| |
Top 10 Reasons to Build Green
- More money in the bank
Green buildings save on operating costs because of more energy efficient appliances, lighting and water heaters, and use natural daylight techniques to reduce the use of artificial lighting. There are also several green practices that save money on construction costs.
- Lower home mortgage / home equity rates
Many leading institutions offer lower rates on green home building and home equity loans for green remodels.
- Better resale value
A green home has an average resale value of 10% higher than that of a conventionally built home.
- Better indoor air quality
Using low VOC and low or non-toxic building materials, paints, caulks and finishes can reduce toxins and off-gassing associated with conventional materials. HVAC systems can be designed to increase indoor air quality. Improving indoor air quality can be very helpful for people who are sensitive to allergens or suffering from asthma.
|
- Saving old growth forests
Green building practices use rapidly renewable materials such as bamboo, cork and strawboard that are grown and harvested in a sustainable way. Engineered lumber products use smaller pieces of faster growing species of wood to obtain the same sizes and higher strengths than lumber taken from old growth forests.
- More free time
Green building practices use materials that require less work and resources to maintain. For example, durable materials such as slate, tile and stone last longer and need replacement less often. Siding, decking and trim pieces made from plastic or composite materials need very little maintenance and last much longer than conventional exterior products.
- Less trash
Green builders recycle as much of their building material as possible, such as lumber, drywall, concrete and cardboard packaging. We also incorporate products that use recycled material in them. All of this reduces the waste that reaches our landfills.
|
- Loss of that drafty feel
Green buildings are sealed much better than conventional buildings. Sealing around windows, doors and light boxes and creating a properly installed weather barrier greatly reduce the amount of unwanted outside air that enters a home.
- Healthier wetlands and water bodies
Green building principles utilize plants that are drought tolerant and use less lawn in a landscaped area. Using porous paving materials allows storm water to seep into the ground, and strict erosion control measures are taken during construction to reduce runoff. All of these measures help keep sediment that destroys aquatic habitats out of our rivers and lakes.
|
- Showing support for innovation and economic development
By building green, you support the companies that design and produce the materials that make our homes more energy efficient and less harmful to the environment, creating new jobs and opportunities as this innovation grows!
|
|
|
