Being Energy, Health & Cost Conscious

Bill browning, world renown green building consultant points out, "we’re not only improving the environmental performance, but we’re making better places for people to live and work. We are decreasing energy usage, increasing indoor air quality, and creating less expensive areas to live and work. Retail sales increase by 40%, while students in day lit schools progress 20-26% on test scores above average."

In the quest to be more green there are a few misconceptions to overcome. The false impression that going green costs more is just not true. It is a different way of life, a different way of thinking. In the wise words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "That which we persist in doing becomes easier, not that the task itself has become easier, but that our ability to perform it has improved." I believe the same thing can be said for going green. Some products are even cheaper than conventional products and the misconception you have to give up style and comfort is also untrue. Some of the following ideas are ways to be more energy, health and cost conscious.

Gravel driveways are half the cost of concrete and use less embodied energy. Embodied energy is the total of the energy used to create, transport and install any given material. The less embodied energy used in a building material, the greener it is.

Hydronic/Radiant floor heating creates a more comfortable warmth, is healthier in that there is no blown dust or allergens and can be solar assisted. Whether or not it is most cost effective depends on the size of your home and the climate.

Solar heating systems using solar panels where the water goes into an efficient water heater that only works when it has to. Also tankless hot water heaters can be 24% – 34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters.

Using a solar oven in your back yard.

Using fluorescent lighting instead of incandescent lighting that are dimmable. In the future we'll be able to use
LEDs instead as this form of lighting becomes more main stream.

Plumbing fixtures are typically already state mandated to be low usage toilets, fixtures & shower heads.

Having a gray water system to water landscape with.

There is a plethora of options when it comes to being more energy efficient and health conscious, and there isn't a one size fits all answer. The best products and systems to use will depend on the climate, your location, size of home, budget and personal needs. The first priority is always increasing the quality of your building envelope and using environment friendly products, then choosing from there what other building options are best for your needs.