What is Green Building? Sustainable or “green building” design and construction is the opportunity to use our resources more efficiently, while creating healthier and more energy-efficient homes. Look at it from any perspective – barrels of oil not burned; kilowatts of power conserved; litres of water, unwasted; the release of tonnes and tonnes of greenhouse gases prevented; tens of thousands of dollars saved.
That’s what green building is - sound, proven building science, better products, sustainable choices all used to create better built homes that deliver measurable environmental and financial benefits… right now.
What is Energy Star?
Introduced in 1992, the ENERGY STAR symbol was first used in the United States as an indicator of energy efficiency for computers and monitors. The program proved to be so popular that it was expanded to include a host of specifications for office equipment. Today, the symbol can be found on almost 40 types of products."
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ENERGY STAR is now embraced by Australia, Canada, the European Union, Japan, New Zealand and Taiwan. Agreements and partnerships between these major global markets make it easier to provide a single set of energy efficiency qualifications, instead of patchwork, country-specific requirements.
ENERGY STAR is the international symbol of premium energy efficiency. Products that display the ENERGY STAR symbol have been tested according to prescribed procedures and have been found to meet or exceed higher energy efficiency levels without compromising performance.
As of July 16, 2008, Dennis Jenkins successfully completed the Energy Star Builder Workshop through EnerQuality Corporation. Being certified allows Dennis the opportunity to teach and inform his clients, as well as implement the requirements into your dream.
10 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR BUILDER BEFORE YOU BUY AN ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOME
Any builder can claim to build energy efficient homes. How do I know your homes are truly energy efficient?
Since all builders must meet the requirements of the building code, what makes your homes different from other builders’ homes?
How do your building techniques reflect the latest developments in housing technology?
What steps do you take to improve the energy efficiency of the homes you build?
Can you predict what my energy costs will be?
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What makes your homes more environmentally friendly than others?
Are you licensed by the government to build energy efficient homes?
Do you affix a government-backed energy label to the home?
Do independent, licensed professionals inspect the quality of your homes?
Do you build homes that receive an EnerGuide rating of 80 or higher or its equivalent?
Eco Build Products
Why choose Eco Build Products? Sometimes making the right choice, can be the most challenging of all. Choosing to care about the environment and taking care of how we build and renovate, should be no challenge at all. Now, more than ever, we have the power to lessen our impact on the planet by creating environmentally-sound structures for generations to come.
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As we prepare to design and build our dreams, the most important decisions to be made are on products. In today’s society, the majority of families have two working parents with children involved in extra curricular activities. We want our children to enjoy life and have opportunities to succeed. All of this means one thing…low operating costs and maintenance free!
Green building is as much about design strategy as about selecting green materials. Thinking about how a building works as a system and designing that system to be environmentally-friendly, is a key part of green building. Certain products, particularly those that deal with energy, are not inherently green but can be used in ways that enhance the environmental performance of a building.
For example, a dual-pane, low-E window may not be green in terms of its material components or manufacturing process, but if used strategically it can reduce energy use by maximizing the collection of winter sunlight and blocking out the summer sun. Some design considerations that will help you choose the right materials include building orientation, use patterns, durability, and local availability.
As you work through the design and construction of your dream renovation, addition, or new construction, consider these five basic green building categories to help make the right choices.
Save Energy
Products that either reduce heating and cooling loads, such as building orientation, high-quality windows, and insulation.
Products that use less energy, such as Energy Star-rated appliances, efficient heating and cooling systems and florescent lamps.
Products that produce energy, such as solar electricity generation systems.
Conserve Water
Products that conserve water above and beyond what is required by law, such as dual-flush toilets and under-sink flow restrictors
Products that consume less water, such as native landscaping and drought-tolerant plantings.
Contribute to a Safe, Healthy Indoor Environment
Products that don’t release significant pollutants into the building, such as no-VOC paints, formaldehyde-free cabinets, and non-toxic caulks, sealers and adhesives, CRI Green Label carpets and pads.
Products that block the spread of or remove indoor pollutants, such as duct mastic, effective ventilation equipment, and air and water filters.
Products that warn occupants of health hazards, such as Carbon Monoxide detectors and humidity sensors.
Protect Natural Resources
Products with recycled content, such as carpet, tile, wallboard, and wood replacements made from polystyrene.
Products made from agricultural waste material, such as wheat straw, sunflower stalks, and rice hulls.
Products that reduce material use, such as drywall clips and concrete pigments that turn concrete slabs into finished floors.
Products made from rapidly renewable materials, such as bamboo flooring, natural linoleum, cork and textiles made from wool, sisal, hemp and organic cotton.
Wood products from sustainably managed forests, certified according to the principles of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Salvaged products, such as bricks, lumber and plumbing fixtures.
Reduce Buildings’ Impact on the Community
Products that mitigate the effects of storm water runoff, such as permeable pavers, green roofs and cisterns.
Products that provide easy access to alternative modes of transportation such as bike racks and storage units.
Products that do not require chemical pesticides or treatment, such as plastic lumber, physical termite barriers and native vegetation.
Products that contain no dioxin-producing polyvinylchloride (PVC) or ozone-depleting HCFCs.
