Sustainable Building: Going Green

My boyfriend and I are about to go through a major renovation on our home. Neither of us is that savvy when it comes to space planning or furniture selection, but what we do know is that we want to refashion our home in a way that is energy-efficient, and environmentally-friendly. When selecting our design team, the question of how green their building practices are, was a major criterion. In other words, did the team believe in sustainable building?

Sustainable building, or green building, is a practice of incorporating environmentally-conscious decision-making into planning and development of new and existing architecture or construction. A green builder’s objective is to have a minimally invasive effect on the environment of today, while considering the effect on the environment of the future. This means increasing or developing the efficiency by which a home uses energy, water, and material resources.

Today, our environment is heavily reliant on non-renewable energy sources, primarily those of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels take millions of years to form and at the current rate of consumption, this source of energy will be depleted in a relatively short amount of time. Green building practices aim to combat this issue of energy consumption by making a home more energy efficient, and by using renewable energy sources when possible. There are many ways to increase energy efficiency in a home. Firstly, a green builder would attempt to maximize the sun’s free solar energy. Strategically placing skylights and windows into the home to take advantage of natural light and prevailing breezes is a great way to reduce energy consumption. Secondly, better floor, ceiling, and wall insulation can take the load off of heating and cooling systems to cut down on energy usage. Furthermore, by selecting appliances that have been qualified with the “Energy-Star” logo, consumers can eliminate up to 50% of the energy that their standard models would devour.

Besides energy consumption, a home can be made “more green” by minimizing the amount of water that is habitually wasted. Environmentalists have been preaching to us for years about how we can each save 3 gallons of water per day just by turning off the faucet while we are brushing our teeth. Instead of taking reactive measures against wasted water, green building uses proactive plumbing solutions to cut back on waste water consumption. Let’s consider the toilets that most people have in their homes. Before 1994, most toilets on the market used typically 3.5 gallons of water per flush (GPF). Now, low-flush toilets, which are just as efficient at disposing of waste, use only 1.6 GPF. Think about how much water each home would save if just one toilet was replaced! Another proactive step that green building uses to cut down on water waste happens in the backyard. Water irrigation systems can and should be sourced from reclaimed water, or non-potable water, instead of freshwater. In the same vein, have you ever driven by a home in the middle of a rainstorm to see that the sprinklers are on? Opting for moisture sensors in sprinkler systems would eliminate this type of water waste. Practicing any or all of these water-efficient measures in home building will leave a substantially smaller ecological footprint on the environment.

There are different shades of green in green building. A “greener” home would not only consider energy and water efficiency in design and planning, but also would factor in the sustainability of the materials to be used. Materials are sustainable when they come from rapidly renewable sources, are non-toxic, and are recyclable or reusable. Other types of lumber besides bamboo can also be considered sustainable if they come from forests that are managed with environmentally responsible tactics. Considering the role that materials play in building and construction, this is an obvious area where green builders can make a difference in the environment. There are many products available on the market made from recycled materials that can be used as flooring, ceiling, and wall surfaces, and they do not sacrifice on style. Bamboo flooring is becoming increasingly popular because of how quickly bamboo plants regenerate, while recycled cork and rubber are also becoming commonplace. Certain materials, such as polished concrete floorings are also being used because of their long life span, which equals less waste in the long run. Environmentally-responsible material selection helps to alleviate waste and also minimizes energy when sourced locally.

In the past, homeowners have shied away from the “green” label because of the higher price-tag of sustainable products and practices. However, as the development process has progressed with our renovation, my boyfriend Geoff and I have learned that by investing more upfront in green products and practices, we will undoubtedly lower our operating costs in the longer-term. Reducing our water and energy consumption will drastically reduce the amount we are spending on utility bills each month. In my opinion, with the ever-growing environmental concerns, it will be more common than not for homes to be green in the next decade. Our designer and architect, Tom Lamb, says that buyers are willing to pay an extra 15% -20% for a home that is green. To us, the extra money spent upfront will not only be recaptured in reduced energy costs and increased home value, but also in the piece of mind that we are doing our part to protect the environment.

-Vicki Buck

Bibliography: Sustainable Buidling

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