Brick by Brick: A Guide to Basic Green Building
(Page 3 of 4)
July/August 2007
By Miriam Landman
Windows: Innovative window technologies such as reflective glass, low-emissivity (low-E) coatings, frame type, and insulating gases help improve windows’ energy performance. Look for the most efficient Energy Star rating.
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BETTER BUILDING PRACTICES
Envelope Efficiency: If you have an old or drafty home, hire a home performance contractor or experienced HVAC contractor to inspect your home and seal gaps where air can leak out around the ducts, structure or insulation. Fixing air leaks can save more energy and money than installing a high-efficiency furnace.
Indoor Air Quality: During construction, protect building materials from moisture and dust, and keep ducts sealed. Wait to install any absorptive materials and finishes, such as carpet or upholstered furniture, until all adhesives and sealants have dried and the house has been adequately cleaned, vacuumed and ventilated with outside air.
Efficient Wood Use: If you’re building a new wood-frame home or an addition, hire a contractor who uses “advanced framing” techniques, or “optimum value engineering” in which studs are spaced 24 inches on center instead of 16 inches on center to reduce wood waste.
Recycling and Reuse: Recycle, salvage or donate all eligible scrap and waste materials from the construction, demolition or remodeling process to minimize what’s dumped into the landfill (for a complete guide to salvaging deconstruction materials, see the article “Defeat Debris” from our May/June 2007 issue, available at www.NaturalHomeMagazine.com).
Before you build
If you’re building (or buying) a new home, consider these big-picture, big-impact decisions during the early planning stages.
■ New or “pre-owned”? Consider buying an existing home rather than building a brand new one. If you’re thinking about tearing down a house to build a new one, consider renovating it instead. If a home is beyond repair and must be demolished, see if you can rebuild on its current foundation, and deconstruct it carefully so you can salvage and reuse materials.
■ Where Is It located? Bear in mind that you’ll save resources, gas, money and driving time if you build or buy a house in an already-developed area (with infrastructure). Choose a location that’s close to transit, workplaces, shops and schools, rather than an undeveloped area that’s far from your workplace.