Sustainable Lifestyles: Green Building 101: An Introduction to Concepts, Services, Products and Practices
Posted: 10:54 am PDT April 11, 2008Updated: 2:22 pm PDT April 11, 2008
Taking action in regard to our lifestyles through environmentally and socially responsible product and related consumer choices, is the concept of Sustainable living. It is the understanding that these choices will have both an immediate, and long-term, affect on the environment, our communities and our families.This article will focus on six facets of Green Building and Sustainable Practices including:
An Intro to Green BuildingGreen or Sustainable Building is the term used to describe environmentally responsible, building and construction, products, services and practices for both commercial and home structures.Why Build Green
According to the Center for Sustainable Development, buildings consume 40 percent of the world's total energy, 25 percent of its wood harvest and 16 percent of its water. Additionally, buildings emit 38 percent of the world’s carbon dioxide and 46 percent of sulfur dioxide emissions (Connecticut fund for the Environment). Green Buildings reduce environmental impact by:
There are several regional, national and international green building certifiers. Some of the more renown includes the U. S. green Building Council, Build It Green and Green Globes TM.The classification of Leader in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) ratings, by the USCBC, is a system which covers a variety of projects in which points are awarded based on eight key features; architecture and design, building materials, energy use, facility management, interiors, land use, waste management, and water use.It should be noted that doing a green remodel or build for yourself, requires no certification.Benefits of Building Green
Green buildings have a far greater return on investment via cost savings from reduced energy, water, and waste; lower operations and maintenance costs; and enhanced occupant productivity and health.Green Resources
Magazines
Eco-Structure Magazine
Mother Earth News
Natural Home Magazine
Websites
National Green Building Certification and Resource Site: Usgbc.org California Green Building Network: Builditgreen.org Green Building News and Resources: Buildinggreen.comSustainable Communities
Sustainable Communities are the new saviors of the environment, community health and economic prosperity. The designation and promotion of these beneficial areas are the keystones of progressive cities everywhere.Smart Growth
Smart Growth integrates mixed-use development and economic viability Which focuses on:
Books
The Natural Step for Communities: How Cities and Towns can Change to Sustainable Practices by Sarah James and Torbjorn Lahti http://www.newsociety.comSmart Growth Tool Kit: Community Profiles and Case Studies to Advance Smart Growth Practices by David O’NeillMaking Smart Growth Work by Douglas PorterWebsites
GreenCommunitiesonling.org: Grants/Loans/Conferences/Resources Sustainable.org: Sustainable Communities Networking Smartgrowth.org: Smart Growth Infrastructure, Policies, Resources and NewsThe Four R’s of Construction and Remodels
Building Green whether for personal or commercial projects requires commitment.Whether building new or remodeling, utilizing green principals means understanding the four R’s of Green.
Understanding the Green R’s concept will help us in our quest to reach sustainability, contributing to personal, environmental and economic well-being.The R’s will effectively save money via time and materials management, reuse of materials (when remodeling), recycling materials, working with a contractors exchange and donating unneeded materials to services such as Habitat for Humanity.Research
Perhaps the most important aspect of green development, research of sustainable professionals, services and materials, can help us achieve the optimum results; reducing stress, while saving us both time and money.Resources
Websites
http://www.foxreno.com/goinggreenreno/index.html http://www.sunrisenevada.org http://www.nevadamax.org http://www.ases.org/ (American Solar Energy Society) http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/ http://www.newdream.org/consumer/ecosmart.htmlThe Importance of CommissioningCommissioning is important for owners because it consists of the analysis of lifecycle costs associated building projects, which include new construction, retrofits, renovations, repairs or modifications. According to Stephen Witek of SEED Engineering (Incline Village, NV), commissioning is a systematic approach to assuring design concepts are whole and worth their investment.Commissioners help clients understand the short and long-term ramifications of each project by calculating project budgets using current and projected future costs, financing charges, immediate and future energy savings, and estimated project paybacks/returns.Commissioning services are available for a variety of engineered building systems, equipment and components. These include mechanical systems, solar and renewable energy engineering, building envelope/partitioning systems, electrical systems, information technology systems and life-safety systems.Resources
Stephen Witek, S.E.E.D Engineering/stephenwitek@seedtahoe.com (530) 277-6435Bill Folkerts, Engineering Economics Inc/ billf@eeiengineers.com (858) 688-1246CA green commissioning guidelines: www.green.ca.gov/CxToolkit/default.htmMaterialsWhen we enter into a building, we are introduced into a unique environment created from a variety of separate materials. EPA studies determine that pollutant levels indoors can be two to 100 times higher than outdoors. Buildings constructed using green materials have superior indoor air quality leading to greater comfort, health and quality of life.Green building/finish materialsStructure
The structure of the building can be created using sustainable, non-toxic materials. These include recycled/sustainably harvested woods, straw bales, SIP's (Structured Insulated Pannels), ICF's (Insulated Concrete Forms), steel and other products that can be cycled cradle-to-cradle.Fencing and Decking
Recycling existing products for decks and fences are always the "greenest" choice, however, some of these are not always available, or of usable quality.Utilizing sustainably harvested, recycled or reclaimed wood products are among the best choices for "greening" a new deck.Other choices for decks and fencing/walls include brick, block or stone choices that have been made/quarried in a sustainable manner.Composite Decks and Railing
Companies like Trex, Yakima Decking and Geo Deck supply composite decking. Composite decking utilizes waste and recycled materials, helping to reduce environmental impact while creating quality products.Indoor Materials
Paints: Several companies now carry low/non-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints, stains and clay and earth plasters.Flooring: Flooring for the green home hosts a variety of options including natural/wool carpeting, cork, bamboo, reclaimed hardwoods, recycled rubber flooring, fly-ash concrete, and more.Cabinets, shelves, and dressers: Products can easily be made from recycled/ previously used products ranging from wood to metals and even heavy cloth. Recycled and reclaimed wood, cork, paperstone, kirei-sorghum, and eco-friendly composite glass/concrete/plastic (vetrazzo) all make beautiful, sustainable cabinets and countertops.Resources
Structural
ICF's: amvic-pacific.comSIP's: betterbuilding.comStrawbales: strawbuilding.orgDeck/Railing
Ecotimber.comTrex.comPaints
Amfsafecoat.comKelly Brothers Painting (530) 581-0806Sherwin-Williams.com (GreenSure products)Americanpridepaint.comAmericanclay.comFlooring/cabinets
jdhoss.com - TruckeeSonsdevelpoment.com - Grass ValleyInterfaceinc.comGreenfloors.comEcowoodscalifornia.comVetrazzo.comLivinggreen.com/greenproductsNevadamax.orgCalmax.org and http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/CalMAX//Sustainable LandscapesRich, diverse, eco-friendly landscapes, whether in mountainous regions or deserts, are becoming the enterprise of choice for residents of homes and businesses everywhere.The ecological, social and economic aspects associated with sustainable landscaping include enhanced scenery, increased biodiversity, generation of fewer pollutants, less run-off, structural protection, and less demands on time, energy, and money than conventional landscapes.Sustainable Design
Combinations of function and feasibility in sustainable landscapes, incorporate property, environmental impact, solar availability, soil type, water reclaimation/delivery, utilization of native/non-invasive plant species, protection from harsh elements, exposure to positive elements, economic feasibility and follow up.Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping refers to landscapes that do not require little or not supplemental irrigation. This practice makes use of plants that are best suited for the area and employs techniques such as natural plant placement, hydrozoning (grouping plants with similar watering needs), and effective mulch use and smart watering. Its benefits include less maintenance, little or no mowing lower water bills, rain-fall advantages, greater chance of drought survival, and increased habitat for butterflies, bees and natural fauna.Resources
LJM Design Group: Residential/Commercial Design www.ljmdesigngroup.com (530)587-6003Organic Compost: Full Circle Compost www.fullcirclecompost (775) 267-5305www.buildingconcerns.comwww.sigba.orgEco-friendly landscaping and gardening helps the environment, the economy and personal health.Plant well.
- An Introduction to Green Building
- Sustainable Communities
- The Four R’s of Building Green
- The Importance of Commissioning
- Green Materials
- Eco- Friendly Landscaping
An Intro to Green BuildingGreen or Sustainable Building is the term used to describe environmentally responsible, building and construction, products, services and practices for both commercial and home structures.Why Build Green
According to the Center for Sustainable Development, buildings consume 40 percent of the world's total energy, 25 percent of its wood harvest and 16 percent of its water. Additionally, buildings emit 38 percent of the world’s carbon dioxide and 46 percent of sulfur dioxide emissions (Connecticut fund for the Environment). Green Buildings reduce environmental impact by:
- Planning site-placement for sustainable energy utilization and low environmental impact
- Maximizing energy efficient design
- Utilizing sustainable and recycled materials
- Reducing construction/demolition/remodel waste
- Incorporating energy efficient technologies
- Creating positive land and resource (integrated) systems
- And designing buildings that are long-standing and low-maintenance
There are several regional, national and international green building certifiers. Some of the more renown includes the U. S. green Building Council, Build It Green and Green Globes TM.The classification of Leader in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) ratings, by the USCBC, is a system which covers a variety of projects in which points are awarded based on eight key features; architecture and design, building materials, energy use, facility management, interiors, land use, waste management, and water use.It should be noted that doing a green remodel or build for yourself, requires no certification.Benefits of Building Green
Green buildings have a far greater return on investment via cost savings from reduced energy, water, and waste; lower operations and maintenance costs; and enhanced occupant productivity and health.Green Resources
Magazines
Eco-Structure Magazine
Mother Earth News
Natural Home Magazine
Websites
National Green Building Certification and Resource Site: Usgbc.org California Green Building Network: Builditgreen.org Green Building News and Resources: Buildinggreen.comSustainable Communities
Sustainable Communities are the new saviors of the environment, community health and economic prosperity. The designation and promotion of these beneficial areas are the keystones of progressive cities everywhere.Smart Growth
Smart Growth integrates mixed-use development and economic viability Which focuses on:
- Neighborhood design
- Easing of traffic congestion
- Integration of cultures
- Job creation
- Community service promotion
- Crime reduction
- Overall production of a healthier environment and economy
Books
The Natural Step for Communities: How Cities and Towns can Change to Sustainable Practices by Sarah James and Torbjorn Lahti http://www.newsociety.comSmart Growth Tool Kit: Community Profiles and Case Studies to Advance Smart Growth Practices by David O’NeillMaking Smart Growth Work by Douglas PorterWebsites
GreenCommunitiesonling.org: Grants/Loans/Conferences/Resources Sustainable.org: Sustainable Communities Networking Smartgrowth.org: Smart Growth Infrastructure, Policies, Resources and NewsThe Four R’s of Construction and Remodels
Building Green whether for personal or commercial projects requires commitment.Whether building new or remodeling, utilizing green principals means understanding the four R’s of Green.
- Reduce
- Reuse
- Recycle
- Research
Understanding the Green R’s concept will help us in our quest to reach sustainability, contributing to personal, environmental and economic well-being.The R’s will effectively save money via time and materials management, reuse of materials (when remodeling), recycling materials, working with a contractors exchange and donating unneeded materials to services such as Habitat for Humanity.Research
Perhaps the most important aspect of green development, research of sustainable professionals, services and materials, can help us achieve the optimum results; reducing stress, while saving us both time and money.Resources
Websites
http://www.foxreno.com/goinggreenreno/index.html http://www.sunrisenevada.org http://www.nevadamax.org http://www.ases.org/ (American Solar Energy Society) http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/ http://www.newdream.org/consumer/ecosmart.htmlThe Importance of CommissioningCommissioning is important for owners because it consists of the analysis of lifecycle costs associated building projects, which include new construction, retrofits, renovations, repairs or modifications. According to Stephen Witek of SEED Engineering (Incline Village, NV), commissioning is a systematic approach to assuring design concepts are whole and worth their investment.Commissioners help clients understand the short and long-term ramifications of each project by calculating project budgets using current and projected future costs, financing charges, immediate and future energy savings, and estimated project paybacks/returns.Commissioning services are available for a variety of engineered building systems, equipment and components. These include mechanical systems, solar and renewable energy engineering, building envelope/partitioning systems, electrical systems, information technology systems and life-safety systems.Resources
Stephen Witek, S.E.E.D Engineering/stephenwitek@seedtahoe.com (530) 277-6435Bill Folkerts, Engineering Economics Inc/ billf@eeiengineers.com (858) 688-1246CA green commissioning guidelines: www.green.ca.gov/CxToolkit/default.htmMaterialsWhen we enter into a building, we are introduced into a unique environment created from a variety of separate materials. EPA studies determine that pollutant levels indoors can be two to 100 times higher than outdoors. Buildings constructed using green materials have superior indoor air quality leading to greater comfort, health and quality of life.Green building/finish materialsStructure
The structure of the building can be created using sustainable, non-toxic materials. These include recycled/sustainably harvested woods, straw bales, SIP's (Structured Insulated Pannels), ICF's (Insulated Concrete Forms), steel and other products that can be cycled cradle-to-cradle.Fencing and Decking
Recycling existing products for decks and fences are always the "greenest" choice, however, some of these are not always available, or of usable quality.Utilizing sustainably harvested, recycled or reclaimed wood products are among the best choices for "greening" a new deck.Other choices for decks and fencing/walls include brick, block or stone choices that have been made/quarried in a sustainable manner.Composite Decks and Railing
Companies like Trex, Yakima Decking and Geo Deck supply composite decking. Composite decking utilizes waste and recycled materials, helping to reduce environmental impact while creating quality products.Indoor Materials
Paints: Several companies now carry low/non-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints, stains and clay and earth plasters.Flooring: Flooring for the green home hosts a variety of options including natural/wool carpeting, cork, bamboo, reclaimed hardwoods, recycled rubber flooring, fly-ash concrete, and more.Cabinets, shelves, and dressers: Products can easily be made from recycled/ previously used products ranging from wood to metals and even heavy cloth. Recycled and reclaimed wood, cork, paperstone, kirei-sorghum, and eco-friendly composite glass/concrete/plastic (vetrazzo) all make beautiful, sustainable cabinets and countertops.Resources
Structural
ICF's: amvic-pacific.comSIP's: betterbuilding.comStrawbales: strawbuilding.orgDeck/Railing
Ecotimber.comTrex.comPaints
Amfsafecoat.comKelly Brothers Painting (530) 581-0806Sherwin-Williams.com (GreenSure products)Americanpridepaint.comAmericanclay.comFlooring/cabinets
jdhoss.com - TruckeeSonsdevelpoment.com - Grass ValleyInterfaceinc.comGreenfloors.comEcowoodscalifornia.comVetrazzo.comLivinggreen.com/greenproductsNevadamax.orgCalmax.org and http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/CalMAX//Sustainable LandscapesRich, diverse, eco-friendly landscapes, whether in mountainous regions or deserts, are becoming the enterprise of choice for residents of homes and businesses everywhere.The ecological, social and economic aspects associated with sustainable landscaping include enhanced scenery, increased biodiversity, generation of fewer pollutants, less run-off, structural protection, and less demands on time, energy, and money than conventional landscapes.Sustainable Design
Combinations of function and feasibility in sustainable landscapes, incorporate property, environmental impact, solar availability, soil type, water reclaimation/delivery, utilization of native/non-invasive plant species, protection from harsh elements, exposure to positive elements, economic feasibility and follow up.Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping refers to landscapes that do not require little or not supplemental irrigation. This practice makes use of plants that are best suited for the area and employs techniques such as natural plant placement, hydrozoning (grouping plants with similar watering needs), and effective mulch use and smart watering. Its benefits include less maintenance, little or no mowing lower water bills, rain-fall advantages, greater chance of drought survival, and increased habitat for butterflies, bees and natural fauna.Resources
LJM Design Group: Residential/Commercial Design www.ljmdesigngroup.com (530)587-6003Organic Compost: Full Circle Compost www.fullcirclecompost (775) 267-5305www.buildingconcerns.comwww.sigba.orgEco-friendly landscaping and gardening helps the environment, the economy and personal health.Plant well.
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