Green Building
What is "green building"?
Green building is a whole systems approach to the design, construction and operation of buildings that saves energy and uses sustainable materials. Green building practices can be incorporated into existing homes as well as new construction projects.
What are some methods that are used for building a new green home?
There are a growing number of techniques being implemented for use in building new structures. They include styles such as:
Earth Advantage - Designed to use less energy and fewer resources than most new homes, Earth Advantage assists homebuilders and homeowners in creating an inviting and efficient home. www.earthadvantage.com/about/whatmakes.asp
Straw Bale Straw Bale construction utilizes straw bales that are compressed and lashed together. These bales form the structural elements or insulation for a new home. The bales are then covered in stucco for the finishing touch. www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/strawbale.html
Cob Cob construction utilizes a mud mixture that consists of sand, clay, and straw. This mud is then applied to the foundation in continuing layers. Cob is thick, providing good insulation, and easily shaped and molded to form a uniquely designed home. www.cobcottage.com/questions
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) These blocks are made out of a combination of cement and post-consumer recycled polystyrene (Styrofoam). The polystyrene is molded into hollow blocks and filled with cement, creating a lightweight frame that can be used for most types of walls. http://rastra.net/rastracom/web-site/_news/news_5.htm
Earthship The earthship is a concept that incorporates the surrounding world. It utilizes rammed earth construction literally ramming dirt into old tires, aluminum cans, or glass bottles. Gray water re-usal systems and passive solar heating are just some of the elements incorporated into an earthship. www.earthship.com/learn/what_is.php
What are some of the renewable energy source options that can be used in the Central Oregon area?
Alternative energy sources include solar PV panels, solar water heaters, small wind power generators, mini hydroelectric power generators, geothermal energy (in the Klamath Falls area, geothermal heat is used for water heating). Green power, including wind, solar, biomass, and biofuels such as methane gas can also be purchased from local power companies at a slightly higher rate than standard electricity. For more information about renewable energy sources in the Central Oregon area, please visit the Alternative Energy FAQ on this site.
What are some of the techniques that are used to make buildings more energy efficient?
Some ways of making buildings energy efficient are: Making sure the insulation quality is high, orienting the building with the landscape to ensure best sun exposure in the winter in cold climates and least sun exposure in the summer in hot climates, consciously planning which ways the largest windows are facing, the use of skylight windows, the use of large awnings and overhangs for shade. For more information about more ways buildings can be designed to use as little energy as possible, please visit the following organizations' websites:
www.Sustainable.doe.gov/building/gbprogrm.shtml.
Are there any certification programs that classify buildings as being more earth friendly?
Yes, the most common certification programs are Energy Star, Earth Advantage and LEED. There are several builders in Central Oregon that are certified Earth Advantage and/or Energy Star builders. Currently there is no LEED certification available for residential homes, but a program is under development. The Building Green Council of Central Oregon, a project of 3EStrategies is a local resource for understanding green building certifications and to locate certified builders. Or, visit the Building Services section of our Green Purchasing Directory.
Here are some general characteristics of each of these three programs:
ENERGY STAR qualified homes are independently verified to be at least 30% more energy efficient than homes built to the 1993 national Model Energy Code or 15% more efficient than state energy code, whichever is more rigorous. These savings are based on heating, cooling, and hot water energy use and are typically achieved through a combination of:
- Building envelope upgrades
- High performance windows
- Controlled air infiltration
- Upgraded heating and air conditioning systems
- Tight duct systems
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Upgraded water-heating equipment.
ENERGY STAR also encourages the use of energy-efficient lighting and appliances, as well as features designed to improve indoor air quality.
http://www.energystarhomes.com/At minimum, an EARTH ADVANTAGE home is designed to improve energy efficiency by 15 percent over a conventionally built home. The incorporation of products such as energy-efficient windows, appliances, mechanical systems and light fixtures can add up to lower energy usage and greater comfort year round. Earth Advantage focuses on:
- Indoor air quality
- Environmental responsibility
- Resource efficiency
888-EARTH33 (888-327-8433).
http://www.earthadvantage.com/homes/about/whatmakes.aspThe LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System® is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. Members of the U.S. Green Building Council representing all segments of the building industry developed LEED and continue to contribute to its evolution. LEED was created to:
- Define "green building" by establishing a common standard of measurement
- Promote integrated, whole-building design practices
- Recognize environmental leadership in the building industry
- Stimulate green competition
- Raise consumer awareness of green building benefits
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Transform the building market
For questions about LEED-H, please call the USGBC at 202-828-7422 or e-mail leedinfo@usgbc.org.
http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CategoryID=19
