Commercial Construction
Home » Construction
Information » LEED,
USGBC and Green Building » Construction & The Best Ways to Build GreenThe Best Ways to Build GreenBy Roselind
Hejl Green building is a design process that grows out of a connection
with the natural landscape. It is a set of informed decisions that considers the
site and materials to reduce the cost, maintenance, and energy usage of the home.
Conservation is central to the green building approach. Green homes are healthier,
safer, more comfortable, and cost less to operate. They connect people to the
land and community around them. Here are seven green building ideas: Build
a passive solar design. - Passive solar design for natural heating
and cooling is practiced throughout the world under all climate conditions. As
energy costs rise, it is critical to use building orientation, window placements,
stone floors, roof overhangs, reflective barriers and other techniques to control
natural solar energy.
- In warm climates, face the broad side of the house
to the north or south, to avoid excessive heat gain as the sun rises and drops
in the horizon. Use deep overhangs or solar screens to shield glass areas from
direct sun. Avoid skylights or greenhouse rooms, because they allow too much heat
gain.
- In colder climates, solar heat can be captured and stored in materials
such as concrete or stone to be slowly released during the evening.
- An
open floor plan optimizes the effect of passive solar heating or cooling.
- Doors
and windows should be placed to catch the prevailing breeze and allow cross ventilation.
Lower inflow windows and higher outflow windows keeps air moving, as hot air rises.
- A
thermal chimney uses a hot zone, such as a glass cupola with windows or vents,
to create rising air currents to pull air through the building.
- Double
glass panes provide an insulating air space between the panes, reducing heat transfer.
- The
metal oxide coating on Low-E (emissive) glass helps to keep solar heat out, and
interior heat in.
Ventilate attic spaces. - In hot
climates, attic spaces can accumulate heat, transferring it to living areas below.
AC ducts located in the attic will absorb this heat.
- In cold climates,
moisture can accumulate in unventilated attic spaces, causing wood rot or mold.
- Continuous
eave and roof ridge vents will create natural air flow through the attic. Air
enters through the eave vents, and moves out through the ridge vents. As heated
air rises, it ventilates the attic.
- Lighter colored roof materials absorb
less heat.
- Reflective heat barriers on the underside of the roof deck
help to reduce heat gain.
- High levels of insulation in attics and exterior
walls is crucial for comfortable indoor temperature in all climates.
- Some
research is being done on building sealed, highly insulated attics.
Optimize
your heat and AC systems. - An oversized system will cool too quickly,
and leave the room clammy. Smaller systems run long enough reach the desired temperature,
and, at the same time, clear the air of humidity.
- A smaller system lasts
longer, does not cycle on and off frequently, and costs less to purchase.
- Check
for leaks in duct work joints, and around windows, doors, attic stairs, exhaust
pipes, recessed lights, and electric outlets. Ongoing maintenance of central air
systems is necessary to prevent air loss.
- Use programmable thermostats
to regulate your energy usage.
- Use Pleated-Media Filters in AC return-air
grills. This filter removes particles as small as mold spores from the air that
is drawn back into the AC blower, keeping coils cleaner and improving the air
quality in your home.
- Heat pumps on electric furnaces reduce energy use
by drawing heat from outside air, using the same technology that air conditioners
use to remove heat from indoor air.
- Check with your utility provider for
free diagnostic testing and rebates for high efficiency AC systems, insulation,
solar screens, and weather-stripping.
Reduce water needs. - Native
landscaping that is suited to the rainfall in your area is fundamental to building
green.
- Keep as much native growth on your lot as possible.
- Water
pervious materials such as crushed granite or open paving blocks allow water to
percolate into the ground.
- Rainwater catchment systems use gutters and
barrels to catch and store water that falls on roofs.
- Front loading washing
machines use less energy and water. Some dishwashers use less water and have no-heat
drying. Check water and energy usage before buying appliances.
- Low flow
toilets and shower heads reduce water usage.
- Reduce water and fertilizer
needs by re-cycling yard waste and leaves for use as mulch.
Use
renewable or recycled materials. - Consider decks made of waste
wood and plastic, such as Trex or other brands.
- Medium density fiberboard
(MDF), a wood product used for interior trim and doors, does not contain formaldehyde.
- Fiber-Cement
siding, trim, and pipe materials (Hardie Board) are very durable, rot resistant,
and fire retardant.
- Use locally produced, and easily renewed, materials
when possible.
- Consider alternative building materials, such as rammed
earth, straw bale or insulated concrete panels.
- Concrete floors utilize
the foundation material as finish floor, saving materials and labor.
- Recycled
wood floors are a very attractive re-use of materials.
- Bamboo floors are
made from a rapidly renewable source - bamboo is a grass that can grow several
feet per day.
- Hard surface floors do not hold dust, molds, and allergens,
and are very durable.
- Use materials with recycled content when possible,
such as cellulose insulation, Thermo-ply, and lumber composites.
- Plan
for a place to re-cycle household trash, such as a storage bin in the kitchen,
and holding bin in the garage.
Safeguard your site. - Trees,
vegetation and bird habitat on the site should be protected during the construction.
- Native
trees, grasses, rock outcroppings and natural drainage can be made a part of your
building and landscaping design.
- Reduce the impact to the building site
as much as possible.
- Make sure construction waste is properly disposed
of, especially paints and solvents. Do not allow them to be buried on the site.
Use
safe materials. - Use products that are biodegradable, non toxic,
water based, and cold water compatible.
- Avoid products that contain dyes,
ozone depleting chemicals, heavy metals, formaldehyde, or known carcinogens.
- Avoid
solvent based finishes, particleboard, adhesives, some carpets, and other products
that release volatile chemicals into the air.
- Look for green rated labels
on carpets and other products.
- Remove old-style pressure treated wood
when possible, especially in play structures.
Green building is an
approach to design and construction that respects the environment and conserves
resources. It is a common sense approach that is available to all home owners.
Green building techniques create a more cost effective, enjoyable and sustainable
home to live in. About the AuthorRoselind
Hejl is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker United in Austin, Texas. Her website -
Austin Texas Real Estate - http://www.weloveaustin.com
- offers homes for sale, market trends, buyer and seller guides. Let Roselind
help you make your move to Austin, Texas. Austin
Real Estate Guide Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roselind_Hejl
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Best-Ways-to-Build-Green&id=314706 |
