Greenbuilding 2009

John Miller, CEO

The USGBC Greenbuild conference in Phoenix last month was a real learning experience for me. Our business made the conscious decision to learn what it would take become a certified “Green Builder” and made the happy discovery that we don’t have to change much about what we do! Green practices are already part of our culture and have been embodied in the houses we have built for the last twenty years.

Confusion about green building thrives. Many people believe it costs more, results in homes that are too small, uncomfortable or in some unknown, indefinable way “different” and that this difference will have a negative impact on their quality of life.

In reality, most of the materials and methods lumped under the “green building” label make our homes more comfortable, safer for our families, and far more efficient. Today’s “green” homes don’t have to look like high modern architecture or a spaceship. Most green homes are visibly indistinguishable from any other home on the block but they perform at a completely different level.

We recently evaluated the “green” performance of a home we have just completed. No extraordinary measures were taken during construction. We built it like we always do, admittedly this is not a mere “code compliant home” (Built to the lowest legally allowable standard.) It is a timber frame structure with a SIPS shell and quality Eagle windows. The radiant floors and well-insulated walls provide a level of comfort not found in ordinary homes. Air and surface temperatures in the home are consistent and reliable. The owners will be comfortable in all of the rooms and their grandchildren will be happy crawling on the toasty warm floors. On testing, this home was shown to save 41% more in energy costs compared to a house built to the 2006 energy code. So, in addition to increased comfort this home avoids the waste of 33,460 kilowatt hours of electricity per year. The energy savings result from a focus on comfort and efficiency.

Another issue addressed by “green” builders is indoor air quality. Maintaining healthy indoor air involves avoiding the use of products that emit harmful chemicals into the air and using proper ventilation to ensure adequate air-flow through the house. Choose low VOC paints and cabinets and furniture that do not off gas harmful chemicals from products used in their construction. A green builder can help you with these choices. Modern houses reduce airflow through the walls so active ventilation is part of most well built houses today, with or without Heat Recovery Ventilation.

Regardless of how important you think it is to save the planet with green practices, comfort, health, and efficiency are great qualities for any home. Let us help you make sure you get them in yours and one by product of that effort will be a healthier environment for us all.