There is no better time than now to build green. In this era of unpredictable fuel prices, you would be wise to buffer yourself against sharp increases with a green home. Your utility bills will remain low while others bear the brunt of political fuel wars. You will also increase the value of your home, reduce your carbon footprint and extend the life of our natural resources.
Other benefits of a green home
• Increased comfort
• Better indoor air quality
• Less chance of moisture problems
• Fewer chemicals and gassing out
• Durability
• Less maintenance
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) green building considerations
• Lot development
• Resource Efficiency
• Energy Efficiency
• Water Efficiency
• Indoor air quality
US Green Building Council (USGBC) categories for green building
• Location
• Home size
• Building design
• Materials
• Insulation
• Windows and doors
• Energy efficiency
• Renewable energy
• Water efficiency
• Indoor air quality
• Landscaping
Site consideration
• Does it have solar orientation?
• Are there trees for windbreaks?
• Can you plant trees?
• Is it prime farm land? It shouldn’t be, unless you are farming.
• Is it habitat for endangered species? Avoid this!
• Is it close to public transportation, schools, parks, shopping and other conveniences you use?
• Is it infill, an empty lot between buildings? Great idea!
• Can you build according to the topography?
• Can you save the trees and natural drainage?
• Is it possible to share a driveway or parking area?
Your home should be designed for the land. It doesn’t hurt to get an architect to look at the lot you want to build on. I have had clients do this to see if there are objections to the land that will cause problems and increase costs.
Home Design
• Smaller is better – Even though a large home may be built according to green guidelines, it still takes more resources to build and uses more energy than a small home. Large homes also tend to have wasted space in hallways and rooms that don’t get used, but need to be heated and cooled. Consider your lifestyle, and build only what you use.
• Natural daylight – Light should hit 75% of the home. If you have unpleasant views or want privacy, consider Solatubes, skylights and clerestory windows.
• Solar orientation – Your home should be oriented within 15% of true south, but up to 45% is acceptable.
• Overhangs and shade trees on the south and west sides – Keep out hot summer sun and reduce cooling bills.
• Proper windows – Reduce heat transmission in summer and allow heat in winter. See my article on windows in link list below.
• Light color roof – Reflect summer heat to reduce cooling needs
• Green roof – Roof plantings add oxygen to the atmosphere and make up for the lost footprint of the home.
• Use renewables – Generate some of your own power with the sun or wind.
• Tight envelope – Minimize air infiltration to reduce energy costs.
• Seal ductwork – Reduce heat loss between the furnace and the registers.
• Install air and vapor barriers – Reduce air infiltration and moisture build-up.
• High-efficiency HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) – Greatly reduce energy costs and keep you more comfortable.
• High R values – The higher the R value of insulation, the better it works at keeping heat in during winter and out during summer.
Next, read about the details of an energy efficient home.
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