What is ‘Green Construction’?
Sun, Feb 14, 2010
Image: Michal Marcol / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
There is lots of talk about green homes and/or green construction but what does this mean? First, and foremost, is that the house is built to be energy efficient. This would include things like insulation of the house, high efficiency heating and cooling systems, heat recovery ventilators (exhaust air heats incoming air), heating/cooling control systems that are programmable, efficient lighting systems (LED or halogen, motion sensing), efficient appliances etc.
Green construction should also ensure that in-door air quality is high. This is especially important in highly insulated homes that typically have less air exchange with outside fresh air. A hepa (high-efficiency particle arresting) filter system built into the home HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system provides the best air filtering/cleaning available today. Making appropriate choices for construction materials should also be considered – low formaldehyde materials for drywall, floor sheathing and carpet underlayment and low VOC (volatile organic compounds) ratings for interior finishings like paints, stains and tile grout and finishes help ensure internal air quality. Natural floor covering materials like cotton, hemp and bamboo do not give off toxic gases like man-made artificial materials.
Home design can also incorporate many items for green living. During home construction there are things that can be done very cheaply that if done after market would be very expensive and difficult. An example is roughing in car recharging facilities, wind power electric generation hookups, or roof-top solar hookups for photoelectric cells or pipes for solar thermal systems. Accommodating recycling facilities in the kitchen, garage and outside storage for recyclables or composting is best considered at design/construction.
Green homes should consider water supply and usage including dual flush toilets (two flushes one less water and one more water depending on the need!) , tankless water heater, insulated hot water lines and grey water capture and reuse. A green home should consider water runoff. Especially in urban areas water runoff creates a problem for municipal drainage systems and can lead to flooding. Use of water permeable paving materials and disconnecting eaves from storm drains will keep water runoff from entering the municipal water systems. Capturing rain water can create a green friendly supply of water for landscaping use.
The construction method also needs to be considered. For example steps should be taken to protect trees during construction and waste materials during construction should be recycled whenever possible. Construction materials should be sourced locally wherever possible and there are some really innovative new products available such as straw bales for walls, milk based paints, and sustainable harvested wood sources. Insulated concrete form systems add insulating value and reduce the amount of material required for structural walls and foundations. Also, many materials are now available with partial or completely post consumer recycled content including: drywall, external siding, interior doors, hardwood flooring choices are available from environmentally friendly wood sources such as bamboo or cork.
Checkout http://builtgreencanada.ca for detailed standards information.
Tags: air quality, construction, energy, green construction, green home, green ideas, green ideas today, hepa filter, Recycling, solar power, urban water runoff, wind power
Howyadoin’?
This is like my morning coffee, I mean your website, I’ve been an ignorant on so many topics but thanks to you I learned much. Umbeliveble how I believe something and then I discover that the reality is totally different. Your articles are great to say the least. I love, love, love your blog! I love the way you write your articles by the way, you’ve done an excellent job with your website!
See You!
That is very intriguing. It gave me several ideas and I’ll be placing them on my blog shortly. I’m bookmarking your blog and I’ll be back. Thank you again!
I like the blog, but could not find how to subscribe to receive the updates by email. Can you please let me know?
Morning
I have a different view on this and I really hoped I had the time right now. I’ll go right now and subscribe and when I have a chance I’ll leave a reply. Fantastic website by the way. I’m trying to get one going but my programming friend is slacking off on me. Many thanks for your post – Joy. See You!
Thanks for the info… i’ll put it to good use
Do you plan to keep this site updated? I sure hope so… its great!
Hello,I love reading through your blog, I wanted to leave a little comment to support you and wish you a good continuation. Wishing you the best of luck for all your blogging efforts.
I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely enjoyed every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post.
It’s refreshing to see someone very chuffed about what they do. If only I had your writing aptitude. I look forward to more updates and will be returning.Thanks!
How often do you write your blogs? I enjoy them a lot
Very nice information.
Can you provide more information on this? take care
I found your blog on google and read a few of your other posts. I just added you to my Google News Reader. Keep up the good work Look forward to reading more from you in the future.
I must say that by and large I am really happy with this web site.After reading your post I can tell you are educated about your writing. Looking forward to future posts.Thanks!
Hi, I applaud your blog for informing people, very interesting article, keep up it coming
thanks !! very helpful post!
Extremely interesting blog post thanks for sharing I just added your blog to my bookmarks and will be back
By the way this is off subject but I really like your blogs layout.
thanks !! very helpful post!
Hi, Thank you so much for contributing to the community. It’s always nice to get conversation going and links from others interested in the same things. I dont really find all that much on green construction in a format that a regular “joe” like me can actually digest !
Awesome post! Interesting info to know
^_^ cool blog man. I hope you guys find some time to write some more stuff… i know it can be tough starting off !