It has become quite popular to speak about "green" building, but what exactly do we mean. I was reading an article in Realty Times this morning wich gave a good overview of the factors which make up green building design.
According to the article a green home should have the following features:
- Natural Light – in order to reduce energy used for lighting
- Shading – screens, awnings and trees on the southern and western exposures to block the summer sun
- Dual-glaze windows – keep heat in during winter and heat outside in the summer
- Roof reflectivity or a landscaped roof to lessen heat absorption
- Green building materials
1. Non-toxic materials (low-VOC paint and finishes)
2. Sub-flooring made of strawboard
3. Renewable wood products
4. Materials made from recycled content
5. Non-toxic insulation with a high R factor
6. Energy Star rated HVAC systems and appliances
7. Drought tolerant landscaping and native plants
While many of these systems and supplies may be more expensive initially they will often pay for themselves over time.
Click here to read the entire article.
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