Many people don’t totally understand the green building and the purpose it has. The phrase green building misses some of the key points that every home owner should be thinking of. When the word green is used most think of saving trees or natural resources. This is correct but the point many times missed in the saving natural resources. Green homes should be built to continually save natural resources by being energy efficient. Less electricity, less natural gas, less water and less waste over the life time of the home is as big as the products going into the home. Also the lasting qualities of the products going into the home help reduce material.
In the tough economic times we are all in across the globe, wouldn’t saving money through lower utilities be a great thing? This should be a major focus in new construction and remodeling right now. Many certified green homes are much more energy efficient than no certified. Re-insulation and retro-fit windows are already topping the list of energy efficient remodels.
New construction can learn from this. If making our homes more energy efficient is on top of the remodel list, then people really do want more efficient homes. New construction is the best time to do this. Many of the factors that make a home more energy efficient are very costly and difficult to come back and do in a remodel.
The HVAC system is the biggest user of energy in the home. Poor installation and design can cost home owners money and waste energy.
The insulation in the walls and attic play the role of holding the warm or cold air in the home and the hot or cold air out. Insulation that can settle over time allows air infiltration and could be avoided with the proper product.
Installation and type of windows and doors also play a huge part with air infiltration. Proper installations of energy efficient windows reduce wasted energy and can even create warmth and light if positioned for use of the sun.
So more should think about the long term effects of the products used in the home and how do they help save natural resources. These products don’t have the same excitement as solar power, bamboo flooring or other big name green products. But every home owner should be thinking greener even if it is to be more energy efficient. Maybe the new phrase should be Energy Green Home? So the key of energy efficiency is not lost.
