Green Homes
Savvy, Stylish, and Sustainable
Buildings by their very nature are net resources users. As end users of buildings we often underestimate the vast amount of embodied energy and resources it takes to assemble and operate a building. The demand for comfortable, safe and durable home will continue to grow. The good news is the growing number of “green” approaches and options available resulting in a customized combination of savvy, stylish and sustainable homes.
Green building strategies acknowledge that while there is no such thing as a completely benign building, there are smart strategies and technologies to minimize the resources used to construct the building while also including efficient and durable designs to optimize the building’s resource use throughout it’s lifetime. A good green home design benefits both the environment and the occupants. This results in a comfortable, healthy home with an emphasis on durability and low maintenance. Following are some concepts you may want to consider as a starting place for your project.
Design
Successful green building include more than using the right components. Smart, detailed design choices need to be sorted out as early as possible in the planning process. Do not make any assumptions that customary architect specifications, building codes or industry standards will automatically result in a truly durable, energy efficient, and healthy building
Site work and design
Every site has it’s own unique characteristics to be utilized and assets to be preserved. Preconstruction planning is critical. Important considerations include; steps to minimizing site disturbance, strategies to maximize solar benefits and reduce summer heat gain, landscaping with native plants reducing the need for maintenance and water, reuse of on-site excavation materials, reducing water runoff, and eliminating paved areas.
Building Shell
Green building shell provisions put an emphasis on using resource efficient materials. Examples you may want to consider include using value engineering to minimize the use of framing stock. Engineered wood products are a better use of resources than typical dimensional framing lumber. Framing lumber purchased from certified forests, when available helps promote renewable forestry practices. Additional strategies may include use of local materials such as native stone, lumber from local sawmills, along with a mix of recycled materials. Avoiding environmentally costly materials such as PVC trim and vinyl siding, in favor of low impact materials such as cement board siding and recycled composite decking.
Building durability details typically take a higher priority than the standard building practices. Specific flashing and drainage plane details that allow the materials to dry are critical. The benefits include lower maintenance and longer lasting materials.
Thermal Shell
Specific insulation, and air sealing techniques can dramatically improve thermal performance and energy efficiency while preventing moisture and other complications. Proven techniques include structurally insulated panels (SIPS) or a combination of blown recycled cellulose and recycled cotton batt insulation. To make certain that the insulation package is working an inspection using an infrared camera and blower door fan are employed during the construction process to ensure effectiveness. Glazing details, glass type, sizing and orientation can also boost efficiency, and when appropriate capture solar gain and natural day lighting. Cotton Batt insulation is a good choice for this basement ceiling since it is formaldehyde free. This family friendly product made from recycled materials also saves energy due to natural insulating properties
HVAC
Heating ventilation and air conditioning systems must be designed and inspected by an engineer familiar with super efficient building shells. High performance heating systems must be sized correctly. Fresh air ventilation systems and spot ventilation must be included as part of an integrated package.
Electric Use
Energy efficient appliances, office equipment, and good quality lighting with occupancy sensors, will help reduce electric usage. A shade free, south facing roof line can be a good location for photovoltaic panels to produce electricity from the sun. The growing list of EnergyStar rated appliance has made this step easy. Improved technologies are making solar strategies a reliable and cost effective option. This home uses both photovoltaics to produce electricity and solar thermal panels to offset heating and hot water costs. The key to making these systems work is good solar orientation combined with super insulated shell details.
Building Components
Using components with low embodied energy helps achieve the green potential of any building. This includes recycled products and products with recycled content. In addition an eye towards a healthy indoor environment is important. For example using a fast growth bamboo flooring would be a better choice than carpet that has associated health issues. Additional considerations may include mold resistant materials, low voc paints and adhesives, finish trim wood from certified forests, recycled composite decking, engineered wood, linoleum or cork floors
Examples of utilizing recycled materials including some from old factory beams re-milled to create a beautiful floor, a decking product made from recycled plastic and a unique bathroom mirror gives an old French door new life.
Additional Options
Built-in recycling centers, low flow water appliances, recycled tile, recycling of construction waste….the list of strategies can be as long as the project designers are creative, however not all green strategies are appropriate or practical for all projects. The critical step at this point is to have all design team members on board with the concept. As this concept develops, a specification list and overall strategy can be established based to meet specific needs and budget.
Contact our office…We can assist in taking this concept to the next level.