REPORT #1716
"I am really proud to live here and I like to show it off."
Amanda Keating
Green Townhome Owner
BUILDING A 'GREENHOUSE'
ECO-FRIENDLY BUILDING: In the United States, buildings account for 39 percent of total energy use, 12 percent of total water consumption, 68 percent of total electricity consumption and 38 percent of carbon dioxide emissions. These buildings include our homes. While many are content to trade in their chemical-filled foods and cleaning products for more natural ones, others are going further and trading in their energy-guzzling homes for energy-efficient ones. Green homes are not only kind to the environment -- they can be kind to your pocketbook. While building a green home can add 10 to 20 percent to building costs, a well-constructed energy efficient home saves on utility costs and adds to market value. The ultimate "green home" is:
1. Energy efficient.
2. Healthy. Healthy indoor air reduces medical costs brought on by transmittable disease, allergies and pollutants.
3. Water-efficient.
4. Made of durable materials. This means reduced maintenance and, ultimately, savings for the homeowner.
5. Built with respect for the natural resources on-site. It lets natural energy sources like solar heating, cooling breezes and vegetation work for you.
WHERE TO START: Even if you're not looking to build, you can give your home a green makeover by using compact fluorescent bulbs, purchasing energy efficient appliances (they may cost more, but the energy savings are worth it), installing a tank-less water heater, replacing your carpet with durable and natural materials, installing north-facing windows for uniform lighting throughout the year, and increasing insulation in your walls. A low-cost way to reduce cooling costs is to add exterior shading, like overhangs, to your sun-exposed walls.
ORGANIZATIONS: LEED for Homes is a rating system of the U.S. Green Building Council that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green housing, including mass-produced homes, custom designed-homes, duplexes, apartments, condominiums and lofts. LEED-certified homes boast lower energy and water bills, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and fewer problems with mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. Other green home programs include GreenHomeNYC, Build It Green (Calif.), ListedGreen Homes and BuiltGreen.
SMART WOMAN CONTACT:
Martha Rosa
martharoseconstruction@gmail.com
