Over the last few years, green has become much more than just a color. Green is a new way of doing things, a way of being active in the recycling and preserving of the planet. Though building “green” isn’t necessarily a new concept; The American Institute of Architects created the AIA Committee on Energy in 1973 and The Department of Energy was established by the United States government in 1977; and the Solar Energy Research Institute (which later became the National Renewable Energy Laboratory) was also founded in 1977.
From there the committees and research continued, but it wasn’t until the ‘90’s that a Green movement really went forward.
What is green building? There are five basic principles of building green: livable communities, energy efficient, indoor air quality, resource conservation, and water conservation.
Those five principles means using healthy products and practices to build safe, long-lasting structures; recycling construction and demolition waste, using recycled products whenever possible, using/installing energy and water efficient products, and using solar or wind power whenever and as much as possible.
Landscaping is part of the building green design. This means that the structure’s landscaping is designed specifically for the individual ecosystem. In other words, not putting a lush tropical landscape that needs a lot of watering in a desert community would be a green decision.
There are even tax rebates, product rebates, loans, and grants offered to those who want to build green.
If you want to build a home or building, and want to do it in the most environmentally friendly and energy efficient manner, get estimates, referrals, and check with the Chamber of Commerce and Better Business Bureau before you hire anyone.
To go green, though, you don’t have to build from scratch. You can remodel your current home, either a little at a time, or with a full makeover. With more and more companies going green these days, it won’t be difficult to find the right products and designs to green-ify your home. Start with energy efficient products and water saving toilets and showerheads and work your way from there. All environmentally friendly products are marked as such, so it should it be easy enough to go shopping.
Green is more than just a trend, it is the new way of life as we strive to protect our planet and reduce the damage already done.
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