Green Home Building - Part One
by Maureen @ 12:50 am 1 comment »
Our home is our sanctuary, where we go to re-charge, relax and really live. Here is some good info I came across in the March 2007 (green issue) of NY Living magazine to keep in mind if you’re looking to spruce up the green factor of your living space. I’ve also listed some great green building links below.
What does it take for a house to be truly green?
- Select a Home on the Right Site - Reuse existing properties; this helps preserve “greenfield” - undeveloped land. In other words, build your small, new green home on a site that is already cleared; avoid cutting down beautiful trees, etc. and disrupting the natural habitat — birds, deer, turkey, and other creatures whose homes may be affected. You’ll reap the benefits in the long run by sharing your natural surroundings with them.
- Alternative Materials - low- and zero-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, glues, and sealants, as well as straw-board panels made from wheat (rather than formaldehyde-laced particle board) for non-load-bearing interior walls; toxin-free natural insulation; linoleum flooring made from jute and linseed oil (rather than standard toxin-packed vinyl); wood-based features from Forest Stewardship Council-derived wood; salvaged materials like kitchen tiles and materials with recycled content like 100% recycled carpeting.
- A Superior Indoor Environmental Quality - Natural daylight should reach at least 75% of the home’s interior through windows, skylights, etc. Maximize natural ventilation by designing home’s layout and window placement with “good flow.”
- Look for Green Technologies & Fixtures - Energy-efficient cost-saving lighting heating, cooling and water-heating systems. (Energy Star is a good rating for appliances). Does the house generate some of its own energy with photo-voltaic systems? Can the house support the conversion to renewable energy? Install water efficient toilets, showers, faucets and irrigation systems.
- Landscape for Savings - Reduce energy and water consumption. The landscaping should have drought tolerant, primarily native plantings rather than extensive lawns. You can even landscape your roof which provides insulation and reduces heating and a/c use, along with storm-water runoff.
- Keep Your Home Green - Select furniture and carpets made of natural and recycled materials than standard furnishings laden with chemicals. Use nontoxic cleaning and pest control products. Monitor the performance of heating and cooling systems to assure their optimum efficiency.
Links to Green Building Resources
www.usgreenbuildingcouncil.org
Click on the articles below for some of our previous, building-related posts:
Marmol Radziner - Joshua Tree prefab home
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Great tips to look for in building our next house! If we all take steps towards a greener living space, we can all make a difference!