"Making it easy to do the
right thing.."
Green
Building aims to create structures that are durable,
environmentally friendly, and comfortable. It should take into
account the complete system including energy and resources used in
extraction, manufacturing, maintenance and use of the structure, and the
re-use and disposal of all materials involved.
There are many design factors and alternative
materials available that contribute to more sustainable construction for
the long term good of our planet and the future generations who will
inhabit it. The following are some of the guidelines and
alternatives we are using at Green Builders of Marin to further our goal to
create more energy and resource-efficient, healthy homes and commercial
buildings.
I.
Resource Efficiency and Benefits:
A.
Avoid the use of products from endangered or threatened tree
species, substituting, where possible–
1) Glu-lams,
paralams and engineered beams and trim are more durable, better quality
and less expensive.
2) Certified, sustainable-yield
lumber promotes the safety of our forests.
3) Cement fiber shakes and
siding are longer lasting, lower maintenance and fire resistant.
4) Plastic lumber for
decking is maintenance free and longer lasting than redwood or cedar.
5) Recycled lumber
has less knots and helps to save the forests and landfills.
B.
Substitute Fly-ash for cement (up to 50%) in concrete to re-use
waste products and reduce pollution, and get a stronger end product.
C.
Durability – Avoid products with short term life spans (unless
they are made from low-impact, renewable materials and are recyclable)
D.
Recycle and reuse materials where practical
E.
Recycle aluminum windows and door frames
F.
Recycling containers on all jobsites
II. Energy
Efficiency Benefits:
A. Passive solar with thermal mass uses natural
heating and reduces energy use and pollution
B.
Day-lighting:
Use of skylights and solar tubes
C.
Radiant heat in floors not only
saves energy but is more
comfortable and healthier
D.
Energy-efficient appliances
E.
Compact fluorescent lamps on front exterior lights and interior where lighting is used more than 45 min./day
F.
Use of operable windows to optimize air flow reduces need for mechanical
cooling;
G. High-efficiency fireplaces cut heating bills and pollution
H.
Solar heating for hot water
I.
Photovoltaic reduces energy use and offers an emergency backup system
III. Healthy
Building Benefits:
A.
Avoid the use of vinyl ( PVC, carpets and wall coverings) to
improve indoor air quality.
B.
Avoid the use of pressure-treated lumber containing arsenic – substitute ACQ
pressure-treated lumber.
C.
Avoid use of materials with formaldehyde in glues – specify OSB with MDI binder
for healthier air.
D. Use non-toxic paints
for better indoor air.
These are some of the primary suggestions we
offer at Green Builders of Marin for our clients. The Green Building
Industry is evolving, and new materials and practices are continually
being discovered. We are committed to moving forward in our
understanding and implementation of this new information in our
business. Our customers benefit from healthier, more comfortable
homes, reduced energy bills, and a sense of pride in knowing that they are
contributing to the future of the planet by responsibly using the
Earth's resources. We are proud to introduce you to a new way of looking
at your home and the impact you are making on the planet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does resource efficiency mean?
Making
the most efficient use of our resources is making the most of what we've
got. OSB and engineered wood use smaller trees to do the same job as
twice as much lumber from rough sawn timbers. By using recycled
materials, you are benefiting through a great product while giving
materials a second useful life.
Why is it important to "buy
recycled"?
You are
probably recycling your glass, aluminum and plastics, but do you ever
wonder where they go? The plastic bags you get at the grocery store
are recycled with wood chips into Trex, low-maintenance decking -
something considerably more valuable and with a longer useful life than a
throw-away bag. So, by buying recycled materials, you 'close the
loop' and create a market for your own recycled materials and keep them
out of the landfill.
Is it more expensive?
Rarely. More often, green building materials are longer lasting
products, saving you money by lowering maintenance costs.
