Green Building: No, We're Not Talking Color
Submitted By: jplesko02 on 7/4/2006 at 02:27:55 AMTags: Green Building, Solar Panels, Homes, Zero, Energy, Energy Star, Epa, Usgbc, Nahb
There’s a development in the home building industry has been growing in leaps and bounds, and it’s most likely coming to a neighborhood near you. It’s green building: the practice of building homes that are healthier for both the occupants and the environment and generally cheaper to run.
Over the last three decades, this revolution has gradually changed the way home builders build homes. In fact, today’s average home is 100 percent more energy-efficient than homes built during the 1970s. What’s more is that home builders are largely implementing these practices voluntarily, so there is no unwanted government intrusion trying to enforce impractical regulations. That is likely one big reason why this revolution is so successful.
“I would agree that most building product manufacturers are taking control of the ball before the government mandates too many restrictions - a prime example would be in the air conditioning, lighting, and home appliance manufacturing sectors (refrigerators, dishwashers, washers and dryers),” says J.B de los Santos, architect and president of JBS Company. “These are items that the consumer is willing to embrace and purchase. In other areas, such as the addition of solar panels (active systems), the consumer will always want to know how much more this adds to the cost of a home [versus the long term savings].”
Green building doesn’t just cover the products used in construction; it can encompass everything from the planning to the construction process to the actual structure itself. Green building generally involves at least one of the following:
- Land planning and design techniques that reduce the disturbance of the land and protect the natural environment.
- Site development to minimize erosion, paved surfaces, and runoff and protect natural vegetation.
- Water conservation for both indoors and outdoors.
- Optimizing energy efficiency in heating/cooling systems, lighting, appliances, and the building envelope.
- Choosing materials based on recyclability, sturdiness, and the amount of energy used to produce the materials.
- Waste reduction, reuse, and recycling during construction and throughout the life of the home.
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has developed the voluntary Model Green Home Building Guidelines in an attempt to incorporate the concept of environmentally-friendly homes into the mainstream. As of right now, there around thirty communities in the United States that have green building home programs put into practice or in development. The guidelines consist of six main sections:
- Lot Preparation and Design - Through careful planning, the builder can reduce the home’s impact on vegetation, soil, and water. Not to mention, a home’s long-term performance can be enhanced. These measures can provide significant value to the homeowner, the environment, and the community.
- Resource Efficiency – By using certain framing techniques and home designs, builders can optimize the use of building materials. Furthermore, a home’s durability and the amount of time and money needed for maintenance are affected by how certain materials are used.
- Energy Efficiency – This is what many people think of when they think of green building. The information on this section will help a builder create a building envelope and incorporate energy efficient mechanical systems, appliances, and lighting into a home that will yield long-term utility bill cost savings and increased comfort for the homeowner. It contains the only requirements to participate in this voluntary program: compliance with the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code, use of ACCA manuals to size HVAC equipment, and 3rd party plan review to verify compliance with the section.
- Water Efficiency – Depending on what area you live in, the importance of water availability and usage varies. However, the concern with adequate supply of water is becoming more widespread no matter where you live. Experience also shows that implementing these guidelines for indoor and outdoor water use can decrease a homeowner’s need for water, which reduces utility bills regardless of location.
- Occupancy Comfort and Indoor Environmental Quality – This section discusses ways to manage moisture, ventilation, and other issues that can interfere with a comfortable indoor environment.
- Homeowner Education – Because the homebuilder puts so much effort into designing an efficient home system, it would be a shame if the homeowner didn’t have the knowledge on how to operate and maintain it. Therefore, this section shows homebuilders the best way to educate the owner on how to optimally run their new home.
Why do we need this?
Most people don’t realize that buildings have a major impact on the environment. In fact, according to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), 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/136 million tons annually
- 12% of potable water consumption
So by taking measures to include environmentally sensitive site planning, use resource efficient building materials, and conserve water and energy, builders can maximize a home’s performance both economically and environmentally.
Environmentally, these homes enhance and protect ecosystems and biodiversity. They also improve air and water quality, reduce solid waste, and help conserve natural resources.
For the consumer, there are a lot of benefits are well. A green built home will lower water and utility costs, enhance comfort and health, and improve air, thermal, and acoustic environments.
Zero Energy Homes
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is trying to introduce a new concept to homebuilders around the country: Zero Energy Homes (ZEH). These homes combine energy-efficient construction and appliances with renewable energy systems, such as solar electricity and solar water heating. Combining these components can result in net zero energy consumption for the utility company because ZEH can be designed to produce as much energy as they consume.
Some of the features that are included in ZEH are:
- Climate-specific design.
- Passive solar heating and cooling.
- Energy-efficient construction, appliances, and lighting.
- Solar heating and electric systems
ENERGY STAR®
Currently, there are six programs designed to reduce home energy usage that have been recognized by DOE and NAHB. One of these is ENERGY STAR®. This government-backed program has put its mark on new homes and appliances that meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy.
Apparently, this program is really doing its job. In 2004 alone, ENERGY STAR® helped Americans save enough energy to power 24 million homes and avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 20 million cars - all while saving $10 billion.
For more information on ENERGY STAR® products and appliances, you can visit http://www.energystar.gov/
Growing Popularity
Even ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition has gotten into the act. In Season 2: Episode 18, in order to help a family of eleven be able to afford the utilities in their new home, the show built their first ZEH to help things run more efficiently.
Normally, a home as large as this Extreme Makeover home could use about 1,080 kilowatts of electricity each month. But this home includes a 3.0 kW roof-integrated solar electric power system, which can save the energy equivalent of drilling for 208 barrels of oil. That's equal to not driving 128,250 miles. The home also includes fluorescent light fixtures, ENERGY STAR® appliances, a tankless water heater, and even insulation made from recycled newspapers. So all of these features helped to cut the home's electricity demands to less than 200 kilowatts per month saving an estimated 73% savings on the total energy bill. Also, because a lawn can consume the equivalent of 80 inches of rainwater every year, the house has drought-tolerant California-friendly plants.
Sources:
J.B. de los Santos, JBS Company, Bryan, Texas
The National Association of Home Builders and the NAHB Research Center. Building Greener: Building Better: The Quiet Revolution. Washington DC, 2002.
“Green Goes Mainstream”. Texas Builder. March/April 2005: 17-18.
