“Green building uses a whole house approach to build homes that are more environmentally sustainable. Building science has a key role because it provides an understanding of the “whole house” that goes beyond seeing a home as just a summation of its individual parts. It is the interaction of all the parts of a home; its systems and equipment, its occupants, and structure that defines a “whole house”.”*
The United States contains 120 million homes, with about 2 million new homes that get built each year. The US Department of Energy and USGBC states that buildings consume 72% of electricity, 39 % of all energy, 40% of raw materials, and 74% of the water. United States buildings also produce 30% of waste and 70 % of carbon dioxide emissions. The first step in living a green lifestyle is living in a green environment. As stated, building produce over 70% of carbon emissions in the United States while transportation only accounts for 23%. Driving an eco-friendly car is good for the environment, but living in a green home is three times better for the environment. Buildings and homes need to be the focus in order for the United States to cut energy demands, and carbon emissions.
Green building studies have shown those working in green buildings are 5% more productive than those working in traditional buildings. Also, studies have shown that green building reduce asthma by 8-23%, and all respiratory illnesses by at least 23%. This is according to research conducted by William Fisk from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Often times there are four to five times as many pollutants in indoor air than outdoor air, and the average person spends 84% of their time indoors.
*Homeowner Benefits:
- Increased Comfort- Green homes utilize the whole house approach, giving the home even temperatures throughout the home, with less draft and more humidity control.
- Enhanced Durability and Less Maintenance- Green homes incorporate materials and building products that increase the life of the individual components, and thus the whole house. Longer lasting materials require fewer resources, but also reduce maintenance and repair costs.
- Lower Operating Costs- Homeowners can save money on energy and water bills due to conservation measures.
- Improved Environmental Quality- By following green building guidelines, builders must pay extra close attention to details that control moisture, choose materials that have fewer chemicals, and design air exchange and filtration systems that contribute to higher indoor air quality.
- Increased Value- The durability and energy / water savings of a home lead to higher appraised values as well as higher resale value.
- Personal Satisfaction- Many homeowners get s sense of satisfaction from doing the right thing. Green Buildings are good for the environment, good for people, and good for the future. Homeowners can feel good about doing their part top care for the world they live in.
- Mortgage Savings- There are several mortgage companies that offer a lowerrate for a green home.
- Tax Credits- The US government is currently offering a stimulus package that rewards homeowners for “greening” their home or building green. The government will pay for 30% towards solar panels, geothermal. Energy saving furnaces and air conditioners, appliances, energy efficient windows, and hot water heaters.
*Excerpt taken from NAHB “Green Building for Building Professionals”
