Caveat Emptor.
Let’s look at the basics of green design and building.
The first rule is resource reduction, both up front in the amount of material that goes into a structure and then in the goods and energy needed to support the building over it’s entire life cycle. Reusing and recycling materials during construction and incorporating reused/recycled products into the building are a great way to start.
Energy considerations weigh heavily in green design/build techniques. Surprisingly, the first step in reducing energy use concerns building location. Siting a home close to the things one requires in their daily lives, i.e. jobs, shopping, schools, services, etc., can go a long way in reducing the energy spent just going about your business. Large amounts of fuel and dollars can be saved by choosing to live in urban areas or small towns, not to mention the many benefits of living in a friendly and vibrant walkable community.
Orienting a building to take advantage of winter sun and summer breezes, trellises and deciduous shade trees to the south/east/west, evergreen wind breaks to the north/west can go a long way in taming the micro environment and reducing external forces that create energy loads on a structure.
The greatest energy consideration is how well a structure thermally performs. The first step in maximizing the energy efficiency of the building itself is to reduce thermal transfer from inside to outside (and visa-versa). Heavily insulated walls, high performance windows and doors, strategies to reduce unintended air movement to/from the outdoors work to insure heating and cooling loads and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) equipment are kept to a minimum. The added costs of a more efficient building envelope can often be fully recovered up front in the reduction of the size and costs of HVAC equipment, with ensuing lower utility bills seemingly making money each month thereafter.
The choice of home appliances can also go a long way in reducing your ecological footprint. Energy Star certified refrigerators, washer/dryers, water heaters, TVs, computers, light bulbs, etc. abound in the market place and can save homeowners energy, money, and tons of carbon emissions.
Water use is also an issue in G/B. Water saving fixtures such as restrictive shower heads and sink aerators, Ultra Low Flush toilets, and front loading washing machines address indoor water use while Xeroscaping and drip irrigation save water outside the home. One can even go as far as recovering grey water and rain water to use for toilet flushing, car washing, and landscape irrigation.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is yet another factor in G/B. Reducing the movement of air in and out of a building for comfort and energy reduction reasons sets the stage for air quality problems. Eliminating materials that offgas harmful fumes is the first strategy in insuring IAQ. Petroleum based products such as particle board, oil base paints and finishes, and carpet padding create unhealthy environments to live within. Today’s ultra tight buildings often require mechanical ventilation such as HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) or ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) to insure IAQ.
Green Building can be different things to different people. Make sure you get all that you want and deserve by doing your homework and seeking out the riht professinals. It will pay off in reducing both your ecological footprint and in your monthly overhead.