We are all hearing about "Going green" these days; it is all
over the news. Between Al Gores movie, "an inconvenient truth", rising energy
costs and more scarce building materials the concept of Green has taken a hold
of the popular culture. So what does it mean to go green? And in particular how
does a homeowner approach a green remodel? "Green" approaches to remodeling
your home actually comprise a number of different categories all of which
contribute to going green. One does not need to do them all but can pick and
choose what works for your home, lifestyle, priorities and pocket book. Here
are the major categories and some examples of the work that fits into each:
1. Energy
Efficiency
a. Tightly
built homes that have low energy consumption
b. Efficient
running heating and cooling equipment and other major appliances
c. Replacing
old windows with high efficiency well installed units
d. Good
building science is at the center of this category
2. Materials
a. Use
of recycled materials or materials made from recycled materials
b. Using
wood from responsibly managed sources that use sustainable growing techniques
c. Healthy
indoor air quality
d. Local
materials
i.
Transporting "imported" items or west coast lumber uses
a lot of energy to get it to your home.
3. Building
for the long haul; "Thinking like Cathedral Builders"
a. Having
work on your home detailed in a way that will last for decades or centuries is
a theme that has been lost in our culture of throw away and replaceable
appliances and products that just aren't engineered to last, and are probably
engineered to actually wear out in a certain time period.
4. Renewable
and alternative energy
a. Geo
thermal heat pumps
b. Photo
voltaic electrical panels
c. Passive
solar
5. Designing
for what you need
a. "the
not so big house" concept
i.
No one needs
to live in a 8000 sq ft house, but our society, real estate professionals,
banks, media and investment advisors have long promoted the idea of striving
for a "bigger" house. In the past two decades this has gone way out of control.
The reality is people can comfortably live in much smaller, well designed
homes. Thinking about what is just enough rather than having more than enough
is a "green" approach to adding on to your home. Creating more thoughtfully
designed spaces allows smaller spaces to live large.
6. Indoor
Air Quality
a. Includes
proper humidity content
b. Quality
of air from pollutants, toxins, and allergens
7. Site
Design
a. Having
trees and vegetation in the right place for solar shading and winter heat gain
b. Orienting
additions and outdoor spaces for desired solar orientation
8. Waste
Management
a. Construction
refuse
b. Day
to day household recycling
You can see from this list that the concept of "Green" can
encompass many different aspects. Utilizing ANY of them will contribute to a
healthier environment for you, your family and the rest of the world. Whenever
you think about work or improvements to your home something on this list will
apply.
Have fun "going green" and let us know if you would like our assistance!
