Experience. Expertise. Eco-Knowledge.
There are many reasons for wanting to buy a Green home or a home that has been Built Green. Long term financial returns and healthy living is probably what hits the top of the list in some minds, but for most, it is a sense of doing what they feel is right to protect and maintain the most precious resource surrounding us ... our environment. Perhaps, before knowing why to buy green, let us define what a Green home is.
While there are numerous ways to define a green home, for the purposes of my website, I'll define a green home as one that meets at least a few of the following criteria:
- Made generally with non-toxic building materials
- Energy efficiency: a 'tight' house with energy efficient appliances, windows, HVAC and ventilation systems
- Solar home: derives most of its space and water heating from the sun
- Recycled content materials
- Resource efficient materials
- Materials from renewable resources
- Sensitive to its neighbors and context
- Use of locally manufactured building materials
Green homes that are LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified, provide a healthier, safer, more comfortable and durable living experience. Green homes have lower energy and water bills, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and fewer problems with mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. The following information is a more in depth look at the material and products used in the construction or remodel of a green certified home.
Non-Toxic Building Materials
Here are some examples of non-toxic materials that are used in green built construction or remodels to qualify as a green home.
- Bamboo - There is no question that bamboo is a renewable resource. It is a grass and grows very quickly. Where oak takes 120 years to grow to maturity, bamboo can be harvested in three. It is recognized as a green material under LEED. Environmentally, it’s hard to argue with a wood substitute that matures in three years, regenerates without need for replanting, and requires minimal fertilization or pesticides. Bamboo is now used in products ranging from flooring, molding, plywood and countertops.
- Low VOC Paints - Acrylic latex paint not only emits numerous TAC's (Toxic Air Contaminants), but emissions can continue for extended periods of time. It is estimated that less than fifty percent of the VOC's (volatile organic compounds) in latex paint are emitted in the first year. This means that much of the dangerous toxins continue to be inhaled long after the paint has dried and a family has moved in. Other points of concern about 'regular' paint include these:
- Acrylic Latex paint is made from petrochemicals. It is not at all sustainable nor is it as safe as it smells.
- A few of the poisonous emissions from latex paints are ethylene glycol, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and benzene (a carcinogen).
- Low-VOC paint does not necessarily mean low toxicity.
- Children have higher exposure and risk to indoor air pollution than adults; partly because they have smaller lungs with faster breathing rates.
Of course there has to be a balance. We want affordable paint that looks great and dries fast but doesn't hurt us. Shampoo burns our eyes so we close them. Expecting paint to be completely innocuous would be unrealistic. At the same time, there are things that we can use responsibly that are safer and more sustainable than others. Sure, no paints are hazard free, but some paint companies definitely make healthier products than others. Buying local, sustainably manufactured products not only saves money in shipping but puts less poison into the earth.
- Wool Carpeting - Wool carpeting is a healthy non-toxic alternative to standard nylon, olefin or other synthetic carpets that off-gass toxic chemicals, don't last very long and are not biodegradable. Wool carpets are: odor-free, renewable, longer lasting, fire-resistant, air purifying, softer, and biodegradable.
- PaperStone Countertops - Although allegations have been raised over the past decade that granite countertops may emit dangerous levels of radon and radiation, no definitive findings have been conclusive. Manufacturers of Granite products say that they do emit radon and radiation, but the amounts do not pose any health threats. PaperStone is a unique composite material with a soft and smooth appearance much like soapstone. Made from recycled paper cashew nut oils and water-based resins, Paperstone is non-toxic, stain resistant, repairable and has extreme heat resistance. Because it is so dense it is impervious to moisture and therefore will not support bacteria growth. This makes it easy to clean and very practical for kitchen countertops, vanity tops as well as desks, shelving and window ledges.
Energy Star® Products
Here are some examples of non-toxic materials that are used in green built construction or remodels to qualify as a green home.
- Appliances - Energy Star® labeled appliances save you money by using less electricity and water than other appliances. Better appliance energy efficiency comes from quality materials and technologically advanced materials. Although energy efficient models sometimes cost more to purchase initially, any extra up-front cost can often be made up with savings on your utility bill. One helpful way to figure out if buying an Energy Star® appliance makes sense for you is to think of two price tags.
- Windows - Energy Star® qualified windows, doors, and skylights save you energy and money, increase the comfort of your home, and protect your valuable possessions from sun damage. They are also better for the environment because lowering your energy use means less air pollution from power plants.
- Heating & Cooling -As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. So making smart decisions about your home's heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have a big effect on your utility bills and your comfort. Having an Energy Star® qualified HVAC unit can reduce your annual energy bill by nearly $200.
Solar Energy
Unlike our current depletable sources of energy (coal, oil and nuclear), solar offers a more clean and renewable form of energy. Solar energy is being used to heat home.
- Solar Thermal Heat - Solar thermal heat energy can be used for heating the water used in your home. This type of thermal heating system is called 'Active' heating. Active heating systems require a collector to absorb and collect solar radiation, like solar panels. Fans or pumps are used to circulate the heated air or heat absorbing fluid. Active systems often include some type of energy storage system.
- Photovoltaic Energy - Solar cells can change the sunlight directly to electricity. Solar cells, also called photovoltaic cells or PV cells for short, can be found on many small appliances, like calculators, and even on spacecraft. They are made of silicon, a special type of melted sand. When sunlight strikes the solar cell, electrons (red circles) are knocked loose. They move toward the treated front surface (dark blue color). An electron imbalance is created between the front and back. When the two surfaces are joined by a connector, like a wire, a current of electricity occurs between the negative and positive sides. These individual solar cells are arranged together in a PV module and the modules are grouped together in an array. Some of the arrays are set on special tracking devices to follow sunlight all day long. The electrical energy from solar cells can then be used directly. It can be used in a home for lights and appliances.
Recycled content materials
Benefits of recycled content materials include reduced solid waste, reduced energy and water use, reduced pollution, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and a healthier economy. Yes, a healthier economy: Every 15,000 tons of solid waste recycled creates nine jobs, while sending that same amount of waste to a landfill provides only one job. Using recycled content materials supports companies that make the effort to produce make environmentally preferable products.
Resource efficient materials
Products manufactured with resource efficient processes including reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste (recycled, recyclable and or source reduced product packaging), and reducing greenhouse gases. Such products include engineered wood, recycled plastic, rubber and cellulose fiber, panel systems, and salvaged wood.
Materials from renewable resources
Using renewable resources in home building reduces the use and depletion of natural raw materials.. Any natural resource that is replenished easily using natural processes at the same rate or even faster than its consumption qualifies as a renewable resource. Renewable resources also refer to the sustainable way of handling waste products.
Sensitive to it's neighbors and context
Does my green home integrate into the larger environmental context of the property? Applying design and building practices that will not negatively affect the natural resources of the area of your home including habitat, vegetation, animal life, water resources (streams, wetlands, natural springs), historic features and usage.
Use of locally manufactured building materials
Building materials, components, and systems found locally or regionally saving energy and resources in transportation to the project site.
Frequently Asked Questions Why Build Green? Despite all these intensive inputs, we are not constructing healthy buildings. More than 30% of buildings in the US have poor indoor air quality, a serious problem given that most people spend about 90% of their time indoors. A 1990 study by the American Medical Association and the U.S. Army found that indoor air quality problems cost U.S. businesses 150 million workdays and about $15 billion in productivity losses each year. The World Health Organization puts the losses at close to $60 billion. On the hierarchy of human needs, shelter is second only to food. Everyone wants a place to live. One of the best and easiest ways to lessen the impact on the planet of fulfilling that need is to build environmentally-sound structures. Not only can we improve the global environment, building green can improve your local environment. In a healthy home one generally eliminates as much toxic materials as possible. Thus during the building or remodeling process materials know to be toxic are simply not used in a healthy home. If a material known to contain toxic materials or gases cannot be replaced then it is appropriate to "encapsulate" these materials with appropriate sealers or other materials or technologies. Because our homes are "tighter" than ever - proper ventilation is key to maintaining healthy indoor air quality. Thus healthy homes eliminate and encapsulate building materials and finally ventilate and filter to keep indoor air quality high. There are many ways to define a healthy home, however, for our purposes we define a healthy home as one that meets at least a few of the following criteria: Homes built with environmental and health considerations often commend a price premium of 10 to 15 percent compared to other homes in your area. Another basic principle of green building is to build as little as necessary. Not only does new construction demand more resources, it can also contribute to urban sprawl. Green building encourages home purchases of existing structures which are convenient to public transportation, work, shopping, and other services. It also encourages expansion of an existing home rather than building a new home and downsizing new construction. How does 'Built Green' work? How do I certify my home to be Built Green? How do I make my business Green? <<Back to FAQ's Step 2: Inspection Step 3: Detailed Analysis
Why use a green certified realtor?
What are some basic tenets of a Green built home?
What is a Healthy home?
What is a Natural home?
What is my Green and or Healthy home worth?
Why buy locally produced building materials?
What is Plastic lumber?
What is Cement-fiber siding?
Who is 'Built Green' in Seattle?
How does 'Built Green' work?
What are the Built Green checklists?
How do I certify my home to be Built Green?
How do I make my business Green?
What is an Energy Audit?
What's involved with an Energy Audit?
Why Build Green?
Typical building construction, use, and demolition, as well as the manufacturing of building materials, contribute significantly to environmental problems. In the United States, buildings account for:
<<Back to FAQ's
Why use a green certified realtor?
If choosing a healthy living and energy efficient lifestyle is your desire, it only makes sense to hire someone who knows what qualifies a home as a 'green' home. Someone who attracts a like minded audience on both the seller and buyers sides of a transaction. Read this recent Wall Street Journal article: How Green is My Realtor?
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What is a Healthy home?
While people with environmental sensitivities differ greatly, and their needs vary wildly, generally, a healthy home has been built or remodeled with low or non-toxic materials and have been provided adequate ventilation, filtration, and HVAC systems. Often older homes, which have not been remodeled recently, are a good beginning for a healthy home as any previously toxic materials have out gassed most or all unhealthy constituents.
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What is a Natural home?
We consider natural homes to be those built with generally natural materials like adobe and straw. Rammed earth, stone and other earthen technologies also qualify. Carefully crafted homes made of wood may also be considered as a natural home. We also consider as natural and eco - homes built with conservation and solar in mind. Natural homes are often energy efficient homes.
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What is my Green and or Healthy home worth?
Green and Healthy homes have a higher value than comparable homes in your area because they offer greater benefits to those who desire an eco friendly healthy home.
<<Back to FAQ's
What are some basic tenets of a Green built home?
Green built homes:
<<Back to FAQ's
Why buy locally produced building materials?
Buying regional products reduces transportation costs and energy, and keeps dollars in the local economy. A major tenet of sustainability is making use of resources from the immediate region. Local hardwoods, for example, are preferable to tropical woods.
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What is Plastic lumber?
A number of recycled-content deck products are currently on the market. These products offer low maintenance, durability and an attractive option to cedar or redwood decking without the same periodic maintenance requirements for long lasting performance. These products are made either entirely or partially from recycled plastic, which helps close the recycling loop by finding useful end products for recycled material.
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What is Cement-fiber siding?
Cement-fiber siding is a mixture of sand, cement, and cellulose (added to prevent cracking). This slurry is auto-claved, imprinted with designs, and baked. It comes out as thin, hardened shingles of various sizes. Cement – fiber siding is very durable, does not split, holds paint longer and is more moisture –resistant than typical hardwood siding. Other options include recycled content hardboard, stucco and locally produced brick and stone.
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Who is 'Built Green' in Seattle?
Built Green is a network of architects, builders, developers, subcontractors, suppliers, lenders, and real estate agents working together to improve quality of life in King and Snohomish Counties. The Built Green program accomplishes this by using a menu of options that provide quality homes which, compared to standard homes, are more cost-effective to own and operate, healthier, safer, and more protective of our beautiful Pacific Northwest environment. Built Green is a Program of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties in Partnership with King County and Snohomish County.
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Building projects are qualified using a Built Green checklist organized into six categories of environmentally friendly action items. There are four separate checklists for four different types of projects: homebuilder, remodeler, multifamily, and community. Builders choose and use one of the checklists prior to construction to determine which features to include in the home and to track progress. When construction is complete, the builder sends a signed copy of the checklist to the Master Builders Association, certifying that the home identified in the project enrollment form contains the identified features. Based upon that builder certification, and after reviewing the application, the Master Builders Association will award the appropriate Certificate of Merit indicating that the home has received a 1-, 2-, or 3-, 4- or 5-Star rating. Features included in the Built Green checklists include:
What are the Built Green checklists?
Each Built Green checklist provides the framework for builders or developers to qualify homes or communities for inclusion in one of the four programs. There are several important areas that are addressed in the checklists:
The Built Green program is a voluntary program that has both self-certification and third party verification elements. The program requires builders or developers to follow a specific set of criteria to attain status as a "Built Green" home or community. Beyond these standards, builders will earn a rating based on a point system. After reviewing the completed checklist provided by the builder, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties will issue a 1-, 2-, or 3-, 4- or 5-Star rating for the project. 1-, 2-, and 3-Star levels are self-certifying with the builders signature required as confirmation that items on the checklist have been completed. The 4- and 5-Star levels require verification by a third party.
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There are a few things you can change in your office environment right now to get the green ball rolling. Here are a few tips:
What is an Energy Audit?
A home energy audit is the first step to assess how much energy your home consumes and to evaluate what measures you can take to make your home more energy efficient. An audit will show you problems that may, when corrected, save you significant amounts of money over time. During the audit, you can pinpoint where your house is losing energy. Audits also determine the efficiency of your home's heating and cooling systems. An audit may also show you ways to conserve hot water and electricity. A Healthy Home Assesment, provided by Greenworks Realty, is a report which will show the savings and costs for energy efficiency improvements, showing the estimated return on investment (ROI) for all energy savings improvements.
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What is involved with an Energy Audit?
Step 1: Preparing for the Energy Audit
Rylen Akana - Ecosociate, GCREP-GL
2850 SW Yancy St.
PMB M219
Seattle, WA 98126
Cell: 425.269.8836
email: info@greeenagent.com
