How to Build with Eco-Friendly Strategies

Reduce your carbon footprint! We hear this everywhere. It’s a fact that green buildings cost less to operate and maintain. But there are things to consider when you want to build “green.”

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Decide how “green” do you want to go. Do you want a certified sustainable building? Are you concerned with energy efficiency? Is water conservation on your list? There are various levels of “green” to choose from. Decide what will work for you.
2. Are you planning on renovating an existing building or do you want to build from scratch? Both have merit and may depend on your budget.
3. Balance low-cost options with high performance ones. It is possible to be environmentally-friendly on a budget. There are a number of options to choose from.
4. One options to consider is prefabricated modular “green” homes. There are a number of stylish choices from which to choose.
5. Size is an important factor in green building. Smaller buildings use less resources (during construction and the building’s life-cycle) and create smaller impact on the land.
6. If you’ve decided to build, select builders and architects with “green” experience (knowledge of green design & practices). The project will run more efficiently.
7. Site location is important, especially if you’re considering solar power. Does your site have tall trees that will block the sun? Do you have a clear southern exposure conducive to positioning the house for passive solar?
8. For great water savings, look at installing waterless urinals, low-flow showerheads and an on-demand hot water system. There are a number of wesites with information on these.
9. When looking at your heating/cooling system, there are a few options. Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems (machines that generate ice that’s used for efficient cooling) are growing in popularity both for commercial and residential use.
   
   Geothermal energy is another water and energy saver.
10. When building, using the right materials matters. There are quality recycled materials, non-VOC (non-toxic) paints, carpets and countertops, and wood from sustainable forests.
11. For landscaping, you’ll want to use native, drought-resistant plants. Also protect already-existing vegetation. This saves water, energy and will be “light” on the land.
12. Last but not least, there are federal and state incentives for building green. Check with your local utility to find out more.

Tips & Warnings

• There are several websites to help you locate a variety of “green” resources.
• Some companies offer rebates when you purchase their products. Ask about these before making final decisions.

Who Can Help:

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