What is a Green Home?

There is no exact definition for a green home, but the U.S. Green Building Council has defined it as: “A green home uses less energy, water, and natural resources; creates less waste; and is healthier for the people living inside.”

There are some key characteristics that make a green home very appealing.

A high-performance home:

1. Uses building materials efficiently - according to the EPA, U.S. buildings account for 160 million tons per year in building related construction and demolition debris. Wood provides one of the greatest opportunities to improve the efficient use of building materials. Green builders use advanced framing and other OVE (optimum value engineering) techniques to only use what is necessary to cause less waste.

2. Conserves energy - the EPA estimates that U.S. accounted for 72% of electricity consumption in 2006, 51% of this was for residential sector and 49% for commercial. It is not a surprise to hear complaints from Texas homeowners living in a 2,000 square foot house and paying energy bills as high as $400 to $500 per month during the Texas summer months. Green building construction and sealing techniques coupled with energy-efficient equipment makes a high-performance home perform very efficiently.

3. Conserves water - the EPA estimates that about 200 gallons per day are wasted from leaky toilets! Local municipalities are encouraging, and some even offer incentives, for homeowners to replace older toilets. Green homes include plumbing fixtures that use less water.

4. Offers greater indoor air quality - this is a huge plus of homes that are built right! Homeowners of high-performance homes enjoy a less dusty house and cleaner indoor air that results in health benefits for its occupants.

5. Provides greater comfort levels - this is what one of my customers for whom I built their home comments: “We understood the benefits of the foam insulation and the theory of creating an airtight house envelope. What we are enjoying most, beyond our expectations, is the quietness and temperature stability of our home.”

6. Requires Lower maintenance - a high-performance home requires less maintenance. They are more durable because the products used to build it are mold, water and rot-resistant.

7. Is less stressful on the environment - because it produces less greenhouse emissions into the atmosphere.

8. Feels different - all homeowners of high-performance homes comment how comfortable, homey, and natural these kinds of homes feel. They seem to cause some type of spiritual and emotional connection with nature.

Let me know how this helped you! Your comments are welcome.

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