What is Green?
from
National Association of Home Builders
What goes into a green home?
Green homes incorporate environmental considerations and resource efficiency
into every step of the building and development process to minimize
environmental impact. The design, construction, and operation of a home
must focus on energy and water efficiency, resource efficient building
design and materials, indoor environmental quality, and must take the homes
overall impact on the environment into account. However, many of the
processes and technologies that go into a green home happen behind the
scenes and behind the walls. What can a homebuyer look for?
Look for an NAHB Research Center Certified certificate, the
homeowners guarantee that the home was built according to one of the levels
of green outlines in the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines. The
NAHB Research Center is the sole certifier recognized by NAHBs National
Green Building Program.
Other key components of green home include:
Energy-Efficient Features
Many of the energy-efficient qualities of a green home are easy to spot.
Appliances, windows, and water heating systems will likely have ENERGY STAR
ratings. The home should also include efficient lighting fixtures and
bulbs. Renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic electricity and water
heating systems, further decrease the overall energy consumption within the
home.
Water-Efficient Features
Fixtures and appliances such as low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets,
and ENERGY STAR dishwashers and washing machines all conserve water.
Programmed, low-volume irrigation systems, rainwater collection systems,
wastewater treatment systems, and hot water recirculation systems also save
water.
Resource-Efficient Features
These decisions-from home size, to orientation on the lot, to floor plan
layout-are made in the design of your home and development of the lot. The
house orientation and design should take advantage of natural daylight to
reduce lighting needs, and should use strategies to reduce heat gain in the
summer and heat loss in the winter. The home should contain renewable
materials, including rapidly-renewable wood species such as bamboo, and
recycled-content materials in carpets, tiles, and concrete formulations.
Indoor Air Quality Features
The heating, air conditioning and ventilation system (HVAC) must be
appropriately sized for an efficient and properly ventilated home. Fans in
the kitchen and bathrooms should cycle fresh air inside, and release stale
air. Low-VOC paints and finished and wall papers should be used as well.
Outside the Home
In the green home, care should be taken to preserve trees and other
vegetation native to the area. Landscaping should contain plants that are
appropriate for the climate, and grouped according to water needs.
Driveways and other impervious surfaces should be reduced as much as
possible, and may be composed of gravel, permeable log pavers, grids, or
other permeable systems.
Benefits for Homeowners
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