House Plans Blog - The Many Shades of “Green”

With so much information available about green building, it can be difficult to decide which ideas are best. Many consumers still hold onto the mistaken belief that building a “green” or sustainable home has to be costly and time-consuming. The degree of “greenness” in a new home can vary greatly depending on your choices. Small changes can make a big impact, such as changing the type of light bulbs used in fixtures and lamps, lowering energy bills. Taking the level of sustainability much further, advances in technology have made it possible for a home to generate its own energy with geothermal heat pumps.

Many times, paying a little more for energy efficient selections — such as Energy Star-rated appliances, tankless water heaters, low-e windows and upgraded insulation — can save money over time. In addition, you are being kinder to the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Energy Star saved $12 billion on power costs last year in the United States alone!

Making green choices isn’t just good for the environment—it’s good for homeowners too. Because mold can grow in homes and toxic paints and finishes may cover the walls, the air quality inside the average home has been found to be 2-5 times more polluted when compared to outdoor air, according to EPA research. Ensuring that the exterior walls of the house are wrapped properly can help prevent mold as well as reduce costly air leaks. Many paints and finishes used inside the home can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs have been linked to asthma attacks, kidney and liver disease and cancer. By choosing paints and finishes that are low- or no-VOC, homeowners can prevent these dangerous toxins from polluting the air within their home. As the demand for these products increases, more and more choices become available, making it easier for consumers to make the healthiest/greenest choice.

Homeowners can choose to start small or go big with green options – either way, every little bit counts in preserving the environment for future generations. For your convenience, we have created a collection of articles and resources about the green building movement and how you can incorporate these ideas in your next home building project.

For more information about all things green, check back often for new blog articles posted in our Green Home Building category.

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