What Makes a Building Green?
When constructing a home, builders inevitably impact the environment. The Environmental protection Agency estimates that buildings in the US account for 39% of the total energy use, 12 % of the total water consumption, 68 percent of the total electricity consumption, and 38% of the carbon dioxide emissions. Green building incorporates environmental consideration and resource efficiency into every step of the land development through the design, construction, and operations of a home, green building processes to minimize the environmental impact. Starting with lot development through the design , construction, operation of a home, green building requires intentional decisions that positively impact energy and resource efficiency, as well as indoor environmental quality. The goal is to build the best, most sustainable and practical homes we can build for customers and the environment.
What are the Economic Benefits of Green Buildings/Homes?
A green building may cost more up front, but saves through lower operating costs over the life of the building. The green building approach applies a project life cycle cost analysis for determining the appropriate up-front expenditure. This analytical method calculates cost over the useful life of the asset. Even with a tight budget, many green building measures can be incorporated with minimal or zero increased up-front costs and they can have substantial savings.
While energy savings of 10%-15% can be achieved by improving appliances, lighting, and HVAC equipment, there is no doubt that more significant savings must start with improvements to the building envelope, thermal envelope is the most effective and durable approach. This has been proven time and again with the advanced building systems.
The obstacles to adopting new, more energy efficient build methods are very real require additional effort on the part of the homeowner, architect and builder. Improved energy codes and market demand help to move this market along, but a greater incentive is needed to create major transformation. Fortunately, the federal government has provided leadership and offered financial support in way of tax credits and deductions.
Federal Energy Policy Act
In 2005, the Federal Policy Act (EPAct 2005 H.R.6) was signed into law. It created tax incentive for energy efficiency measures in buildings or systems placed in service from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2007. Since this was such a short time frame, Congress extended the ending date by several more years to support further market transformation. Current information is available on the web at www.energytaxincentives.org.
Residential Benefits
Green homes subscribe to whole-house design principals that not only make them more comfortable, but healthier and safer, too. Better insulation, air sealing, indoor air quality, and lighting are just a few reasons why this is true.
Preferred mortgage rates are available locally in some markets depending on local lender interest. Fannie Mae offers an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM), which supports the design, construction, and operation of more energy efficient homes. This requires an energy rating to determine the estimated level of savings. A list of lenders offering the EEM is available at www.fanniemae.com/homebuyers/homepath or www.comlending_limits.cfm
Homeowners will enjoy the savings gained from lower utility bills. Green building, at any level, typically requires energy efficiency above code levels and, while programs vary, this is the most heavily weighted factor.
Making your home a green home does not always mean that you will have to spend money more efficient appliances or new build techniques. There are many tips and information to reduce a homeowner’s energy usage that can be accessed on the web and applied for no little or no additional cost. The link www.fpl.com/residential/electric/fluctuations.shtml will give you tips and information on how one can make there home and lifestyle more energy efficient therefore making your lifestyle and home a greener one.
Give the Certified Green Builders at Bluewater Construction a call to find out more on how to make your next project a Green project.