Building Green

Not so long ago helping the environment meant recycling plastic and newspapers, but today it has evolved into “green” thinking and extends to homes and office buildings.

According to a recent NAR survey, nine out of 10 Realtors® said their clients are interested in energy efficient features of green homes and the potential cost savings of such features. An overwhelming 90 percent agreed there will be even more interest in green building practices a year from now.

The U.S. Green Building Council believes this is an industry trend, rather than a passing fad; not only does it save on energy costs, but also it’s better for residents’ health and increases worker productivity.

What are “Green Building Practices?” From research online let me share with you elements of Green building that I was able to obtain.

What is the first step in the building project? Find the Right Site.

Start by selecting a site well suited to take advantage of mass transit or definitely one that shortens the commute.

Protect and retain existing landscaping and natural features. Select plants that have low water and pesticide needs, and generate minimum plant trimmings. Use compost and mulches. This will save water and time.

Recycled content paving materials, furnishings, and mulches help close the recycling loop.

Energy Efficiency

Passive design strategies can dramatically affect building energy performance. These measures include building shape and orientation, passive solar design, and the use of natural lighting.

Develop strategies to provide natural lighting. Studies have shown that it has a positive impact on productivity and well being.
Install high-efficiency lighting systems with advanced lighting controls. Include motion sensors tied to dimmable lighting controls. Task lighting reduces general overhead light levels.

Use a properly sized and energy-efficient heat/cooling system in conjunction with a thermally efficient building shell. Maximize light colors for roofing and wall finish materials; install high R-value wall and ceiling insulation; and use minimal glass on east and west exposures.

Minimize the electric loads from lighting, equipment, and appliances.

Consider alternative energy sources such as fuel cells that are now available in new products and applications. Renewable energy sources provide a great symbol of emerging technologies for the future.

Computer modeling is an extremely useful tool in optimizing design of electrical and mechanical systems and the building shell.

Materials Efficiency

Select sustainable construction materials and products by evaluating several characteristics such as reused and recycled content, zero or low off gassing of harmful air emissions, zero or low toxicity, sustainable harvested materials, highly recyclable, durability, longevity, and local production. Such products promote resource conservation and efficiency.

Use dimensional planning and other material efficiency strategies. These strategies reduce the amount of building materials needed and cut construction costs. For example, design rooms on 4-foot multiples to conform to standard-sized wallboard and plywood sheets.

Reuse and recycle construction and demolition materials. For example, using inert demolition materials as a base course for a parking lot keeps materials out of landfills and costs less.

Require plans for managing materials through deconstruction, demolition, and construction.

Design with adequate space to facilitate recycling collection and to incorporate a solid waste management program that prevents waste generation.

Water Efficiency

Design for dual plumbing to use recycled water for toilet flushing or a gray water system that recovers rainwater or other non-potable water for site irrigation.

Minimize wastewater by using ultra low-flush toilets, low-flow shower heads, and other water conserving fixtures.
Use re-circulating systems for centralized hot water distribution.

Install point-of-use hot water heating systems for more distant locations.

Use state-of-the-art irrigation controllers and self-closing nozzles on hoses.

For More Information

U.S. Department of Energy Web site:
www.sustainable.doe.gov/buildings/gbintro.shtm
Environmental Building News: www.buildinggreen.com/
www.ciwmb.ca.gov/GREENBUILDING
U.S. Green Building Council Web site: www.usgbc.org