Rgl Builders Inc

What does Green Building Mean to Me?

There is a lot of information and misinformation going around regarding “Green Building”.  As a consumer I’d like to know just what does it mean for me?  Why should I be interested in green building and how can I use it to my advantage?

As a Licensed Custom Home Builder I’d like to try to answer these questions as they relate to the residential building side of the equation.

What does Green Building mean for me?  According to the National Association of Homebuilders, Model Green Building Guidelines  “The process of green building incorporates environmental considerations into every phase of the home building process.  That means that during the design, construction and operation of a home, energy and water efficiency, lot development, resource efficient building design and materials, indoor environmental quality homeowner maintenance and the home’s overall impact on the environment are all taken into account”.

That’s a long way of saying that when we are building a home we take into consideration all aspects of the process.  We look for ways to reduce the impact on the environment, reduce waste, increase efficiencies of all systems and reduce cost everywhere possible.  As a consumer this translates into having a home that is healthier to live in, is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly as compared to a home built to minimum building guidelines such as those used by local building standards departments.

Why Should I be Interested in “Green Building”?  Owning or renting a green home is good for our health, our wallet and our environment.

A Healthier Home -
    * Green homes’ use of toxin-free building materials helps combat indoor air pollution, which can be much worse than outdoor pollution. Unhealthy air inside can pose serious health risks for residents, including cancer and respiratory ailments like asthma. Such non-toxic materials include wheat-derived strawboard, natural linoleum made from jute and linseed oil, paints with little or no volatile organic compounds and toxin-free insulation made from soybeans, recycled paper or even old denim.
    * Green homes have far fewer problems with mold or mildew.
    * Natural ventilation in green homes, as well as use of mechanical ventilation systems to filter and bring fresh air inside and vent stale air outside, keep residents breathing easy.

A Cost-Efficient Home - 
    * The net cost of owning a green home is comparable to – or even cheaper than – owning a standard home. If upfront costs are higher, it is often because many architects, homebuilders, engineers, plumbers and other industry professionals just don’t have the knowledge and experience to cost-effectively plan, design and build a green home. Finding a professional familiar with green-building techniques will save you money and ensure you’re getting the best-quality work possible.
    * Month to month, people who live in green homes save money by consuming 40% less energy and 50% less water than standard homes. Over the years, that adds up to big savings.
    * A healthier home means fewer expensive doctors visits and fewer days of missed work.
    * Soon, it will cost less to insure a green home than a standard home. The Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company already offers a 5% discount to LEED-certified commercial buildings.
    * A green home is more durable than most standard homes because of its high-quality building materials and construction processes, requiring fewer repairs.
    * The value of a green home is typically higher than that of a comparable standard home, and the market demand for green homes continues to rise. The Solaire, a green residential high-rise in New York City, brings in rents 10% to 15% higher than market rates, and in Rocklin, Calif., the LEED-certified homes in the Carsten Crossings development outsold the competition 2-to-1.
    * Local, state and federal governments are increasingly offering tax breaks and other incentives for building LEED homes or adding green features to your home.

An Environmentally Friendly Home - 
    * Residential cooling and heating alone make up 20% of the United States’ yearly energy use. Throw in household lighting, appliances and other electronic equipment, and homes are clearly a major source of energy consumption. Most of that energy comes from greenhouse gas producers like oil and coal, contributing to global climate change. Green homes use 40% less energy than comparable standard homes.
    * Some green homes further reduce our dependence on conventional energy sources as they generate some or all of their energy needs through alternative energy sources like the sun, wind, geothermal energy and biomass.
    * Efficient plumbing and bathing fixtures, drought-tolerant landscaping and water-conserving irrigation systems help green homes use, on average, 50% less water than standard homes.
    * Far fewer natural resources are used in the construction of a green home. Many green building materials have significant recycled content. Some companies, for example, now make carpets and floor tiles from recycled tires and bottles. Green homes can also be constructed with salvaged materials from demolished buildings. Green homes use materials made from rapidly renewable materials, like bamboo, hemp, agrifibers and soybean-based products. And the use of wood that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council helps promote socially and environmentally beneficial forestry practices.
    * Building a standard 2,500-square-foot home creates approximately 2 tons of construction waste that ends up in landfills. Construction of a green home, however, generates 50% to 90% less waste.

How can I use “Green Building” to my advantage?  By taking advantage of “Green Building” techniques we are able to enjoy all of the benefits shown above.  “Green Building” comes in different degrees and/or levels.  Some of these are already being incorporated in a lot of today’s homes.  Be sure to look for a builder who is at least an “Energy Star Certified Builder”.  This is the entry level or starting point towards “going green”.  Beyond this level there are a number of “Rating Systems/companies”.  As of 2006 there were more than 28 different green home building programs in operation throughout the United States.  We have chosen to utilize the NAHB Model Green Building Guidelines as our program of choice for our area.  With this program homes are rated in comparison to the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).  To be certified as a green home the home will have to exceed this standard by 15% to be rated at the Bronze level, 30% for the Silver level and 45% for the Gold level.  This means that the home is 15%, 30% or 45% more energy efficient than a comparable (IECC) rated home.

In addition to the many benefits of living in a green home, there are many financial incentives that can help make green homeownership even more affordable.

Funding opportunities and incentives:

·         The Database of State Incentives for Renewables&Efficiency (DSIRE) provides a comprehensive database of state, federal, and utility incentives, rebates, and tax credits for using materials and practices that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. The information is searchable by a number of variables, including state, technology, type of incentive, and more.

·         The ENERGY STAR program includes among its many resources a listing of tax credits for consumers and homeowners, home builders, and manufacturers.

·         The Green Building section of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) website features a directory of green building funding sources targeted for several audiences including consumers, and industry sectors.

·         Be sure to consult your Local Program website; your local home building association may maintain local contacts and a directory of applicable incentive opportunities.

Financing and Loans

·         The Federal Citizen Information Center offers a Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) Home Owner Guide, which details the benefits and opportunities of this type of financing.

·         The Department of Housing and Urban Development also contains information about EEMs, and provides links to more information.

·         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.