RSS FeedBuilding Green: Incorporating Sustainable Design
Why are so many people now building green? Each day, it seems we learn more and more about how we negatively affect our environment-- and our whole planet. Most of us don’t like to think that our homes and lifestyles do significant damage. After all, we’re just trying to raise our families and live our lives, right?
Unfortunately, they do. Because of this, it’s important for homeowners and builders to be knowledgeable about building green (or “sustainable design”).
“Building green” features the design and construction of buildings that have a comparatively low environmental impact. This requires green builders to use resources efficiently, utilizing less harmful processes and materials than in “normal” building. And what effect does green building have? Data from USGBC suggests that green buildings require 35% less energy, use far less non-renewable materials, and send less waste to rot in landfills. As a bonus, building green makes our homes and offices safer, healthier places.
What are the Main Considerations when Building Green?
When building green, the mail goal is to maintain a high quality of life while lowering the impact a home has on the environment. Green designers keep the following concerns in mind when designing green buildings:
Efficient Energy Use. Energy is the key “green concern”. During the building process, a green buildings should incorporate materials and methods which use less energy. They should also be energy efficient in the long run, incorporating design features such as “passive solar design” (which offers thermal protection) and effective insulation.
Many designers who specialize in building green integrate independent, renewable energy in the home’s design. Renewable energy (such as solar energy) significantly lowers a building’s impact on the environment.
Home Design. The size, site, and shape of a home have a large effect on its energy efficiency. Simpler shapes (such as a traditional box shape) are often used when building green.
Another common technique used in building green is Optimum Value Engineering, or OVE. This framing method reduces the quantity of wood used to build a home, and it also leaves more room inside the walls for insulation.
Environmentally Friendly Materials. Building green means using non-toxic materials which are recycled or sustainably produced. Any materials used in building green should require less energy to produce and process than conventional materials.
Long-Term Durability. Simply put, quality products last longer, and so need to be replaced less often. This both reduces waste and lowers the environmental impact of creating replacement materials.