| Green building is a design process that grows out | | | | Check with your utility provider for free diagnostic |
| of a connection with the natural landscape. It is a | | | | testing and rebates for high efficiency AC |
| set of informed decisions that considers the site | | | | systems, insulation, solar screens, and |
| and materials to reduce the cost, maintenance, | | | | weather-stripping. |
| and energy usage of the home. Conservation is | | | | 4) Reduce water needs. |
| central to the green building approach. Green | | | | Native landscaping that is suited to the rainfall in |
| homes are healthier, safer, more comfortable, and | | | | your area is fundamental to building green. |
| cost less to operate. They connect people to the | | | | Keep as much native growth on your lot as |
| land and community around them. Here are seven | | | | possible. |
| green building ideas: | | | | Water pervious materials such as crushed granite |
| 1) Build a passive solar design. | | | | or open paving blocks allow water to percolate |
| Passive solar design for natural heating and cooling | | | | into the ground. |
| is practiced throughout the world under all climate | | | | Rainwater catchment systems use gutters and |
| conditions. As energy costs rise, it is critical to use | | | | barrels to catch and store water that falls on |
| building orientation, window placements, stone | | | | roofs. |
| floors, roof overhangs, reflective barriers and | | | | Front loading washing machines use less energy |
| other techniques to control natural solar energy. | | | | and water. Some dishwashers use less water and |
| In warm climates, face the broad side of the | | | | have no-heat drying. Check water and energy |
| house to the north or south, to avoid excessive | | | | usage before buying appliances. |
| heat gain as the sun rises and drops in the | | | | Low flow toilets and shower heads reduce water |
| horizon. Use deep overhangs or solar screens to | | | | usage. |
| shield glass areas from direct sun. Avoid skylights | | | | Reduce water and fertilizer needs by re-cycling |
| or greenhouse rooms, because they allow too | | | | yard waste and leaves for use as mulch. |
| much heat gain. | | | | 5) Use renewable or recycled materials. |
| In colder climates, solar heat can be captured and | | | | Consider decks made of waste wood and plastic, |
| stored in materials such as concrete or stone to | | | | such as Trex or other brands. |
| be slowly released during the evening. | | | | Medium density fiberboard (MDF), a wood product |
| An open floor plan optimizes the effect of passive | | | | used for interior trim and doors, does not contain |
| solar heating or cooling. | | | | formaldehyde. |
| Doors and windows should be placed to catch the | | | | Fiber-Cement siding, trim, and pipe materials |
| prevailing breeze and allow cross ventilation. | | | | (Hardie Board) are very durable, rot resistant, and |
| Lower inflow windows and higher outflow | | | | fire retardant. |
| windows keeps air moving, as hot air rises. | | | | Use locally produced, and easily renewed, |
| A thermal chimney uses a hot zone, such as a | | | | materials when possible. |
| glass cupola with windows or vents, to create | | | | Consider alternative building materials, such as |
| rising air currents to pull air through the building. | | | | rammed earth, straw bale or insulated concrete |
| Double glass panes provide an insulating air space | | | | panels. |
| between the panes, reducing heat transfer. | | | | Concrete floors utilize the foundation material as |
| The metal oxide coating on Low-E (emissive) | | | | finish floor, saving materials and labor. |
| glass helps to keep solar heat out, and interior | | | | Recycled wood floors are a very attractive |
| heat in. | | | | re-use of materials. |
| 2) Ventilate attic spaces. | | | | Bamboo floors are made from a rapidly |
| In hot climates, attic spaces can accumulate heat, | | | | renewable source - bamboo is a grass that can |
| transferring it to living areas below. AC ducts | | | | grow several feet per day. |
| located in the attic will absorb this heat. | | | | Hard surface floors do not hold dust, molds, and |
| In cold climates, moisture can accumulate in | | | | allergens, and are very durable. |
| unventilated attic spaces, causing wood rot or | | | | Use materials with recycled content when |
| mold. | | | | possible, such as cellulose insulation, Thermo-ply, |
| Continuous eave and roof ridge vents will create | | | | and lumber composites. |
| natural air flow through the attic. Air enters | | | | Plan for a place to re-cycle household trash, such |
| through the eave vents, and moves out through | | | | as a storage bin in the kitchen, and holding bin in |
| the ridge vents. As heated air rises, it ventilates | | | | the garage. |
| the attic. | | | | 6) Safeguard your site. |
| Lighter colored roof materials absorb less heat. | | | | Trees, vegetation and bird habitat on the site |
| Reflective heat barriers on the underside of the | | | | should be protected during the construction. |
| roof deck help to reduce heat gain. | | | | Native trees, grasses, rock outcroppings and |
| High levels of insulation in attics and exterior walls | | | | natural drainage can be made a part of your |
| is crucial for comfortable indoor temperature in all | | | | building and landscaping design. |
| climates. | | | | Reduce the impact to the building site as much as |
| Some research is being done on building sealed, | | | | possible. |
| highly insulated attics. | | | | Make sure construction waste is properly disposed |
| 3) Optimize your heat and AC systems. | | | | of, especially paints and solvents. Do not allow |
| An oversized system will cool too quickly, and | | | | them to be buried on the site. |
| leave the room clammy. Smaller systems run long | | | | 7) Use safe materials. |
| enough reach the desired temperature, and, at | | | | Use products that are biodegradable, non toxic, |
| the same time, clear the air of humidity. | | | | water based, and cold water compatible. |
| A smaller system lasts longer, does not cycle on | | | | Avoid products that contain dyes, ozone depleting |
| and off frequently, and costs less to purchase. | | | | chemicals, heavy metals, formaldehyde, or known |
| Check for leaks in duct work joints, and around | | | | carcinogens. |
| windows, doors, attic stairs, exhaust pipes, | | | | Avoid solvent based finishes, particleboard, |
| recessed lights, and electric outlets. Ongoing | | | | adhesives, some carpets, and other products that |
| maintenance of central air systems is necessary | | | | release volatile chemicals into the air. |
| to prevent air loss. | | | | Look for green rated labels on carpets and other |
| Use programmable thermostats to regulate your | | | | products. |
| energy usage. | | | | Remove old-style pressure treated wood when |
| Use Pleated-Media Filters in AC return-air grills. This | | | | possible, especially in play structures. |
| filter removes particles as small as mold spores | | | | Green building is an approach to design and |
| from the air that is drawn back into the AC | | | | construction that respects the environment and |
| blower, keeping coils cleaner and improving the air | | | | conserves resources. It is a common sense |
| quality in your home. | | | | approach that is available to all home owners. |
| Heat pumps on electric furnaces reduce energy | | | | Green building techniques create a more cost |
| use by drawing heat from outside air, using the | | | | effective, enjoyable and sustainable home to live |
| same technology that air conditioners use to | | | | in. |
| remove heat from indoor air. | | | | |