A "green building" may cost more up front, but saves through lower operating costs over the life of the building. The green Building approach applies a project life cycle cost analysis for determining the appropriate up-front expenditure. This method calculates costs over the useful life of the building.
Although there is not a standard for saying if something is "green"{ or not, there are guidelines in which we can use to make houses "greener" than before.
Houses built with products that are salvaged, recycled, or made of agricultural waste contents. Reusing old bricks, old millwork, plumbing fixtures are examples of salvaged items. Recycled items refers to the use of industrial by-products, such as iron-ore slag, which is used to make mineral wool insulation, or PVC scrap from pipes that are used to make shingles.
Resource-Efficient Features: These decisions start with the design of your home, orientation on the lot, all the way to home size. the house design should take advantage of natural daylight to reduce lighting needs. Strategies to reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter should be considered. Renewable materials such as rapidly-renewable wood like bamboo, and recycled-content materials in carpets, tiles, and concrete formulations are a must.
Energy-Efficient Features: Many of the energy-efficient qualities of a green home are easy to find. Appliances, windows, and water heating systems will likely have Energy Star ® ratings. Other items to further decrease the overall energy consumption would include lighting fixtures, bulbs, and renewable energy sources.
Water-Efficient Features: Fixtures and appliances that conserve water. Not only does this include low-flow shower heads, faucets, toilets, Energy Star® dishwashers and washing machines, but also programmed low-volumed irrigation systems,rainwater collection systems, and other items that save water.
Indoor Air Quality Features: The heating, air conditioning and ventilation system must be appropriately sized for an efficient and properly ventilated home. Fans in the kitchen and bathrooms should cycle fresh air inside, and release stale air. Low-VOC paints and finishes and wall papers should be used as well.
Outside the Home: Driveways and other impervious surfaces should be reduced as much as possible, and may be composed of gravel, permeable block pavers, grids, or other permeable systems.
Green building practices lead to the use of some longer-performing materials and careful construction assemblies. Stormwater management and proper landscaping could mean less time maintaining outside spaces. Drained foundations, water spouts on gutters, and flashing around windows and doors might reduce the opportunity for systems failure within the home due to moisture intrusion.
Increased energy and water efficiency in construction could lead to decreased energy and water consumption in a home throughout its lifespan. Further, some renewable, recycled, and other efficient building products used in green home construction may reduce the impact on natural resources. Also, green homes often include resource and waste reduction and recycling amenities.
Funding opportunities and incentives:
A database of state, federal, and utility incentives, rebates, and tax credits for using materials and practices that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. You can search the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) by many variables. This includes state, technology, type of incentives, and more.
The ENERGY STAR program has a listing of tax credits for homeowners, home builders, and manufacturers.
A directory of green building funding sources targeted for several audiences including consumers, and industry sectors is a feature of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) website in the Green Building section .
Check your local home building association. They may maintain contacts of local incentive opportunities.
Financing and Loans
The Federal Citizen Information Center offers a Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) Home Owner Guide is offered by The Federal Citizen Information Center. It shows the benefits and opportunities of this type of financing.
Information about EEMs, and links that provide more information are contained by The Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) offers frequently asked questions and additional resources on EEMs.
The ENERGY STAR website explains the three types of EEMs.
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Protecto Wrap has a water resistant liquid membrane for masonry. www.protectowrap.com
Belgard® paver and wall products manufactured by Oldcastle since 1995. Their collection has a wide variety of classic and antiqued pavers for driveways, walkways, patios, and wall treatment. www.belgard.biz