What is green home design?
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by: hugatree
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Green home design is the wave of the future. Increasingly, people are paying attention to the environment and are seeking ways to minimize the impact everyday living creates. Over the last 30 years, efforts to develop technology and build more environmentally friendly homes are paying off. The increase in demand for green home design from 2005 to 2010 is expected to increase from 2 to 10 percent.
There are distinct characteristics required to classify a home as "green". A green home design typically incorporates conservation of energy, water and natural resources, use of renewable energy, waste reduction and a healthier environment. Products used in construction must be toxin-free and made from natural or recycled materials. Paints and sealants used in green homes are made with low volatile organic compounds (VOC) while wood and insulation products are made from bamboo, soybeans and cotton, which are quickly replaced in the environment. Windows and doors must have a high E factor rating and energy saving appliances and climate control systems must be installed. A green home design will use natural light to minimize the use of electricity and position trees and awnings, etc. to shield summer sun. Natural and mechanical methods of air ventilation filter and vent the air, keeping it fresh and clean. Many green home designs incorporate the use of renewable energy sources such as solar electric systems. Environmental consideration is given when selecting the site of the home, such as avoidance of fragile ecosystems like wetlands and the preservation of trees and plant growth or reclamation of existing structures or building sites.
Green home design has benefits that outweigh the cost of construction. Reduction or elimination of internal pollutants, mold, mildew and carcinogens result from the use of toxin-free, natural products and overall design. This creates a healthier environment, reducing risks of respiratory, heart and allergy problems and cancer. The ecological-friendly products and resource conservation create fewer green house effects and pollutants, reducing the negative impact on the environment. Besides the health and environmental benefits of green home design, there is approximately 40% reduction in energy and 50% reduction in water use making green homes more economical to run. With knowledgeable contractors the construction costs are said to be about the same or less than conventional home construction. Additionally, initiatives by private agencies and government to build low cost green homes will further benefit construction costs at all income levels.
As the technology improves, contractors gain experience, and probably most importantly, consumers gain increased awareness, we should expect to see an increased growth in the demand for green home design. Related sites Green home designs | Rss | Green home designs | Green home |
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