Green building takes many forms. When selecting and developing a lot for construction, for example, we can revitalize outdated or underutilized real estate and use infrastructure that already is in place.
Storm water can be managed through natural water-cleaning ponds, which create open spaces and greenbelts.
Other opportunities to reduce energy consumption during construction include using such recycled materials as bricks, drywall, lumber, insulation, concrete and carpet, and recycling waste materials.
Properly installed insulation, energy-efficient windows, appropriate use of caulk, foam and seals, and installing Energy Star-rated fixtures and appliances also greatly add to a home’s energy efficiency.
Potential sources of pollutants can be significantly minimized with tightly sealed doors between the living area and garage, vents or fans for space- and water -heating equipment, low-emitting plywood and panel products, low VOC paints, glues and caulks, and “green label” carpets, pad and floor covering adhesives.
America’s energy consumption is enormous and we all must take action to reduce it. Over the next 20 years, natural gas consumption is expected to increase by 50 percent and the demand for electricity will increase by 45 percent. To meet those demands, the United States will need 1,500 new power plants. Just a modest increase in energy efficiency would eliminate the need for 600 of them.
Listed below are reasons why many builders that belong to the Oklahoma State Home Builders Association build green.
Current and future energy demand
65% of total U.S. electricity consumption
Less than 40% of total U.S. primary energy use
30% of total U.S. greenhouse gas
136 million tons of construction and demolition waste
40% of raw material use globally
Modest increases in energy efficiency would eliminate need for 600 power plants (DoE)
Household energy expenditures can be reduced by as much as 50% for little cost
Consumption over next 20 years
Natural gas consumption increase by 50%
Demand for electricity increase by 45%
U.S. will need 1,500 new power plants (75 per year) to meet projected demand over next 20 years
For the homeowner, green building means:
Lower operating cost
Increased comfort
Improved Indoor air quality
Enhanced durability
What are some of the components of green building?
1. Lot Design, Preparation and Development
Utilize existing infrastructure
Revitalize outdated/underutilized/ failing real estate
Infill, grey and brown field
Manage storm water through naturally water-cleaning ponds
Provides for open spaces and greenbelts
Saves money
Minimize slope and soil disturbance
Control erosion
Leave existing vegetation when possible
Use native/regionally appropriate landscape
Use materials that require little to no water and provide shading
2. Resource Efficiency
Reduce material and waste
Enhance durability
Reduce maintenance
Use recycled materials
Bricks, drywall
Engineered lumber, plywood
Insulation
Carpet, concrete
Recycle waste materials during construction Employ onsite recycling
3. Energy Efficiency
Advanced framing
Properly installed insulation
Effective drainage plane material
Energy efficient windows
Thermal enclosure: caulk, foam, sealing
Indoor Environmental Quality
HVAC design, equipment and installation
System designed for specific loads of building
Equipment size based off loads
Energy Star rated fixtures and appliances
Third-party inspections
Blower door test
Duct tightness test
Products
Low emitting plywoods and panel products
Low VOC paints, glues and caulks
“Green Label” carpets, pad and floor covering adhesives
4. Water Efficiency
Tankless hot water system
Water heater located within 30 feet of kitchen and bathrooms
Energy Star water-conserving appliances
Water efficient shower heads and sink faucets
Ultra low flush toilets
5. Indoor Environmental Quality
Minimize potential source of pollutants by point-source ventilation
Vent or fans for space and water heating equipment
Tightly sealed door and continuous air barrier between garage and living area
Continuous ventilation systems
Potential pollutant management
Vent kitchen exhaust fans to outside
Fan recyclers
Filters
Exhaust flows
Moisture Management
Controlled bathroom exhaust fans
Moisture-resistant backerboard
Slab vapor barriers
No plumbing in exterior walls
6. Operation/Maintenance/Homeowner Education
Household recycling
Compact fluorescents
Maintenance checklists
Organic pest controls, fertilizers and cleaning products
