Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes a home 'green'?
A:
According to the National Association of Home Builders’ Model Green
Home Guidelines; “The process of green building incorporates
environmental considerations into every phase of the home building
process. That means that during the design, construction, and
operation of a home, every aspect of home building is taken into
account. This includes energy and water efficiency, lot development,
resource efficient building design and materials, indoor
environmental quality, homeowner maintenance and the home’s overall
impact on the environment are all taken into account.” In essence,
green building is an innovative process that promotes a healthy and
intelligent relationship between humanity and our natural
environment.
Q: What determines the 'greenness' of a
product?
A: Some building products are clearly
identifiable as green, however, sometimes there is a fuzzy definition to
determine which products are environmentally sound. According to
the Environmental Building News, there are criteria to help determine
the greenness of a product. Firstly, products made with
salvaged, recycled, or agricultural waste content are considered
green. A second standard includes products that conserve natural
resources. These products can include wood that is certified by the
Forest Stewardship
Council (FSC). Products in this category also include those made
from rapidly renewable resources such as; linoleum, those made from
plant oils, and cork among others. A third category to determine the
greenness of a product specifies products that avoid toxic
emissions. Products that meet these standards are low VOC (see
question below for more information), and do not contain chemicals
that readily evaporate into the atmosphere, or chemicals that
deplete the ozone layer. A fourth category for green products
includes those that save energy or water. These products may work to
reduce the amount of heating and cooling energy lost, reduce levels
of water consumption, or contribute to energy renewal. Finally, a
fifth category that determines the greenness of a product are
products that contribute to a safe, healthy built environment.
Examples are products that may improve light quality, control noise,
remove indoor air pollutants, and contribute to the overall
well-being of individuals and the environment.
Q: Is green building more expensive?
A: Yes and no. The
immediate costs of green building may be higher than conventional
building, but costs to maintain and operate the home will be
significantly less. Sustainability is emphasized in green building,
and therefore the materials are better. They work better, they last
longer, and are less expensive to maintain. Systems such as a
geothermal heating and cooling, solar, and wind energy will make the
immediate costs much more than homes built without these systems.
However, some building materials with recycled content may be LESS
expensive than conventional materials, (for example
Sturdy Brace
sheathing).
The real force that drives prices is market demand. When there is an
increase in demand, consumers will have more options and providers
of products, which will balance prices. Even within the past two
years, prices have fallen considerably as demand for green products increases.
Q: What can I do in my current home to
make it green? A: Without major renovations a
home can be made green simply by becoming energy efficient.
Incandescent light bulbs can be changed to compact fluorescents
(CFLs) and older model appliances can be replaced with those with an
Energy Star label. Another simple change is consuming less energy;
turning the heat down in the winter and the air conditioner up in
the summer. Also, consider
purchasing green power (check out the
Consumer's Energy, and also the
Lansing Board
or Water and Light's options). Another change is to decrease
water consumption. Replace your shower head with a low flow unit,
make sure your toilet is up to date, and fix any leaky faucets
immediately.
Q: What does VOC/low VOC mean?
A: VOC stands for 'Volatile Organic Substances.'
"Any organic compound which evaporates readily to the atmosphere.
VOCs contribute significantly to photochemical smog production and
certain health problems," (www.egr.msu.edu/tosc/).
That
'new house smell', is actually the odor of VOCs and other chemicals,
many of which the Environmental Protection Agency has identified as
harmful carcinogens. At Laurey Wyble Custom Builder we chose
products that are marked, 'low' or 'no' VOC to improve indoor air
quality for the safety of you and your family.
Q: How does my home achieve an Energy
Star rating? A: An
independent rater qualifies each home before construction begins by
evaluating the floor plans and blueprints. After the home is
complete, the rater conducts a
blower door test, and a certificate is issued to certify the
five star rating.
Q: Why is it important that I build
green?
A:
In the building industry construction, use, and demolition, as well
as the manufacturing of building materials, contribute significantly
to environmental problems. In the United States, buildings account
for:
36% of total energy use
65% of electricity consumption
30% of greenhouse gas emissions
30% of raw materials use
30% of waste output (equal to 136 million tons annually)
12% of potable water consumption
A
typical 1700 sq. ft wood frame home requires the equivalent of clear
cutting one-acre of forest
Despite all these intensive inputs, we are not constructing healthy
buildings. More than 30% of buildings in the US have poor indoor air
quality, a serious problem given that most people spend about 90% of
their time indoors. A 1990 study by the American Medical Association
and the U.S. Army found that indoor air quality problems cost U.S.
businesses 150 million workdays and about $15 billion in
productivity losses each year. The World Health Organization puts
the losses at close to $60 billion.
By the year 2010, another 38 million buildings are expected to be
constructed in the US, bringing our country’s total to over 100
million. The challenge is to build those new buildings, and renovate
the older ones, in ways that reverse these unhealthy trends.
Fortunately, there are ways we – as consumers, designers, builders
and product manufacturers – can respond to this challenge. By
building green, we can assist in preserving natural habitats,
watersheds, and ecosystems, protect air and water quality, reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and solid waste, all while conserving
natural resources and creating healthier indoor and outdoor
environments.
Green building also has tangible economic and public health
benefits. These include lower operating costs via reduced energy and
water utility bills, and reduced maintenance and replacement costs
due to greater durability of materials. The use of non-toxic
materials in residential construction is especially important in
protecting children from respiratory and other diseases.
-Green
Building Resource Center
Still have questions? Please don't hesitate to e-mail us!
answers@laureywyble.com
