Top Ten Green Building List
We have had several calls lately ,on the most popular green building basics? Below we have listed our top ten.
• Appliances
High efficiency forced air heater with a programmable thermostat and Energy-Star rated appliances reduce energy use.
• Engineered Wood Framing
Man-made products such as I joists, laminated veneer lumber and oriented strand board, take the place of full-dimensional boards and beams typically harvested from old-growth or larger trees. Engineered wood makes more efficient use of fiber from smaller trees.
• Insulation
On a homes exterior, rigid foam beneath siding reduces heat gain and loss while a radiant roof barrier bonded to the roof sheathing reduces attic temperatures. Tightly sealed duct work stops heat loss and improves the heater’s efficiency.
• Interior Materials
Low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints instead of conventional paints and formaldehyde-free fiberglass used to fill wall and ceiling cavities provide improved interior air quality.
• Landscape
Instead of solid concrete interlocking concrete pavers and gravel paths allow rainwater to drain directly into the ground rather than flow into city streets and sewers. Permeable pavers are great. Drought tolerant shrubs and ground covers reduce water use.
• Lighting
Fluorescent bulbs last ten times longer and cut operating costs by three-quarters compared to incandescent ones.
• Plumbing Elements
Dual-flush toilets, low-flow shower heads and front-loading washers reduce water use.
• Solar Power
There are three types of solar energy: passive solar (designing your house to be oriented toward the sun); solar thermal (which includes hot-water systems); and photovoltaic (or PV, which uses the sun’s energy to create electricity to power your home). There are two types of PV systems – solar direct and battery based. Most people who live in urban areas are connected to the utility grid purchase direct, grid-tied PV systems. These systems work when the sun is out and generate electricity that your home uses immediately. Any extra energy that you do not use is fed back into the grid, which helps the utility because the demand for electricity peaks during the day. At night, your home draws energy from the grid when demand and cost is usually lower.
• Tankless Water Heater
These produce hot water on demand, only when needed. Compared to a traditional water heater with insulated tank, tankless models reduce energy costs because there is no loss due to radiation or the periodic reheating of water.
• Windows
Low-e (low-emissivity) glass reduces UV rays at different times of the year. Dual-pane, low-e windows also muffle street noise.
