A GREEN Home utilizes durable resources that give homeowners the greatest degree of livability, energy-efficiency and air quality while minimizing the physical impact on the environment and future generations. The future will see more homes being built using green technologies and requirements placed on existing homeowers to upgrade thier homes to more energy efficiency. To prepare to be a resource for my clients, I have taken many classes and have several national designations that form the foundation of a responsible knowledge of the importance of sustainability.
Underlying the green building approach is the concept of the house as a system. SImilar to the human body, a house breathes; and it requires energy to function and maintenance to stay healthy. The components of a house’s system include the building structure, appliances, heating and cooling systems, and electrical and plumbing sytems. These systems interact continuously with the occupants and are affected by outside factors such as temperature, moisture, wind and sun. The sum total of all of these energy, water, and air flows determine a home’s performance. Green home performance is described by designers and builders in terms of energy and water consumption, air quality, durability, and structure integrity, which translate into benefits that homeowners experience in terms of comfort, lower utility costs, health, safety, low maintenance and quality of materials.
The goal of green building is to optimize all of the systems in homes so that homeowners experience the greatest comfort, health, safety, and well-being with the least inputs of energy, water, and other materials and the least output of pollution.
Much of the attention in the green home market is focused on new homes. However, existing homes also have green features and homes are increasingly being remodeled to become greener.
Possilbe green upgrades during a remodel:
-
Adding insulation to attics, exterior walls, floors and basement windows
-
Installing high efficiency, dual glazed or triple glazed windows
-
Installing a whole house fan
-
Sealing ducts and air leaks
-
Installling energy efficient appliances and lighting
-
Improving day lighting
-
Improving water efficiency improvements with low flow toilets, showerheads and faucets
-
Improving indoor air quality through removal of toxic materials such as lead paint, asbestos and mold
-
Making the home solar ready to meet energy needs
-
Installing a more efficient water heater
-
Replacing flooring with linoleum, recycled or green certified carpet, or FSC-certified wood
-
Using low-VOC or no-VOC paints, stains, sealers and adhesives
-
Installing landscaping that requires little of no irrigation
Planting trees to provide appropriate shading
Types of Green Building
Built Green®
In order to recognize and distinguish newly constructed green homes on the market, King County’s Master Builder Association has developed a rating system to certify Built Green® residential construction based on national standards. Scores can range from 1-5 stars depending on the number of points obtained in six critical sections: regulation and code, site and water, energy efficiency, health and indoor air quality, materials efficiency and the promotion of environmentally friendly homeowner operations and maintenance.
Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes®
ENERGY STAR® homes are better built, more comfortable homes that save you money on your utility bills every month. Every Northwest ENERGY STAR certified home has been built to meet energy efficient guidelines set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency. From energy efficient windows to advanced heating and cooling systems, ENERGY STAR homes guarantee greater savings, comfort and peace-of-mind. Simply stated, ENERGY STAR homes are built better for you and the environment.
LEED for Homes
LEED for Homes is a rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes. A green home uses less energy, water and natural resources; creates less waste; and is healthier and more comfortable for the occupants. Benefits of a LEED home include lower energy and water bills; reduced greenhouse gas emissions; and less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. The net cost of owning a LEED home is comparable to that of owning a conventional home.
Built Green Remodeler Check List Built Green homes are designed to provide homeowners with comfortable, durable, environmentally friendly homes that are cost-effective to own and operate. These resource-efficient homes are crafted to exceed building codes and provide homeowners with years of healthy, quality living while protecting the precious Northwest environment
Environment Protection Agency The buildings in which we live, work, and play protect us from nature’s extremes, yet they also affect our health and environment in countless ways. As the environmental impact of buildings becomes more apparent, a new field called “green building” is gaining momentum. Green, or sustainable, building is the practice of creating and using healthier and more resource-efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance and demolition.
Sustainable Issaquah Sustainable Issaquah strives to inspire and promote citizen engagement, education, and action to strengthen our communityïy economic, social and environmental vitality.
Energy Star This national certification program for products and homes focuses on energy efficiency.
Alliance to Save Energy This is a good place to learn about the federal Energy-Efficiency Home tax credits and how to use them.
Walkscore Find a place to live or determine the walkability of your current city or neighborhood.
Consumer Reports’ Greener Choices This is a good comprehensive Web site with information about the relative green value of autos, appliances, electronics, food items and other consumer items.
