Home Construction – Eco-Friendly
DEAR TIM: I am planning to build a new home soon. Protecting our natural resources, energy efficiency, and minimizing damage to the environment are extremely important to me. What can I do to be 'environmentally' responsible as I build? Are there any programs or guidelines available which to follow? E. G.
DEAR E. G.: The eco-friendly or 'green' movement has become very popular in residential construction. There are many environmentally friendly products available. Building practices are also changing to reflect the responsible attitude people, such as yourself, have towards the environment.
Fortunately, within the past year, a program has been developed to help you build your home and satisfy all of your concerns. If you fulfill many of the guidelines outlined in this program, you can reduce the environmental impact of construction by a minimum of 25 percent. The name of this program is "The Good Cents Environmental Home program.
This home construction program is very unique in that it measures the impact on the external environment and helps to improve the interior environment of the house as well. It achieves this goal by examining the following areas: energy efficiency, building materials, construction practices, water efficiency, building design, and ecological living.
Individuals who wish to enroll in this program must do so through their builder. Many local utility companies across the nation have information regarding this program. Your plans, materials, house fixtures, construction practices, etc. are graded, much like a test.
In order to have your new home certified as a "Good Cents Environmental Home", you must accumulate a minimum of 700 "EcoScore" points out of a total of 1,300.
Points are scored by answering 'yes' to questions in each of the six categories mentioned above. The questions deal with specific topics such as landscape plants which require little watering, availability of walking or bike paths, disposal of unused paints and sealers, use of organic pesticides and herbicides, etc.
The benefits to the environment are significant. Houses which conform to the guidelines help to conserve electricity over the life span of the structure. Conservation of electricity minimizes the amount of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrous oxide emissions.
Good Cents Environmental Homes also conserve fresh water. Because of minimal waste and intelligent construction practices, construction debris is kept to a minimum. This helps to extend the life span of our landfills.
The "Good Cents Environmental Home" program is a spin off of the original "Good Cents" energy efficiency program which appeared approximately 18-years-ago. That program was, and still is, licensed by almost 300 utility companies in 29 states.
Many of these same utility companies will, in all likelihood, license this new program as well. Consider contacting your local utility company to see if they are currently participating in the new program.
Environmentally friendly building is not that difficult. As with anything, it requires planning. Almost all manufacturers of building products are doing something to make their products 'green'. You won't have any trouble finding products which will help you achieve your environmental goals.
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