Education
What is Green Building?
Green building means constructing structures for people to live, play, worship and work in an environmentally friendly, low impact manner. Green building provides for human needs while respecting the needs of plants and animals and of course other people. The US Green Building Council, a private group, has developed a rating system (LEED) for green buildings. At present this covers commercial construction only, but task forces are at work on a rating system for residential construction. This rating system expresses a kind of consensus, though not the only one, about what it means to be green.
Currently, green building for residential use is likely to mean one of a dozen or so techniques. These divide into: 1) unconventional (though in some cases ancient) building materials, 2) a broad array of techniques for decreasing energy use, 3) low impact land development, and 4) water and wastewater management.
1. Building Materials
Salvaged or reused materials: This means collecting, preparing for use, and building with materials, which have already been harvested or manufactured. Examples are taking wood from old barns or other structures, usually cutting them into smaller sizes to reveal the old wood grain, and using them for furniture, cabinets, flooring, or structure. Another example is recycling and re-using of construction waste so the smallest possible percentage goes to the landfill.
Recycled materials: In general, green builders prefer not to use the products of industrial waste for residences. Expanding the market for these products will only prolong their use. Off-gassing and harmful effects from chemical manufacturing have created a serious global situation and the need to go green has recently become apparent. Biomass materials provide an eco-safe alternative to recent traditional materials Look for synthetic or recycled material promoted as green, but be sure to do your homework as there may be a more sustainable biomass alternative. It is important to note that green options are not always the best. Each project and situation requires a unique solution. MMHG building techniques rely on a cost effective decision making process to minimize environmental impacts, create a comfortable finished product and make the most of your budget.
Straw bale, cob, adobe, and rammed earth: One option is straw bale construction. Cob, adobe, and rammed earth are fascinating, but less familiar on the East Coast. Cob and adobe are a mixture of straw and mud; rammed earth is earth (usually from the site), often mixed with cement and punched into wall shape with earth moving equipment or formed into bricks.
Green roofs: A green roof is flat or gently sloping, covered with living plants, usually species such as sedum which require little water. Green roofs are very popular in European cities, especially in Germany. They reduce the heat island effect in central cities, and they reduce runoff. Green roofs are usually planted in a thin layer (4-5”) of a porous material (an extensive green roof), although almost any arrangement of a membrane and soil or
soil substitute is possible. One builder created a green roof from discarded carpet pad, covered with manure, and left it for nature to seed. It is doing quite well.
2. Energy use
Many of the above techniques have energy use benefits. Straw bale walls, for example, have an R-40 rating and are very energy-efficient.
Passive solar energy: Passive solar energy means designing the house to take advantage of the sun’s rays hitting the southern side of the house, with overhangs so the summer sun is blocked but the winter sun, which is lower, shines in below the overhang. Even in a house which does not have a southern orientation or overhangs, a great deal can be done by moderating the flow of air and sunlight through shades, curtains, fans, opening the windows, closing off cool or warm rooms, and choosing where one will sit and what to wear.
Active solar energy: This has at least two types, hot water and photovoltaic. Of these, PV is much more expensive and usually never quite pays for itself with current technology and pricing. This is changing. A PV system generates DC electricity, requiring an inverter to convert to AC, and batteries to store the power generated. PV systems can be used for net metering, in which the electric meter runs backwards and the utility company effectively pays the consumer during that time. Many people are trying to move “off the grid” meaning no utility service. This is attractive as a goal, but difficult to achieve.
Solar hot water: Especially for those clients with swimming pools, a solar hot water system has a short payback period and is a very good alternative. A hot water system preheats the water and then it is moved to a conventional tank to be heated more, for a net cost saving.
Wind and water: Wind towers and water power function well in some parts of the country. Water power tends to interfere with the natural flowing of the stream, a major disadvantage.
Geothermal: In use in around the country and often cost-effective, geothermal means drilling a hole into the ground as one would for a well and creating a closed loop system to cool or heat a liquid to the temperature of the earth, which stays at 55 degrees year round: warmer than the air in winter and cooler in summer. Then the liquid is used by a heat pump system to generate heating or cooling in the house.
Smart houses: Smart houses do many things, including monitoring and reducing energy use. Houses can also be designed to report to a caregiver the movements and usage patterns (the stove was just turned on) for an elderly or infirm person.
3. Low impact land development
Land development means the process of subdividing land and putting in roads and utilities, including water and sewer or well and septic in rural areas. The land is then ready for building. Low impact land development usually means developing less density than would be permitted by law, locating the roads and buildings to avoid steep slopes, woods or agriculture, and doing a minimum of grading. Examples of low impact land development techniques are creating a small construction envelope around the building site, the use of permeable pavements, and road building without soil compaction (which damages tree root systems). In wooded areas, low impact development includes minimizing the creation of forest edges (clearings) which reduce habitat for Forest Interior Dwelling Species of birds.
4. Water and wastewater management
Storm water management is usually a part of the development process for new construction, but existing buildings can be analyzed and improved. Techniques such as green roofs, reducing impervious surfaces, and sheet feeding of rainwater into vegetative swales, instead of concrete, help to reduce or eliminate storm water runoff from the site.
Wastewater within the home can be disposed of by using alternatives to conventional sewer or septic systems, such as composting toilets and grey water gardens.
16 WAYS TO GREEN YOUR HOME
Lower Your Utility Bills
1. Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) can be a huge energy saver. Replace some (or all) of your incandescent bulbs with fluorescents and enjoy reductions in heat production, energy use, and electric bills!
Savings: Changing five of the most frequently used light bulbs in your home can save you $100 per year on electric bills!
2. Program Your Thermostat
When you are at home, keep the thermostat at 78°F or higher in the summer and 62°F or lower in the winter. Programmable thermostats allow you to program the systems to reduce output when they are not needed (e.g., when no one is home during the day, or in the evening when everyone is sleeping).
Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $100 per year or more!
3. Plug Air Leaks
This simple step can go a long way toward keeping your home at the temperature you desire, saving money on heating and air conditioning bills and more.
Common leaks occur around windows, doors, and other wall penetrations. Plugging those leaks with weather stripping and caulk can be a simple task for anyone!
Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $100 per year or more!
4. Tune Up Your Heating and Cooling (HVAC) System Have a checkup for your HVAC system every 2 years to make sure it is running efficiently. Be sure to clean the filter monthly during times of peak usage; a dirty filter can significantly reduce the efficiency of your HVAC.
Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $100 per year or more!
5. Choose ENERGY STAR® Appliances
ENERGY STAR® qualified products meet a high level of energy efficiency, which can translate into savings on electric bills. When considering the price of a new appliance, take into account not only the purchase price, but also the long-term savings associated with an energy-efficient appliance.
Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $50 per appliance per year or more!
6. Reduce Water Use
- Indoor: Use less water by adding aerators (available for a few dollars at your local home supply store) to your sink faucets and changing to low flow showerheads.
- Outdoor: Incorporate native plants in your landscape plan and minimize high-maintenance landscaping such as turf grass to conserve water, while still maintaining a beautiful lawn.
Savings: Reduce your water bill by as much as $100 per year!
7. Switch to Green Power
Green Power is an optional utility service for customers who want to help expand the production and distribution of renewable energy technologies. With green power, you do not have to change your electricity provider. Instead, customers choose to pay a premium on their electricity bill to cover the extra cost of purchasing clean, sustainable energy. More info on green power can be found at: http://www.eere.energy. gov/greenpower/markets/index.shtml.
Choose Green Products
8. Buy Local
Buying local produce reduces the amount of fossil fuels required for the transportation of products from other parts of the country or the world. It also reduces the amount of plastic and paper products consumed in the packaging of such far-traveling products. Buying local reduces consumption of valuable natural resources.
9. Use Low-VOC Products
Improve your indoor air quality by switching to products that don’t give off “volatile organic compounds” (VOCs). Some common low-VOC or no-VOC products include:
- Paint: A low-VOC paint is available from most major paint brands
- Cleaning products: Low-VOC cleaning alternatives are available for sale, or you can make your own VOC-free cleaning products using simple household materials like baking soda, vinegar and borax.
10. Use Wood Alternatives or FSC-certified Wood Products
The type of flooring and cabinetry materials you use can have a positive effect on your health and pocketbook while reducing your environmental impacts.
- Consider using environmentally preferable and rapidly renewable products such as linoleum, bamboo, recycled-content tile or non-VOC carpet.
- Choose wood products from sustainably managed forests, such as those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
- Use locally sourced products when possible to reduce carbon emissions associated with the transportation of those products.
11. Use Rapidly Renewable Flooring Materials
Now there are affordable, durable, and rich-looking flooring options made from grasses and trees that mature in roughly half of the time (or less!) than it takes hardwoods to reach market size. Bamboo, cork, and eucalyptus flooring products are a sustainable alternative to traditional hardwoods.
Green Your Yard
12. Plant Trees to Provide Shade and Wind Protection for Your House This simple step can help you save money on heating and air conditioning bills while providing beautiful views around your home.
13. Use Native Plantings
Native plants have been growing and evolving in your area for thousands of years and, as a result, have adapted to the local soils and climate. As a result they are more likely to thrive with minimal care, unlike exotic plants. That can mean less need for water, fertilizer and pesticides. Additional info on green landscaping techniques can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/reg3esd1/ garden/.
14. Use Nontoxic Gardening Techniques
Many gardeners over-apply or improperly apply pesticides, putting themselves, their families, and pets at increased health risk. Nearly half of all households have pesticides stored within reach of children. About 230,000 people each year are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries relating to various lawn and garden tools. Our clean air and drinking water are affected by pesticides and garden equipment emissions.
Green Your Transportation
15. Carpool, Use Public Transportation, Walk or Bike When Possible
Environmental responsibility does not begin and end at your doorstep; green transportation means can greatly reduce your energy expenditures and carbon emissions from your daily routine.
16. Buy a High-efficiency Car.
See the U.S. Department of Energy’s list of most fuel efficient cars at http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bestworst.shtml.
About the U.S. Green Building Council and LEED® for Homes
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is the nation’s foremost coalition of leaders from every sector of the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. With the help of a cadre of national experts and experienced green homebuilders, USGBC has developed LEED for Homes as a voluntary initiative to promote the transformation of the mainstream home building industry towards more sustainable practices. It provides a much-needed nationally applicable tool for homebuilders and other professionals in the residential industry for building environmentally sound, healthy, and resource-effi cient places to live. For more information about LEED for Homes, visit the USGBC Web site at www.usgbc.org./leed/homes.
1800 Massachusetts Ave. NWSuite 300
Washington, DC 20036
202 828-7422 t
202 828-5110 f
www.usgbc.org
16 WAYS TO GREEN YOUR HOME home can save you $100 per year on electric bills!
Advanced Framing
Advanced framing refers to a variety of framing techniques designed to reduce the amount of lumber used and waste generated in the construction of a wood-framed house.
These techniques include:
- Designing homes on 2-foot modules to make the best use of common sheet good sizes and reduce waste and labor.
- Spacing wall studs up to 24 inches on-center.
- Spacing floor joists and roof rafters up to 24 inches on-center.
- Using two-stud corner framing and inexpensive drywall clips or scrap lumber for drywall backing instead of studs.
- Eliminating headers in non-load-bearing walls.
- Using in-line framing in which floor, wall, and roof framing members are vertically in line with one another and loads are transferred directly downward.
- Using single lumber headers and top plates when appropriate...>more
Reducing Toxins in Your Home
by Rebecca Williamson
printer-friendly versionHaving once owned a green home cleaning business, I was well-informed on the dangers of conventional cleaning products. My clients generally had babies and young children in the home, and were concious about the quality of their indoor air. But we, as adults should be concerned as well.
During WWII, many synthetic chemicals were developed to kill people and other living things. New markets were found for these products in the pesticide, cosmetics, fuels, building, and cleaning industries, among hundreds of others. We’d be terrified if someone shot these chemicals at us from the air, and yet we freely use them in our homes and on our crops.
Even before we are born, we have hundreds of toxic chemicals already within us. A 2004 U.S. laboratory study of 10 newborn babies found an average of 200 chemicals in their umbilical cord blood. Of these chemicals, 180 are known to cause cancer in humans or animals, 217 are toxic to the brain and nervous system, and 208 cause birth defects or abnormal development. (Read more at http://www.ewg.org/reports/bodyburden2/execsumm.php)
Some sources of these chemicals include non-stick cooking pans, computers, flame-retardant mattresses, furniture with stain-repellent treatments, and stored chemicals--including cleaners. The following are a few toxins found in conventional cleaning chemicals.
→ Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are carbon-containing chemical compounds that evaporate readily at room temperature. In sufficient quantities, VOCs can cause acute eye, nose, and throat irritations, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, asthma exacerbation, headaches; and chronic problems such as cancer, and liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage. Indoor VOCs are found in new carpeting and furniture, recent painting, stored chemicals, recently applied adhesives, and new plastic or electronic devices (Minnesota Department of Health). Most VOC-containing products off gas within a short period of time, although some will continue to give off trace amounts of VOCs for a long time.
Seventh Generation (http://www.seventhgen.com) offers the following information on chlorine and dioxin:
→ Chlorine
- Cancer-causing residue from chlorine bleaching may be found in products like coffee filters, disposable diapers, paper towels, and bathroom tissue.
- Chlorine vapors can irritate the lungs and pose a serious risk to people who suffer from asthma and other lung problems.
- When opening the dishwasher door after washing, chlorine from dish detergent and tap water is released into the air.
- Pregnant women in their first trimester who drink five or more glasses of chlorinated tap water a day may be at a much higher risk of miscarriage than women who drink non-chlorinated water.
- Cancer-causing chemicals like chlorine are readily absorbed through the skin.
→ Dioxin (one type of dioxin formation occurs with the production of certain chlorinated chemicals)
- Dioxin is believed to be the single most carcinogenic chemical known to science.
- Dioxin has been linked to endometriosis, immune system impairment, diabetes, neurotoxicity, birth defects (including fetal death), decreased fertility, testicular atrophy, and reproductive dysfunction in both women and men.
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has found dioxin to be 300,000 times more potent as a carcinogen than DDT.
- Studies show that forty to seventy percent of the dioxin in bleached coffee filters can leach into coffee; dioxin found in paper milk cartons also leaches into milk.
- Americans ingest a daily amount of dioxin that is already 300 to 600 times greater than the EPA's so-called "safe" dose.
And EcoOne (http://www.pacificsandsinc.com/hazards.html) provides examples of other chemicals found of the most popular brands of cleaning products:
Ammonia: Fatal when swallowed
Ammonium Hydroxide: Corrosive, irritant
Bleach: Potentially fatal if ingested
Formaldehyde: Highly toxic; known carcinogen
Hydrochloric acid: Corrosive, eye and skin irritant
Hydrochloric bleach: Eye, skin and respiratory tract irritant
Lye: Severe damage to stomach and esophagus if ingested
Naphtha: Depresses the central nervous system
Nitrobenzene: Causes skin discoloration, shallow breathing, vomiting, and death
Perchlorethylene: Damages liver, kidney, nervous system
Petroleum Distillates: Highly flammable; suspected carcinogen
Phenol: Extremely dangerous; suspected carcinogen; fatal taken internally
Propylene Glycol: Immunogen; main ingredient in antifreeze
Sodium hypochlorite: Potentially fatal
Sodium laurel sulfate: Carcinogen, toxin, genetic mutagen
Sodium tripolyphosphate: Irritant
Trichloroethane: Damages liver and kidneys
Do not despair--there are many non-toxic options for household items in Missoula. Both Burley’s Natural Home Supply and the Good Food Store offer eco- and health-friendly cleaning products. You can also easily, and more inexpensively, make your own with vinegar, baking soda, biodegradable liquid soap, and salt. Here are a few homemade cleaning recipes.
All-Purpose Household Cleaner--from Green Clean, by Linda Mason Hunter & Mikki Halpin
1 teaspoon borax
1 tablespoon castile soap
1/8 cup distilled white vinegar
2 cups hot water
5 to 10 drops essential oil of your choice
16 ounce spray bottle
Mix, spritz on surface and wipe with a clean rag.
Eucalyptus Soft Scrub
baking soda
liquid castile soap (I like Dr. Bronner's Eucalyptus soap)
Pour some baking soda into a bowl and add soap a little at a time until the combined mixture looks and feels like cake frosting. Put a little on a damp sponge, scrub surface and rinse.
