As today’s technology continues soaring, consumers are pursuing
higher life quality products and living styles, green homes become prevalent in
a gradual pace. What are the benefits of
green home since they cost much more to possess? Well, the green homes have merited
reputations for their long-term saving on electricity and gas bills, for a more
comfortable and draft free environment, for saving on water bills, for better
indoor air quality, for conserving natural resources by using sustainable and
recovered building materials, and for “live off the grid.” Green homes include but not limited to ENERGY
STAR labeled appliances, tight construction or building envelop, energy
efficient windows, programmable thermostat, 95% energy efficient furnace or 9.0
Heating Seasonal Performance Index(HSPF) heat pump, masonry fireplace, wood or
pellet stove or biomass stove, whole-house fan and swamp cooler, 15 seasonal
energy efficiency rating (SEER) air conditioner, daylight usage through
skylight or light tubes or window or reflected light, LED or Fiber Optic
lighting with controllers, water-conserving fixture such as high
efficiency toilets(HETs) or dual-flush toilets, energy efficient appliances
such as solar water heater or tankless water heater, drip irrigation system, a
rain barrel system, smooth ceiling, and so on.
The perspectives of green products are different from one person to the other. However, the GreenSpec® Product Guide, a nationally recognized directory of green product, has organized products into five categories. First, products are made with salvaged, recycled, or agricultural waste content. Second, products conserve natural resources. Third, products avoid toxic or other emissions. Fourth, products save energy or water. Fifth, products contribute to a safe and healthy indoor environment.
There are many building materials are considered green due to lower environmental impact, higher performance, and less energy consumption during the manufacturing. Some materials are as following:
The perspectives of green products are different from one person to the other. However, the GreenSpec® Product Guide, a nationally recognized directory of green product, has organized products into five categories. First, products are made with salvaged, recycled, or agricultural waste content. Second, products conserve natural resources. Third, products avoid toxic or other emissions. Fourth, products save energy or water. Fifth, products contribute to a safe and healthy indoor environment.
There are many building materials are considered green due to lower environmental impact, higher performance, and less energy consumption during the manufacturing. Some materials are as following:
- New wood products are originated in sustainable managed forests and generally bear labels that certify their authenticity.
- Medium Density Fiberboard made with formaldehyde-free resin only.
- Composite board is manufactured as sunflower board, wheat board, and bast fiber product.
- Plastic Timbers and Posts are manufactured with plastic and composite lumber.
- Concrete made with coal fly ash or ground granulated blast furnace replacing cement.
- Steel and aluminum are durable, recyclable, and less maintenance.
- Roofing products include slate, recycled synthetic shingles, and metal.
- 100% acrylic paint, zero or low-VOC paint, and natural paint have low odor and emission.
- Wool Carpet, recycled PET carpet, and bagasse carpet are made from recycled materials and natural fibers.
- Natural linoleum is considered old-fashioned for many years and is enjoying a revival today.
- Recycled ceramic tile and recycled rubber flooring are environmentally friendly.
- Natural Stone, Corian®, composite countertop, and sustainable wood have been added to the countertop selections.
- Non-toxic and asbestos-free insulation products such as formaldehyde-free fiberglass, cellulose form recycled newspaper, or cotton from post-industrial recycled denim jeans and shirt scraps are all considered green.
- LED lighting decreases energy use and has longer life expectancy.
Many other building materials and products have significant impacts on environment and human health. Here are several tips on material choices that should be aware when considering of consuming:
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), also known as vinyl, is toxic and its fume is deathful.
- Latex paint and oil-based paint release volatile organic compound (VOC) and can cause long-term pulmonary and respiratory damage.
- Regular medium density fiberboard (MDF) is generally recognized as being the highest formaldehyde-emitting pressed wood product.
- Materials and products off-gas and contribute to health problems including adhesives, sealants, finishes, stains, particleboard, vinyl flooring, asbestos fiber products, pesticide, smoke, fragrance, and etc.
In order to determine the greenness of a house, provided by many organization and government agencies, must be certified under the green building assessment systems. Some of the organizations are National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Energy Star Home, Building America, Environments for Living Certification, Green Building Initiative, Build-It Green, Built Green, and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDS). The standards of energy ratings, inspections protocols, and testing guidelines are providing by Home Energy Rating System Index (HERS Index) through Residential Energy Service Network (RESNET).
There are many government supported incentive programs, tax credit benefits, rebates, and favorable financing available to encourage energy efficiency and water conservation. Those programs are changing from time to time, please visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewable & Efficiency (DSIRE) for updated information at http://www.dsireusa.org/
There are many government supported incentive programs, tax credit benefits, rebates, and favorable financing available to encourage energy efficiency and water conservation. Those programs are changing from time to time, please visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewable & Efficiency (DSIRE) for updated information at http://www.dsireusa.org/
*Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed, representations are approximate, individual verification recommended.