Building Green
What Does It Mean to Be Green?
Green building or Building Green is a different approach to building houses.
It details each step in the design and construction process, from choosing a building site to installing a heating system, and selecting materials.
It also means using “best practice” techniques and thoughtful planning to make sure the building or project LASTS!
Unfortunately budget, or owner aesthetics sometimes gets in the way or stops shy of this process.
There are a few basic principles that govern green building:
- Designing and building houses efficiently.
- Designing and building houses that will last: the longer something lasts, the less waste there is through replacement.
- Choosing low maintenance products such as composite decking or fiber-cement siding.
- Designing and building houses that use less water and energy: such as energy-star rated appliances and windows, tank less water heaters, installing low flow toilets, etc.
- Replacing traditional fossil-fuels with renewable forms of energy such as solar and wind-power for homes.
- Designing and building houses that are healthy to live in: green homes are built to minimize moisture, mold and radon build up in homes.
- Use of materials, finishes and paints that do not contribute off gassing toxins or irritants to indoor air quality.
- Green considerations include the size of homes.
- Preserving existing trees and foliage, using native plantings and minimizing the need for water to maintain landscaping are all important components.
READ MORE about green building.
photos: environmental impact
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