Most Americans today are very aware of the dilemma surrounding energy and environmental issues. Indeed, even newscasts include a good bit of discussion about alternative energy sources and the need for the public at large to become more environmentally conscious. More than ever Americans are reducing, recycling and re-using. However, making a significant change in the human impact on our planet will require more than the three Rs. What is not widely known is that when it comes to the construction industry, new technology has made “green building” more accessible than ever before. There are new ways to build with a smaller carbon footprint and greater energy efficiency. Even better news is that in addition to a healthier environment, these new methods and materials can also save the consumer a lot of money.
One of the easiest ways to conserve energy is to conserve space. When choosing a home plan, consideration should be given to maximum function in minimum square footage. Many of today's open floor plans are attractive as well as versatile. Making better use of less space is not only energy efficient but also gives more value for each dollar spent.
Once in the building phase, implementing an energy conservative plan can be achieved in several ways. Passive solar heating, or placing a home with an east/west orientation is a simple way to maximize the solar exposure. Attentive placement of windows and skylights can also reduce the need for artificial lighting. Landscaping can even play a role in energy conservation: trees can provide shade and block wind; native plants are hardier and drought resistant, leading to less watering. Use of energy efficient windows, well-sealed doors and thermal insulation of walls, slabs, and foundations can create a “tight design”, reducing conditioned air loss by up to 50 percent! And lastly, consider installing lighter than usual roofing. A dark colored roof can be up to 70 degrees hotter than a light colored one. Studies have shown that homes with light colored roofs use an average of 40 percent less energy for cooling.
In addition to design factors, building materials play a big role in energy conservation. From the foundation to the roof, many new materials are now available that are far more energy efficient than conventional construction materials. Plastic can be used in a variety of materials and is far more eco-friendly option than lumber. In insulation, plastic house wraps and foams can achieve higher R-values than traditional insulation products. These foams also cut down on noise pollution, making them a very appealing alternative. Plastic foam core doors have that same advantage of higher R-values and noise reduction as well. When it comes to plumbing materials, plastic piping is far superior to the traditional copper in many ways; most importantly, plastic is a better thermal insulator and is more competitively priced. Vinyl flooring is durable and longer lasting than many other types of flooring, which means less consumption of resources. Windows that have vinyl or vinyl-coated frames contribute to a tighter design and an overall more energy efficient home. Vinyl exterior siding is an option that is both energy efficient and fabulously low maintenance. Even when it comes to the final touches, plastic is viable option. Plastic trim and molding are attractive, durable and inexpensive. After the life of a home, plastic materials have the added benefit of being recyclable.
The cutting edge technology of structural insulated panels, or SIP's is revolutionizing the construction industry. Manufactured in a width of two feet and a maximum length of 50 feet, the structural insulated panel serves as an alternative to the conventional lumber framework of a building. A building constructed with SIPs can be erected in less time than those of conventional methods, reducing manpower and construction energy. Using SIPs in residential, commercial and industrial buildings can reduce the amount of raw lumber used in national construction by up to 35 percent. In addition, the use of SIP's can also cut the cost of recurring energy by as much as 50 percent.
A final way to conserve is utilization of renewable energy. There are many power companies who now offer “green energy” alternatives. While green energy is not yet an option in all locations, almost anyone in the United States can purchase renewable energy credits, or RECs. These credits ensure that the energy used to power your home is replenished with that from alternative sources, such as wind, solar, geo-thermal, hydropower, or biofuels. Purchasing RECs makes a home’s energy use carbon-neutral.
With so many energy efficient options available, the new home builder now has the opportunity, and arguably, the responsibility to contribute more significantly to global conservation of energy and natural resources. Coupled with the value, beauty, and durability of these alternatives, the eco-friendliness now found in building materials makes this a great time for the environmentally conscious public to start shopping for home plans.
