Brick by Brick: A Guide to Basic Green Building
(Page 2 of 4)
July/August 2007
By Miriam Landman
Reclaimed Materials: Identify and reuse salvaged or reclaimed materials (doors, furniture, brick, stone castoffs, wooden boards, windows, hardware).
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Local Materials: Use regional, local and onsite materials rather than ones that are extracted and manufactured far away and will be transported thousands of miles.
Insulation: Improving your home’s insulation is one of the easiest ways to enhance your home’s energy efficiency. If you’re building, install plenty of insulation and select a product with an R-value (thermal performance) that’s appropriate for your home and climate. Find a guide to the best insulation for your home at www.EnergyStar.gov. Make sure to find insulation that is formaldehyde free and/or has recycled content.
Roof: If you’re putting on a new roof and you live in a region with hot summers, choose a light-colored, Energy Star–labeled roof to keep your house cooler.
ENERGY AND WATER
Light Bulbs: Buy energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) or light-emitting diodes (LEDs); select those labeled “long life” and “low mercury.”
Water Fixtures: Select low-flow fixtures such as faucets and showerheads that deliver less than 2.5 gpm (gallons per minute); ultra-low-flow toilets that use less than 1.3 gallons per flush; or dual-flush toilets, which allow you to decide how much water is used for each flush.
Appliances: Choose appliances, particularly refrigerators, with the most efficient Energy Star ratings. Also look for water-efficient dishwashers and front-loading washing machines. Some local utilities provide rebates for energy- or water-efficient appliance upgrades. Federal and state governments also offer tax credits (find a list at www.EnergyStar.gov).
Cooling Systems: If you’re adding or replacing an air conditioning system, first consider installing ceiling fans or a whole-house fan as well as deep roof overhangs, opaque window coverings or other shading devices, including shade trees. In most regions, using a combination of these strategies keeps a house comfortably cool even on hot days, eliminating the need to pay for expensive, conditioned air.
Furnace: Get the smallest unit possible to meet your household’s heating needs. Have a certified heating contractor determine sufficient furnace size for your home; this involves a heat-loss/heat-gain calculation that accounts for your insulation.