Building Green
“Building Green” is a term that everyone is talking about, but what does it really mean? Green building strategy strives to achieve maximum energy efficiency. Unfortunately, building tight, heavily insulated structures can lead to moisture problems, mold, durability issues and poor indoor air quality. A good green building strategy must address all of these issues. Achieving efficiency without creating these problems requires a thorough knowledge of building science. Building Green also means selecting materials that have the highest recycled content or that are derived from renewable resources.
Why Build Green?
- Promotes responsible use of limited energy and water resources.
- Reduces carbon foot print and pollution.
- Preserves resources for future generations.
- Reduces long-term operating costs for energy.
- Reduces long-term maintenance costs.
- Promotes sustainability
- Creates a healthy, comfortable, quiet, safe and economical living environment for the occupants.
Keys for Success — Building Green
The success of a Green project is dependent on several items:
- Understanding of Building Science principles
- Understanding that a building is a system made up of multiple, interacting systems.
- Selection of an informed architect who understands and buys into integrated subsystems approach.
- Selection of a general contractor who is informed and motivated to understand and carry out the desires of the architect. He needs to provide a second set of trained eyes for the architect.
- Selection of key subcontractors who understand the concepts and are willing to deviate from standard industry practice where necessary to maintain the integrity of the job.
- Willingness on the part of all parties to pay attention to small details.
- Teamwork is essential.