The construction and life cycle of a building greatly effects the environment in which we live. Building requires large amounts of energy and raw materials and produces large quantities of waste. Green building and design works to reduce waste and use energy, water and materials more efficiently to decrease the negative impact of the built environment on the earth and human health. This type of building and design initiative aims to create built environments that are livable, safe, productive and comfortable. By making your home more sustainable, the livability and marketability of the home is increased while the negative impacts to the environment are reduced.
This section provides information about how to incorporate green, or sustainable, tactics into their home improvement project. Green building, homeownership and economic development will all be discussed. Going green can help with the new construction and rehabilitation of residential and commercial buildings. This is a key element in the economy and housing markets. Buildings become less costly to operate and maintain by making them more energy and resource efficient.
What is Green Design?
Green building is an approach to design and construction that minimizes or eliminates the negative effects of buildings on the environment and the people who occupy them. It focuses on a broad spectrum of concepts, including sustainable site planning; energy efficiency; water; material; and resource conservation and indoor air quality. Green building considers the entire life cycle of a structure and its components. Green buildings can look the same as a traditionally‐built building but use different methods to achieve their goal. Green buildings may have metal or vegetation‐covered roofs to reduce heat gain, walls and floors made of recycled or locally harvested materials, or heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems that rely on natural systems, such as solar or wind energy. Sustainable buildings also make use of natural light to reduce electricity needs. The buildings are also oriented to maximize use of the sun throughout the year.
Do Green Buildings Cost More?
Not necessarily. In the past going green was not always practical for the average American home buyer, but as green practices have become more widespread, specialized material prices are falling and designers and developers are learning how to apply green principles in cost‐effective ways. In addition, it is commonly found that going green will save homeowners more money in the long run in terms of energy costs.
Why Build Green?
Green buildings can lead to a cleaner environment, better health and a stronger economy. Buildings consume two-thirds of all electricity used in the United States. Green buildings can reduce energy consumption of an individual structure by up to 40%. Building construction and demolition create 136 million tons of waster per year. Green buildings encourage recycling and reuse of materials to reduce waste in our landfills. Most people spend hours in buildings where the air inside can be worse than outdoors. Green buildings make interiors cleaner, healthier and more comfortable. The benefits of green building are numerous and together they create a convincing case for changing the way buildings in the United States are constructed and renovated.
Six Reasons to Go Green
Reduced energy and water consumption
Lower initial construction cost
Higher building valuation
Increased local economic growth
Improved occupant health
Improved environmental health
Green Renovations
Five Areas of Concentration
Environmental Considerations (Health, Air Quality, Waste Water, Storm Water Management)
Waste Reduction
Pollution Prevention
Water Conservation
Energy Conservation
Green building/products focuses on energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, resource efficiency, site management, and water conservation.
Quick Tips
This list provides basic suggestions and recommendations for homeowners who are interested in incorporating sustainable techniques into their desired project.
Research ways to recycle, reduce, and reuse where possible
Explore ways to reduce energy usage, waste, and water consumption
Reduce exposure of hazardous materials (chemicals/waste products that cannot be recycled/disposed of without special handling procedures)
Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs
Program thermostat settings
Plug air leaks
Choose energy star appliances
Explore solar opportunities
Water use reduction
Identify green power opportunities
Choose low-voc products
Use wood alternatives or wood products certified by Forrest Stewardship Council (FSC)
Provide shade and wind protection by planting trees
Use native plantings
Research how green building can save costs