Green Building
incorporates the use of alternative, recycled, and more environmentally healthy
materials and methods.
Here are a few facts
to help explain why Green
techniques are gaining popularity:
Over 40% of landfill
debris is from construction remodeling.
Over 25% of that
debris is wood-based products that could have been recycled.
Another 23% of construction debris is brick and concrete mixture, also recycled materials.
Utilizing Green
building
methods will dramatically reduce this unnecessary waste in landfills.
What types of Green Building
techniques can be used in a typical home remodel?
Traditionally framed exterior
walls for additions and new construction are built normally. Spray foam
insulation then transforms these normal walls into super-efficient
Green
energy savers.
Structural Insulated Panels (SIP's)
take this Green Building
initiative one step further. Recycled particle boards sandwich foam to
increase efficiency and also ease installation.
Solar Panels reduce
the use of expensive energy suppliers. We can size and install solar panels
to meet your needs. A small panel may cost as little as $5,000 and could
supplement your household energy use, and possibly create excess energy to
sell back to further increase your savings.
Hot water on-demand
heating units (also called In-line Water Heaters) save energy by heating
water only when in use. Rainwater collecting cisterns may be installed to reduce
the amount of water needed from the city supply. Energy is saved when only
the water being used is heated at the time of use. Rainwater and/or grey
water may be collected to water plants and even yards.
Green Building
for aging persons makes for a healthier environment and a home that's less
expensive and easier to maintain. Remodeling can create a more user
friendly, well designed home to meet an aging individual's needs.
Green Remodeling
techniques can even be used for handicapped persons, such as those in
wheelchairs or using walkers, by creating that extra room needed to make
tasks and travel easier to accomplish.
Landscaping with
Green
techniques can aid the homeowner as well as environment. There are many
beautiful plants that require less water use and require minimal care. This
can be accomplished by using more native species and less of the high
maintenance varieties of plants and grasses.
Reduction of Heat
Islands cuts down on the reflective heat given off by our homes and
property. Some Green
ideas involve the use of paving stones, grid driveways, gravel, and green
roofing materials and techniques. Open flow systems of "paving" will allow
the earth to absorb water and reduce the amount of run-off that is sent to
treatment facilities.
Efficient lighting
choices can be as simple as changing a light bulb. Halogen type bulbs create
less heat inside the home and also use less energy so the benefits are
double. Fixtures may also be changed to require less energy use and better
lighting making for an efficient and comfortable home.
