Green Homes
Want clean air, better energy efficiency, and long term savings?
What is Green Building?
[Source: U.S. Green Building Council]
The environmental impact of the residential sector is significant. There are more than 120 million homes in the United States, and about 2 million new homes are constructed each year. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the residential sector accounts for 22% of the total energy consumed in the US and 74% of the water. Indoor air pollutants can often be four to five times higher than outdoor levels. Twenty-one percent of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions are contributed by the residential sector. The considerable impact on the environment created by homes necessitates a shift toward more sustainable residences.
Green home building addresses these issues by promoting the design and construction of homes that have much higher performance levels than conventional homes (i.e. homes build to minimum building codes). Generally, green homes are healthier, more comfortable, more durable, and more energy efficient. And of course, they also have a much smaller environmental footprint than conventional homes.
Green homes rely upon established and proven design features and technologies that do not have a significantly large cost. Many green measures will reduce long term costs, particularly those features that involve energy and water efficiency. In many cases, these reductions in operating costs will more than offset the additional up-front costs of a green home. The home building industry is beginning to recognize the value of healthy homes, environmentally quantifying the benefits of green homes, thereby facilitating a wider adoption of this more sustainable approach to home building.
Seven Major Concepts of Green Building
Energy Efficiency - Conservation and use of renewable energy sources
Passive Design - Shading, cross ventilation, and reduce out dependency
Construction Process - Resource efficient, healthy and sustainable building practices
Water Efficiency and Quality - Reduce consumption and improve indoor and outdoor water quality
Indoor Environmental Quality - Healthy and safe indoor air quality
Site and Landscape - Protect and restore native plant vegetation
Materials Selection - Selection of renewable, durable, recycled, and healthier construction materials
Building Green means cleaner air, better energy efficiency, increased durability, and long term savings
Thinking about going green on your new home?
Here are some tips on how to make your home more environmentally friendly:
Go Solar with solar water heaters, attic fans, pool heaters, and solar cells/ roof panels for partial and or emergency energy usage
Go Long with wide overhangs around your home's exterior; especially where your home will be receiving the most direct sunlight to reduce solar heat gain
Go Low E on all your glass windows, skylights, and doors to significantly reduce the amount of radiant heat transfer
GO Low or No VOC on all construction adhesives such as carpet adhesive, wood glue, caulks, and sealants
Go Metal on your roof for more durability and to allow for easier rainwater collection
Go Foam with upgraded insulation products such as spray foam insulation to minimize air leakage for increased energy efficiency
Go Tankless with a gas powered tankless water heater that heats on demand and uses less space and energy
Go Low or NO VOC again with your interior paints and wallcoverings
Go Eco with products like ecoresin from 3Form, a recycled product favorite of Claeys Construction, Inc.
Go Green on your floors and ceilings with cork, bamboo, or reclaimed hardwood
For more information on 3Form visit: www.3-form.com/
A 3Form Panel shown in a Claeys home gets impregnated with river stones
