Make Sure You Build a Green Home

Home building needs to undergo a process of technological substitution and rethinking to become more environmentally sensitive and sustainable. In a green housing project, much inefficiency are addressed and overcome, so your home becomes part of the solution. The building industry is acting to incorporate the growing knowledge of green buildings into housing products and services, but consumer demand plays an important role in getting these better products to market. When you interview a builder, ask what green building methods and materials are used.

The directional orientation or placement of your home to a site is a good way to start. Twenty degrees in either direction from true south with lots of south facing windows. This coupled with calculated overhangs don't really cost you anymore, in most cases. Incorporating a gray-water system to water your plants is a very simple task for a plumber, with the right design. If your builder looks for materials that are locally produced, you participate in avoiding trucking materials. Saves polution, energy and promotes the local economy. There are many manufacturers on board that see into the future such as 3M, Dupont, Amoco, Trane, E-Crete, and others that recognize the market value of environmentally sound products. These products need to be specified when doing any construction whether it is a new home or a remodel. Your builder may not realize all that is available to him. This is one of the most common problems throughout our community. Most builders use methods and materials that are tried and true to them. It is our duty as consumers and the guardians of our planet to request the alternative. We need to raise the bar of consciousness and demand sensible products and methods. it is our duty as privileged people to get the knowledge to the builder . This will spark the local industry and accelerate a wave of interest. Be proactive.