By Brandon Alexander

As most people know, the latest trend in construction is ‘GREEN’ or environmentally friendly buildings. As energy prices continue to soar and global warming attracts more attention, the GREEN construction trend is likely to escalate. The goal of this paper is to provide a brief overview of the benefits of GREEN construction and illustrate how Off-Site Construction & modular buildings complement GREEN construction.

Over the last several years, various GREEN projects have been designed and constructed, therefore customers and contractors are familiar with the concept. Many users are initially interested in obtaining the US Green Building Council’s LEED Certification (usgbc.org/LEED), however there are numerous other tangible benefits which can be obtained by using GREEN construction:

1. Reduction in energy/utility consumption.
2. Use of reclaimed/environmentally conscious materials for sustainable construction.
3. Reduced/easier maintenance.
4. Reduced Energy and Utility Consumption.
5. Energy/utility consumption can be reduced directly and indirectly through improved energy efficiency.

Direct reduction techniques include:

• Rainwater harvesting for use on landscaping.
• Day lighting (large windows, tubular skylights) to decrease the need for artificial lighting.
• Photovoltaic panels for supplemental electricity generation.
• High R value insulation at the building envelope to decrease HVAC loads.
• Operable windows to allow natural ventilation on temperate days.
• Cool roof systems to reduce heat transfer and reduce HVAC loads.
• Door/window HVAC interlocks which shut off HVAC system when doors/windows open for extended periods of time.
• Deciduous shade trees to prevent heat gain during summer months.
• Dual pane windows with low E coating to reduce infrared radiation transfer and HVAC load.
• Cool operating fluorescent bulbs to reduce HVAC loads.
• Indirect energy consumption focuses on using energy/utilities more effectively and reducing waste.

Improvements in efficiency include:

• Energy management systems (motion sensors, timers, programmable thermostats, integrated home systems).
• High efficiency appliances (Energy Star rated) & HVAC systems.
• Dishwashers and clothes washers which consume less water per load.
• Compact fluorescent light bulbs.
• Lighter colors to reflect more light within building.
• Hanging pendant light fixtures combined with high reflectance ceiling covering.

Each aspect has numerous components and can be utilized in conjunction with one another. It is important to keep in mind the prerequisites must be met if LEED certification is the goal. The time required to recover the initial cost depends on size and location of the structure and individual consumption patterns, as well as materials incorporated.

Superior Interior Environment

In addition to reducing energy costs, GREEN construction should also provide a superior interior environment. Materials such as carpet, cabinetry adhesives, paint and other wall coverings with no or low levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) will release less gas and improve the indoor air quality. HVAC systems with noise dampening ducting and isolation systems will reduce the interior noise. Day lighting can also improve the interior quality by boosting the occupant’s mood with natural light.

Use of Sustainable Resources

The use of recycled/reused materials helps to ensure the sustainability of resources. If virgin raw materials are used for every new building project, these materials will eventually be exhausted. As raw materials become scarce, the prices will rise and/or the materials will no longer be available. This trend has already begun as some raw material such as clear heart Redwood is no longer available and must be obtained recycled from existing projects. Recycling/reusing helps ensure that materials will be available for future projects.

Reduced Building Maintenance

The final aspect of GREEN construction is reduced/easier maintenance. Reducing maintenance activities such as painting saves the materials needed but also the waste and environmental impact of the painting such as VOC gas release and water used in cleanup. New, longer lasting materials are now available which need less frequent maintenance. Such materials include cement based exterior siding which does not require painting and recycled composite decking which resembles wood. Other products facilitate repair and replacement such as carpet tiles which allow individual sections to be exchanged without having to replace the entire floor surface. Carpet tiles also reduce waste during the installation process.

Off-Site Construction is GREEN

In parallel to this greater acceptance of GREEN is the growth in the Off-Site Construction process and improved perception of modular buildings. Modular buildings and Off-Site construction are similar but Off-Site Construction commonly refers specifically to permanent buildings verses modular buildings which can be either permanent or re-locatable. Green features are available in all modular buildings but are considerably more common in Off-Site Construction due to the permanent nature. In recent years, Off-Site Construction has advanced and numerous innovations are now available. Such innovations include more efficient production facilities, superior transport systems, creative architectural designs and new engineering technologies providing greater flexibility.

Off-Site Construction merges well with the concept of GREEN construction for a variety of reasons. The centralized construction location allows for much greater reuse and recycling of material as a set collection schedule and policies can be established. Material waste due to weather damage is decreased as the construction process occurs in weather protected facilities. Waste water is easier to control and collect as production facilities are paved and sloped to a collection area. Traffic and air pollution is reduced as workers drive shorter distances to the factory verses traveling to various job sites. As materials for multiple jobs can be purchased in bulk quantities and delivered to a central location, the cost of materials and number of deliveries can be minimized. Off-Site Construction uses the same materials and designs as site built construction allowing for easy incorporation of GREEN materials and designs.

Progressive builders and architects view Off-Site Construction to be an integral part of the GREEN construction movement and the interest in GREEN Off-Site Construction has grown tremendously as GREEN is integrated into more diverse buildings.

Green Modular Home

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By Jennie Kyle

The majority of homes today are built using wood frames, the traditional Building Material and the material of choice for many. However building a wood framed house requires a very carefully designed plan and a construction crew with much experience and skill. Building a home with a wood frame will generally result in a reliable and secure structure, however it is also susceptible to premature failure when small details are left unchecked or is made with a poor quality wood product. Wood frames also have the ability to rot and attract infestation and construction costs associated with building such frames are also a detriment.

Today the home owner has the opportunity to choose from alternative Green Building Materials and make a difference.

Insulated Concrete Forms: These preformed blocks are made with expanded polystyrene (EPS) and metal rebar which can be stacked to build your frame. They are then filled with concrete to create an insulated and exceptionally strong wall!

The Benefits of Building a Home with Insulated Concrete Forms

Ease of Use - These building blocks are very easy to use. They require much less crew and take significantly less time to build than a traditional home

Energy Efficiency - The insulation properties of polystyrene and the high thermal mass of the concrete help to reduce the internal temperature fluctuations to create a more efficient and comfortable indoor environment.

Noise Reduction - Insulated Concrete form walls make an enormous difference in the reduction of noise transmission.

Fire-resistance - This product is highly rated for fire-resistance and has been proven in some products to have a four hour resistance rating!

Strength - These walls are exceptionally strong and can be built to hurricane/seismic standards.

Mildew/Rot - These walls will not support the growth of mildew and mold.

This Alternative Building Material is an excellent home structural choice for those living in areas where their homes are exposed to severe weather such as hurricanes and tornadoes. These blocks are made using concrete which does raise some environmental concerns. Concrete depends on cement and the production of cement is an enormous environmental hazard! However there is now in existence Cement Substitutes which are being implemented into Green Build Design.If you are interested in building a home using these blocks insist that your builder uses a concrete with a high concentration of fly-ash.

Structural Insulated Panels

SIP’s are high performance building panels that are used to form and build walls, floors and roofs both for commercial and residential purposes. They are made by sandwiching foam insulation between Oriented Strand Board (OSB). OSB is an engineered wood product that is formed with wax and resins and compressed.

This building material has all the same benefits of ICF’s however they do not compete with insulated concrete forms for fire resistance although they do meet fire testing standards. So if you are ready to take on the challenge of building your own home, try Building Green and consider your house framing options!

Green Building Material

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By Al Zan

Energy and cost efficiency are two perks of building using Green Architecture and design. At first the cost of Building Green may seem steep compared to a standard home, but the savings on utility bills can compensate handsomely. In Green House Design, electricity is used more efficiently.

Alternative Energy Sources can be used to actually save money. Using Wind Turbines can be one way to create electricity in Green Homes. Solar Panels are an additional way to power electricity in a Green House. With the cost of gas and coal powered utilities soaring, an investment in Green Technologies is likely to offset or even eliminate dependency on these limited resources for those Building A Green House. Installation and materials are the only aspects of solar and Wind Power that cost the builder anything. Both abundant and constantly renewable, the resources of sunlight and wind are free! Building green houses with wind turbines and solar panels can be both environmentally friendly and economical as sources of power.

Another design concept that can be used is the gray water system. Gray Water Systems are more efficient because they use water from one area of household and Recycle it elsewhere in the dwelling. For instance, using a gray water system could allow Green Home residents to collect water used while showering for watering a garden or flushing toilets! Unnecessary water waste is decreased in recycling water throughout the home from day to day. Reducing the carbon footprint of a home and saving money on water utilities are two benefits afforded by using state of the art gray water system technologies.

Building materials used and design of the dwelling are also key factors to consider when building a green house. Recycled or salvaged materials are an option in building a green house. From insulation to roofing and even flooring, it is possible to use recycled or salvaged materials for nearly every surface in green house designs! Recycled and salvaged materials have the double benefit of being both more cost effective and in many cases, more durable than other kinds of building materials. Using locally salvaged building materials can reduce the carbon footprint of a home even more if they are locally obtained. Since it does not require as much energy to manufacture and transport locally salvaged building materials, less pollution is created building a green house.

Different kinds of architecture can be used in building a green house in order to regulate indoor temperatures. Design which increases exposure to sunlight and heat retention is possible with Green Architecture and would benefit those building in cold climates. In warmer climates, a comparable principle of design can be used in building a green house. In warm places, residents can minimize sun exposure and harness naturally cooler biomasses beneath the surface of the Earth. The ways to reduce carbon footprints while saving money are truly endless when building a green house!

Check out this video on Green Houses;

By Thomas B. Chuong

Green home designs are getting popular these days and make use of non toxic and long lasting materials as well as recycling. Green home décor also comprises the use of eco-friendly and reusable furnishings, materials and leftovers.

Generally when green materials are used you try to restore and salvage what you already have. There are many choices available with respect to green flooring also. You can also go in for painting and stenciling without the use of materials containing volatile organic compounds.

Green home designs mostly encompass materials such as bamboo, cork and eucalyptus owing to its earth friendly nature and renewable nature. You can make use of cork safely because there is no destruction of trees during extraction of the cork. You can also go in for hardwood flooring which can last a lifetime. But you have to remember that these woods are not green or eco-friendly and are mostly remnants of rain forest tree growth. While selecting woods you can choose something that has the certification and approval of environmental groups.

You must also pay careful though to the use of glues and finishes used in floor installation as they may have toxic synthetic formaldehyde resins. You can at best use non-toxic low to no VOC sealants apart from polishes, finishes, adhesive products and non-toxic cleaners. This will help you have a healthier environment and better indoor air quality as your home will produce less toxins and will be the best place to reside in.

While making use of green home décor, you can also incorporate many glass windows and wall skylights to allow natural lighting in your home. This will help in providing the green design benefits of avoiding and reducing moisture accumulation in a room and will also help you to conserve energy.

You can also choose from a variety of concrete floorings that come in a range of patterns, textures, colors and polishes. This type of flooring also uses no glue or chemicals and hence is not so harmful to your health.

Green home designs in the kitchen incorporate use of concrete counter tops because of their popularity and natural appeal. These can also impart a modern look and style to your bathrooms kitchen and fireplace. You can also make use of Vertrazzo or recycled glass which is another popular choice for green kitchen counter tops. This material comes in an array of colors and can match your home decor perfectly.

Naturally Cool House Design

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By Kirthy S

Sustainable building has been in vogue, ever since the green building concept came into existence. Green building means resource efficient and environmentally conscious, sustainable design which is usually dependent on three areas such as conservation, energy, resource conservation and indoor air quality. You can also identify which properties will save you funds when it comes to fuel costs and making repairs.

Make important decisions between one property and another with enough awareness on how carefully has the construction taken into account the weight of environmental protection. However, experts are of the opinion that both green building and sustainable building have some difference between them. But, both consider environmental conservation has its prime aim.

You must look at the various factors for having a sustainable housing:

Environmental factors: We need to consider the conservation of environment in order to improve the biodiversity and ecology.

Water: rain water reuse, minimizing and attenuating surface water run-off to prevent flooding and pollution, make use of water efficient appliances.

Energy: high levels of insulation and reduce energy consumption, make use of energy efficient lighting and appliances, building orientation to maximize solar gains and shelter from prevailing winds.

Materials: make use of materials with longer shelf life, but it should be of lesser environmental impact during extraction, manufacture and usage, use of materials which can be reused / recycled, use of locally produced materials to reduce transportation requirements and avoid using non renewable and unsustainable ONES.

Affordability: reduce the cost of ownership - if it isn’t affordable - it cannot be sustainable, flexibility and adaptability to meet the changing needs of present and future occupiers.

Transport: Your house should be close to public transport routes, access to amenities and place of work should be easy or have some space to work from home itself, to reduce your commuting problem.

Health and wellbeing: make use of non toxic materials, with adequate day lighting, ventilation provided. Private outdoor space, green space, ’sense of place’, integration with the surroundings / landscape.

Sustainable Building Principles

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By Cecil Heim

Even though most of us will have the gratification in knowing that we are contributing to the saving of power for our future generations. Most of us are reluctant to install power solutions in our homes. Mostly, it is because we feel that the expense may be too great. To install a power solution is easy and worth the expense, especially when considering the added advantage of savings on our electricity bills this will bring about.

Solar cooker: The solar cooker is a cooking utensil with which you can cook enough food to feed five up to people. And it uses absolutely no electricity. You will be able to boil, roast and even bake whatever you want to prepare. So you need have no fear that you may be restricted in the presentation of a varied menu at the dining table.

The only downside of the solar is that it is not as quick to prepare the food as you are accustomed to with an electric over. But considering the big saving it would have on your electric bill. Not to mention the saving on our limited power. Makes the extra time required negligible.

Solar home lighting: Another great electricity bill savings option. This option uses solar system which converts solar energy into electrical energy. This energy is then stored in solar cells. The result; when you turn on the lights at night. You use the stored power from the cells and not the grid electricity.

Solar heating system: The heating a keeping the geyser water hot in a home uses more electricity then almost all your other electrical needs put together. So, with a solar heating system installed. Not only will you save a bundle on your electrical costs. But also cause a big saving on our natural resources.

Understandably, you may be concerned that by installing solar heating. It may look unsightly on your expensive investment. Or that the installation of the system may be too expensive. You need have no fear. The companies that install solar heating systems do it in such a manner so as to not spoil the aesthetics of your home.

It has been shown that the cost of installing a soar heating system is normally recouped within 3 to 4 years. After this period there are no additional costs involved which in turn means that you are then using free electricity going forward.

A final word; if we apply just one of the above mentioned power solutions at home. We will be contributing to the preservation of our planet’s diminishing natural resources. Also, we would be reducing the personal cost of using those resources.

Solar Powered Green Home

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By Sadhna D

Eco friendly houses are the best choice. These houses are constructed using natural materials. The abrupt climatic changes have given a thought for concern for many. The increasing global temperature is disturbing the whole equilibrium. According to studies, usage of eco-friendly products is known to decrease the harmful effect of poisonous gases.

Eco friendly house also bring about sustainable energy solutions. People opting to construct such houses can use natural materials like wood, solar products, and so on for the construction of home. You can also get the latest eco news about construction of houses by looking online. This will help reduce the harmful impact of global warming, climate change, and so on. Organic, all-natural, or eco-friendly products can also help cut down the excessive expenses involved. The products used will be less wasteful and less toxic than mainstream products.

Green homes for sale can help people interested in buying a green house at a lower rate. It is very easy to get information on such houses online too. In addition to being one of the first, largest, and most respected online resources for green products, we offer advice and information on greening your home. One can be rest assured that all eco-friendly products are non-toxic and guaranteed to be safe for your children, home, and environment.

Using such products will also help save energy on your appliances, go vegan and organic or just live a low-impact lifestyle. One can also find comprehensive and interesting articles on eco friendly houses. Green homes are unique and artistically designed. They make a perfect living space for people who wish to stay in close proximity of nature. Such houses also help cut down unwanted expenses considerably.

These kinds of houses will also help cut down spiraling energy costs and the ever growing concern about global warming. An increasing numbers of householders are turning to greener energy options these days. This will help make a significant contribution to the environment. Installation of natural products will also help lower your household bills and can add significant value to your property. Some of the alternative energy options that can be included are heat pumps, high efficiency boilers, low energy heating systems, solar energy, rainwater harvesters and wind energy. Going in for eco-friendly house has numerous advantages.

Eco Friendly House diagram

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By Sadhna D

Recession has hit every nook and corner of the world. Every sector has been adversely affected by it. Scores of people have lost their jobs and business has taken a backseat. Real estate is no exception to this. It has been observed that the price of property has fell down and is more easily accessible to people. However, it is a mixed reaction. Many of them still feel, the prices remain the same.

This kind of business involves a huge amount of money and substantial amount of risk too. Hence, while dealing in such property related matters, one should exercise utmost caution. You must ensure, you deal with the right person and buy property that is devoid of any legal hassles.

Owning a house is a dream for many. You build house once and must be done to your satisfaction. While constructing your house, you can ensure that you use eco friendly material. Thus, you would be contributing your share for the cause of nature. An eco-friendly home is something, everyone should aspire for. Going green can also help you save money in the long run. Considering the extent of damage done to nature, you can minimize the same by using nature friendly products. Eco friendly awareness is a must for everyone. If we are to save nature, we must do it now. Constructing eco friendly houses would help immensely for this cause.

Many countries have started incorporating this and have brought about some positive change. Everyone must realize that the homes and the products we use to construct should be biodegradable. This will certainly help prevent further climate change. Simple things such as using household products from their usual brands to an eco-friendly product will bring about a change. Moreover, eco friendly products will not cost much and prove beneficial in the long run.

Eco friendly house will certainly bring about an extraordinary change. Using solar panels for the home will not only help save cost of energy but also a substantial amount of money. You can find relevant information regarding this online too. There are numerous sites that provide details regarding the type of products that should be used to construct eco friendly house. This will prove to be extremely helpful to build eco friendly homes. You can get latest news on the issues affecting global warming, climate change, and the latest eco-friendly technology.

Check out more review on Solar Power Green Home Solution

Sustainable Green Architecture

By William Brister

Sustainable architecture is designing buildings keeping in mind environmental goals and sustainable development. The terms green architecture or green buildings are often used interchangeably with sustainable architecture to promote this definition further. In a broader sense and taking into account the pressing economic and political issues, sustainable architecture seeks to reduce the negative environmental impact of the buildings by increasing efficiency and moderation in the utilization of building materials, energy and development space. Similarly, green architecture denotes economical, energy-saving, environmentally-friendly, sustainable development and explores the relationship between architecture and ecology.

In a case strongly promoting sustainable architecture, some experts have laid down certain basic elements that will help us to contribute to this matter further.

Small spaces

Large houses generally use a tremendous amount of energy to heat and cool. They also consume far more building materials which may have their own environmental consequences. In a move to do away with such wastefulness, small houses are now being preferred allowing one to conserve energy and avoid unnecessary depletion of natural resources.

Solar Energy

Nothing can be more comfortable for body and mind than living in a good solar-heated house. If designed ecologically, good passive solar energy provides just enough sunlight into the rooms to be absorbed by the surrounding thermal mass which acts as a heat battery and gives the warmth back into the room when the sun goes down. Crushed volcanic rock and straw bales make for good thermal mass insulation and designs in a green house

Renewable Energy

Among the several ways to conserve fossil fuel and produce electricity are using the natural powers of the sun, wind, or water.

Conserving water

The use of low water capacity toilets, flow restrictors at shower heads and faucet aerators are now being used as a part of sustainable architecture. More radical water conservation approaches include diverting gray water from bathing, clothes washing and bathroom sinks to watering plants; catching rain water from roofs and paved areas for domestic use. Landscaping with drought tolerant plants can also save water.

Using local and natural materials

Nature has been benevolent enough to provide us with several materials to build with, no matter what region you live in. If you use local materials for construction, processing and transporting hassles are minimized thereby also keeping environmental and economic costs low. From both, an aesthetic and health point of view, building with natural materials also helps sustainable development. Natural materials would include stone, glass, lime or mud plasters, adobe or rammed earth, bricks, tiles, untreated wood, cork, paper, reeds, bamboo, canes and grasses as well as all natural fibers. Including plants in your living space can greatly enhance the natural ambiance. Plants not only look nice, but they also release oxygen into the air, and some of them can actually filter some pollutants out of the air.

Saving our forests

While wood is most definitely a renewable source of energy we have gone beyond sustainable harvesting and ruined our eco-systems through deforestation. Wood must be used as little as possible and mainly for decorations. Cull dead trees for structural supports. Use masonry, straw bales; paper crepe, cob, adobe, rocks, bags of volcanic rock, etc., instead of wood. Homes can be made with certified sustainable harvested trees. This means that the forests where the trees are cut down from are carefully monitored to ensure that the health and character of the forest is maintained. Only certain trees are culled periodically, leaving the remaining trees to grow and contribute to a healthy ecosystem.

Durability

One of the important elements of sustainable architecture is durability. If a building doesn’t stand the test of time, it would be a waste of energy, from all perspective, human, resource and economic.

Sustainable Green Architecture

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Executive summary from article By sas_article512

Energy and cost efficiency are two perks of building using green architecture and design. One way in which building a green house is more efficient than building a standard house is in the reduced consumption of electricity.

Alternative energy sources can be used in building a green house. Building green houses with wind turbines and solar panels can be both environmentally friendly and economical as sources of power.

A gray water system is another design concept that can be used in building a green house. For instance, using a gray water system could allow green home residents to collect water used while showering for watering a garden or flushing toilets! Unnecessary water waste is decreased in recycling water throughout the home from day to day. When building a green house, design and building materials are main factors to consider. Recycled or salvaged materials are an option in building a green house. Green house designs can incorporate recycled or salvaged materials for almost every need, including flooring, roofing and even insulation! Locally salvaged building materials are even more beneficial in reducing the carbon footprint of a home. Temperatures within a green house can be regulated by building with different kinds of architecture. In warmer climates, a comparable principle of design can be used in building a green house. The ways to reduce carbon footprints while saving money are truly endless when building a green house!

Building Green Home

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