Approachable green building for the places you go
Green Building FAQ
Q. What kinds of things make a “green” building different?
A. A green building is characterized by its efficient use of energy, water and materials, and its reduced impact on our health and environment through design, better site selection, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal of waste. This can be achieved by better sealing the building, monitoring levels within the building and using sustainable resources in many different ways.
Q. We would like to build green but have heard that green buildings are ugly. Is this true?
A. Many think the only way to build green is to fill your roof with solar panels or stick a windmill in your front yard. This is not the case at all. There are several ways to make your home or business environmentally friendly on a variety of levels without the space lab look.
Q. Is green building expensive? A. Most green building practices can be incorporated into a residential or commercial project with little or no cost increase. When you factor in the energy savings and the life cycle of green products, it is actually less expensive. |
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Q. Is green building only for new commercial and residential property? A. Green building practices work extremely well in remodeling and renovation projects, no matter the size or complexity. Incorporating low-flow fixtures, high-performance lighting and using recycled or renewable materials are a few examples of green principles that can be incorporated into a remodeling project. Q. How can consumers compare green homes? A. One of the biggest challenges to homeowners purchasing a green home is comparing one home to another. Anyone can say a home is “green” but how do they know for sure that it is? LEED certification is something that consumers can look for to identify a truly green home. LEED certified homes have been inspected by a third party group that evaluates properties to ensure they perform better than a conventional home. LEED certification is a great way to know the home you are purchasing is operating at the level it is supposed to. |
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Q. I have heard claims of 80% reduction in energy bills by just installing new windows. Is this true? A. Windows, no matter how good they are, cannot reduce your energy bill that much. High-performance windows can reduce your heating and cooling bill by 20 to 25%, but not 80%. However, a combination of high-performance products could reduce your payments even beyond that 25%! If you are considering a remodel, hire a reputable contractor that is versed in energy efficient building. They can help you make decisions that will give you the best return on your investment. |
