Going Green

What does “going green” in housingmean? Going green is a term used in construction, designing and building to minimize waste, improve a building’s efficiency in terms of energy and water use, use sustainable or recycled products and protect indoor air quality. The North Carolina Green Building Technology Database defines green building as high performance building or sustainable building. It means that energy, water and materials are used efficiently during the construction and lifetime of the structure; the health and productivity of occupants are supported; and the impact on the local and global environment is minimized.

The National Association of Home Builders documents that 97,000 homes have been built and certified by voluntary green building programs around the country since the mid-1990s. This represents a 50 percent increase from the group’s 2004 survey. Regarding the stagnant housing market across most of the country, a spokesman for the National Association of Realtors says he believes green features may help homeowners stand out in the competition of the home sales market.

Benefits of Green Building Environmental Benefits

  • Enhance and protect ecosystems and biodiversity
  • Improve air quality
  • Reduce solid waste
  • Conserve natural resources Economic Benefits
  • Reduce operating costs
  • Enhance asset value and profits
  • Improve employee productivity and satisfaction
  • Optimize life-cycle economic performance Health and Community Benefits
  • Improve air, thermal and acoustic environments
  • Enhance occupant comfort and health
  • Minimize strain of local infrastructure
  • Contribute to overall quality of life.

Cooperative Extension Centers have information from the E-Conservation Program that can help save money, reduce pollution and protect the environment and natural resources. For additional information visit www.e-conservation.net.

Another excellent resource is the North Carolina Solar Center on the campus of NC State University (www.ncsc.ncsu.edu). The Solar Center was created in 1988 to serve as a clearinghouse for solar and other renewable energy programs, information, research, technical assistance and training for the citizens of North Carolina and beyond. The Solar Center is one of the premier renewable energy centers in the United States.

For specific guidelines on certified green houses or for improvements to consider, request the NC Green Builder Program Guidelines from http://www.ncgreenbuilding.org. This database includes single family residences across North Carolina that are examples of the technology used in the project.

Even if you are not building or remodeling, you can make small changes at home that will benefit the environment. Select new appliances that have the Energy Star Label. As you replace light bulbs select compact fluorescent bulbs. Consider heating and cooling strategies such as exterior-mounted sunscreens, operable insulated window coverings or operable awnings. These are just a few of many available ideas to make your home more “green.”

 

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