What is a Green Build?

I don't claim to be an expert on green building, but I have found on the internet websites that explain what a green build is.




The information below is excerpted from http://www.builditgreen.org/ and http://www.buildinggreen.com/





What Is Green Building?




Green Buildings are sited, designed, constructed and operated to enhance the well-being of occupants, and to minimize negative impacts on the community and natural environment.




Green Buildings:
Provide a healthier and more comfortable environment
Improve long-term economic performance
Incorporate energy and water efficient technologies
Use recycled content materials in their construction
Reduce construction and demolition waste
Bring higher resale value
Are landscaped for water and energy efficiency
Include renewable energy technologies
Improve indoor air quality
Reduce environmental impact
Are easier to maintain & built to last





Even in the greenest of projects it is likely that many products will be used that are not themselves green—but they are used in a manner that helps reduce the overall environmental impacts of the building. A particular window may not be green, but the way it is used maximizes collection of low winter sunlight and blocks the summer sun. So even a relatively conventional window can help make a house green. Creating a green building means matching the products and materials to the specific design and site to minimize the overall environmental impact.




We achieved a green build with our house by using:




1. ICF-insulated concrete forms for our outside walls structure.




a. While building, we had reduced disturbance around the perimeter of construction site and less construction waste . Plastic ties in icf blocks are made of recyclable material and blocks are lightweight (like lego blocks for adults) and easy to install




b. Well insulated, sealed building envelope, with significant savings in heating and cooling costs.




c. Safe and strong, 10 times stronger than stick built, fire resistant and tornado resistant (see this information at www.buildblock.com ).




d. Permanance, will neither rot or rust, a solid investment.




e. Healthier air quality, reduced air infiltration by 75% compared to stick built, no gas emissions from styrofoam or concrete compared to wood.








2. Simonton Windows - Energy Star rated




3. Pex Radiant Heat on 1st floor only. Tubing in our concrete foundation fills with hot water from hot water tank to heat rooms.




4. Steel Joists (between 1st and 2nd floor) made of an aluminum steel (recyclable)




5. Spray foam insulation, open cell foam blown onto the underside of roof about 5 inches thick, much higher r-factor than traditional fiberglass insulation and much safer, long life too




6. American Standard 14 SEER heat pumps and ERV (energy recovery ventilator). Efficient heating and cooling and ERV air exchanger for better air quality and lowers humidity




7. Concrete bricks (Novabrik) on exterior, less waste than traditional brick and mortar, easy installation, installed in any temperature