The U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) vision is that buildings and communities will regenerate and sustain the health and vitality of all life within a generation. Green building is transforming the way that buildings and communities are designed, built and operated. It is enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life. There are four major areas or reasons for green building.
Saving Energy – Building Properties that Are Energy Efficient
Building energy efficient buildings start with the framing. Using two-by-six instead of two-by-fours and R-30 insulation creates a “tight” room. This lessens the evaporation of air. On the outside of the house, instead of just taking Tyvek and wrapping it right on top of the two-by-sixes, wrap the house with plywood, then the Tyvek, and on top of that a one-inch piece of foam.
On top of the foam goes the stucco; using synthetic stucco with fiber mesh creates a solid surface that air cannot permeate through. This creates a solid wall, thick and tight. On top of the stucco, use an elastic numeric paint. This type of paint is a little more expensive, but in the long run will save in energy costs.
Environmental Impact – Reusing a Product that is Made for Something Else
Instead of taking used building materials to a dump site, the materials can be used for other functions. An example is to take the raw materials together with newspaper into a grinder and shoot it inside the ceiling space; this creates an economical and environmentally friendly insulation. If raw materials are not available at the job site, construction landfills are a good source. Construction landfills do not have garbage, just construction materials that are free to reuse. This practice helps to reduce the methane gas created in these landfills and thus protects the environment.
Other examples of reused building materials are rubber pavers made of old tires and flooring from old wood. Reusing building materials can save all of the energy that is spent in manufacturing and transporting new products, the raw materials that would be drawn from the earth and the need to cover the item in the local landfill.
Tax Credits – U.S. Federal, State and Local Government Credits
Federal, state and local governments are offering incentives to build green buildings. For instance a $2,000 tax credit can be received for a new home that achieves a 50% energy savings over the 2004 IECC. Not only will energy costs be lowered, but a credit on income taxes will be received. In other words “It pays to go green”. Installing solar panels on a current home not only gives a savings on energy costs, but also get a 30% of its cost as a tax credit.
A good example of a local government's green building program is Scottsdale, Arizona's program. Established in 1998, it was the first such program in Arizona with an emphasis on residential home construction. It was developed to encourage environmentally responsible building in the Sonoran Desert region by incorporating healthy, resource- and energy-efficient materials and methods in the design and construction of homes. The program’s goals are to reduce the environmental impact of building; achieve both short and long-term savings of energy, water and other natural resources; and encourage a healthier indoor environment.
Incentives include expedited plan review and free promotional green building materials including a job site sign. Green building projects are reviewed and inspected as part of the city development regulatory process. As such, a green building permit is issued for construction, a green inspection card is used by the city building inspectors during construction and a green "certificate of occupancy" is issued upon completion of the project.
Converting a Natural Resource into Energy
Installing solar panels or a windmill will turn sun and wind into energy. Installing solar panels on a roof can save in energy costs, and they can also accumulate more energy than can be used. This excess energy can be sold back to the power companies. The energy savings and revenue from excess energy will pay for the installation costs quickly.
Going Green can be as simple as installing carpet made from natural fibers and using organic paint, to building an entire home that meets green standards. It is up to the homeowner how “Green” they want to be. It not only will help to save our environment, it will help save money as well.
Fran Prisco - Fran likes to run, bike, golf and do anything outdoors. She also enjoys reading, knitting and crocheting. She works as a freelance writer, ...
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