Let's
Talk...
I'm
hearing a lot recently about 'green' building. My husband and I
are looking at land to build on in the county. What should we consider
if we want to build green?
First,
look for a builder who has some experience with 'green' building,
preferably one who is certified as a 'Green Builder' and will build
to certification standards of either the National Association of
Home Builders or the USGB's LEED standards.
Your
local Home Builders Association or Chapter of the USGB can give
you references on a builder.
Then:
Start with your site: It's important to integrate your building
plans with the land:
Look at:
Present & future growth patterns of the area.
Potential impact on wildlife & environment.
Consider
the orientation of your potential lot and (if in a development)
the design of the development:
Look at:
The topography of the lot (&/or land parcel).
Plans for preservation of mature trees.
Climatory factors: seasonal solar "sun track" & prevailing
winds that would affect your lot.
What will be available for you in terms of water, septic systems,
infrastructure considerations.
Regulatory & zoning requirements. (Lacking such, are there Covenants
to assure that the area will remain as you are purchasing it?
What are your needs, priorities & goals for your projected living
(&/or work) spaces?
If
in a development:
Look at:
Setbacks & street width: do they encourage "clustering"
to enhance preservation of landscape, "green spaces" &
wild life habitat?
Efficient use of infrastructure. (Shared wells, possibly?)
What plans for stormwater control?
Are they planning for & encouraging community "gathering
places"?
Connecting paths & walkways in neighborhood encourage community
interaction & reduce dependency on fossil-burning transportation.
"Mixed-use" neighborhoods encourage community & reduce
dependence on excessive transportation.
Considerations
for your home:
Look at:
The existing contour of the land & shape of your lot.
Aesthetic considerations: your view of & from the home.
Work around & retain mature trees whenever possible.
Site & design your home for prevailing breezes & annual
"sun track".
Create a plan with your builder to reduce building site waste during
construction.· Does he/she plan to utilize efficient design
& framing techniques?
Look at your life patterns & family needs, priorities, goals.
Integrate the interior and exterior living spaces.
Landscape design: utilize regionally hardy plantings with low need
for water.
Create a rain water collection system to assist with landscaping
water needs.
Consider use of passive &/or active solar & wind power as
an adjunct to conventional energy sources whenever possible.
Determine the most efficient & cost-effective heating &
cooling systems for local climate.
Use efficient & non-toxic insulation.
Consider the most effective air-handling systems that will include
substantial reduction in indoor humidity.
Use high efficiency windows & HVAC.
High efficiency appliances. (Energy Star Rated)
Improve your indoor air quality with non-toxic materials, paints
& finishes.
Use renewable, durable, & low or no-maintenance materials: siding,
roofing, framing, sheathing, flooring.
Use design & building techniques to reduce access to termites
& pests so you can avoid excessive use of chemicals later.
It
does not need to cost a lot more to build "green" and
the savings you will find on energy bills, plus the comfort level
of the home, possibly even savings in health costs due to improved
indoor air quality, should be significant.
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