Star appliances can save as much as 30% in energy costs over standard models. And bathroom fixtures that are significant water savers are now commonly available.
Recycling of materials is high on our list of green techniques during a remodeling project. During demolition, we remove materials that can be used again and take them to a re-use center. We’ve been reducing jobsite waste in this manner for the last several years.
Benefits of Building Green
The U.S. Green Building Council is involved in promoting green construction in commercial and residential applications. The Council points to the following benefits to building green.
Environmental Benefits:
• Enhance and protect ecosystems and biodiversity
• Improve air and water quality
• Reduce solid waste
• Conserve natural resources
Economic Benefits:
• Reduce operating costs
• Enhance asset value and profits
• Improve employee productivity and satisfaction
• Optimize life-cycle economic performance
Health and Community Benefits:
• Improve air, thermal, and acoustic environments
• Enhance occupant comfort and health
• Minimize strain on local infrastructure
• Contribute to overall quality of life
For more information or to quote a project you are considering contact us
National Home Builders Association Website
www.nahb.org
U.S. Green Building Council Website
www.usgbc.org
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