Green Building Strategies: From Plan to Profit
The United States has made strides in residential energy efficiency, according to U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) data. Average household energy consumption dropped by 31% between 1978 and 2005,[i] while home electronics usage and home sizes were growing. Despite these efficiency gains, there is plenty of room for improvement!
Relatively small adjustments in material usage and construction techniques can reap enormous energy conservation benefits. Therefore, when you begin to tackle the energy efficiency of your homes, you are starting to build green. Although energy efficiency may not be flashy, it is practical.
Green construction is not an all-or-nothing proposition. You can logically move step-by-step to make green improvements, and an excellent starting point is to tackle energy efficiency. A large portion of the points awarded in green building certification and programs relate to energy efficiency. It also has concrete benefits for home owners. Be cautious, however, when implementing energy efficiency measures. For example, tightening up construction without introducing ventilation can negatively impact indoor air quality.
Moisture control and building durability are often linked to energy efficiency. By focusing on these areas, you can take common-sense measures to enhance a home’s longevity and mitigate the troublesome and potentially litigious problems of mold and rot.
After mastering these areas, you can begin to focus on the aspects of green that may be more readily visible to home buyers, such as landscaping, finishes and materials, and then global environmental issues.
