What Is Green Building?
Green building incorporates several considerations into every phase of construction, from siting, design, building, and operation, for a structure to be energy efficient, have good indoor air quality, and have low impact on resources for good earth stewardship.
According to Wikipedia, it is the practice of increasing the efficiency of buildings and their use of energy, water, and materials, and reducing building impacts on human health and the environment, through better siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal %u2014 the complete building life cycle.(Wikipedia)
Design
Good green building design encompasses the most efficient usage of lighting, energy and materials in order to reduce building impact upon the environment. Solar lighting is utilized where appropriate to maximize use of daylight lighting in both residential and commercial buildings. Rainwater recapture, low VOC paints, dual flush toilets, recycled glass countertops and vanities are just a few of the elements incorporated into into Green Buildings in the Houston Texas and surrounding areas.
Construction
Determining optimal site layout helps reduce energy usage by taking into consideration direction of sunlight and airflow. Durable and sustainable products such as insulated concrete form construction, engineered wood, and incorporation of energy efficient appliances like tankless heaters and hi-velocity HVAC are examples of products that can be integrated during the construction phase.
Materials
Clients can choose from a variety of sustainable materials such as cork, marmoleum, or bamboo. Insulated concrete forms, clay roofing systems, high-efficiency and toxin free insulation, double-pane windows, solar window film, and recycled materials all complement the green building process and contribute to environmentally friendly design and construction.
Cost
If designed properly, buying %u201Cgreen%u201D should not cost more than a comparable residential or commercial design. Energy savings recouped from green design will offset any increased cost in product or design. Going %u201Cgreen%u201D does not necessarily mean spending more green!
