The costs of not building green

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Green building can be expensive but in reality, it need not be. With the increase in number of affordable green-building products, a green building may cost just the same as a non-green building.

According to Clark Wilson, CEO of Austin based Green Builders, Inc., as builders, it is their responsibility to look for green products that cut down the cost of green homes. On the other hand, Sage Homebuilders’ Rick Hunter added that a little experience and proper planning could help bring down the cost of green home building.

Since the affordability of green building is already given, it is time to highlight more the cost of not building green than concentrating on the costs of making a building green.

* Energy – The EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) ENERGY STAR program has made it possible for the advancement of energy efficient technology. Green buildings can now yield 40 to 60% savings over non-green ones.

One can also maximize energy-efficiency and savings by utilizing appropriately-sized HVAC systems, tight ducts and constructions, effective insulation, and energy-efficient windows. Using tankless water heaters, low-flow fixtures, efficient appliances, grey water and rainwater collection systems, and water-friendly landscaping also help one’s water savings.

* Health – Green building is a form of healthy living. In a non-green house, these things can be found: paints, adhesives and caulks – which all contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and causes indoor air pollution and even asthma. Wood products can also contain urea-formaldehyde, a form of carcinogen banned in Europe and Canada. Studies done by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory revealed that there are marked increases in allergic and respiratory health effects among children living in homes with high concentrations of selected VOCs.

Unfortunately, companies still prefer to create products with urea-formaldehyde or other VOCs since they cost less to produce.

A green home does not only reduce or eliminate notorious toxic chemicals; it constantly purifies the air through the use of efficient HVAC and ventilation systems.

* Sustainability – Of course, building a green home practices sustainability. Green builders build up their homes by significantly minimizing waste on building sites. If only products are required to label their environmental impact, consumers would think twice about purchasing certain products. Green builders are looking for sturdy materials that have a lighter impact on the environment.

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