green building construction goes mainstream: sustainable materials and green home design

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Green Building Construction Goes Mainstream: Sustainable Materials and Green Home Design For more information on Green Home Design or Applied Building Science , visit http:www.csgrp.com

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Guide for homeowners on how to use green home design, sustainable building materials and green building techniques for energy efficient new home construction.

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Page 1: Green Building Construction Goes Mainstream: Sustainable Materials and Green Home Design

Green Building ConstructionGoes Mainstream:

Sustainable Materials and Green Home Design

For more information on Green Home Design or Applied Building Science, visit http:www.csgrp.com

Page 2: Green Building Construction Goes Mainstream: Sustainable Materials and Green Home Design

About Conservation Services Group

Conservation Services Group is the market leader in residential energy efficiency in North America. Headquartered in Westborough, MA, the company has improved the efficiency, safety, comfort, affordability and durability of more than two million homes since 1984.

With proven, award winning expertise in residential energy efficiency program ‐delivery, CSG provides solutions with a long term vision that incorporates the ‐latest and most comprehensive program designs and energy efficiency ‐technologies for a sustainable industry.

For more information, visit http://www.csgrp.com.

Page 3: Green Building Construction Goes Mainstream: Sustainable Materials and Green Home Design

Green Building Construction

Imagine dozens of scientists, scores of designers and architects, hundreds of mechanical engineers, and thousands of other professionals, all joining efforts in a vast workshop where better ways of human dwelling are forged.Not a mere fantasy, this describes the growing movement toward green and healthy home design.

For more information on Green Construction or Applied Building Science, visit http:www.csgrp.com

Page 4: Green Building Construction Goes Mainstream: Sustainable Materials and Green Home Design

Building Green Homes

Even if you haven’t thought much about the sustainable aspects of your home environment, this topic is getting hotter every day. More than a series of add-on features, green building construction is a holistic way of designing and looking at design.

For more information on Green Building Construction or Applied Building Science, visit http:www.csgrp.com

Page 5: Green Building Construction Goes Mainstream: Sustainable Materials and Green Home Design

Green Home Construction

Everything from the smallest item—a light bulb—to the largest—your entire house and the lot it is built on—is a candidate for green design. Increasingly, people are demanding low-energy, resource-efficient green homes.

For more information on Green Building Construction or Applied Building Science, visit http:www.csgrp.com

Page 6: Green Building Construction Goes Mainstream: Sustainable Materials and Green Home Design

Green Construction: Benefits to You

Where do durability, increased comfort, better value, aesthetics, and safety and health benefits intersect? Green home design. Whether building new or remodeling your existing home, you will want to incorporate proven technologies that lead to high performance home environments.

For more information on Green Construction or Applied Building Science, visit http:www.csgrp.com

Page 7: Green Building Construction Goes Mainstream: Sustainable Materials and Green Home Design

Trends in Green Home Construction

Consider these five ideas when consulting with your architect, designer or builder:1. Use the “House System” Approach2. Demand a Tightly Built House3. Green Homes Manage Water Well4. Select Green Building Materials5. Choose Green Equipment

For more information on Green Construction or Applied Building Science, visit http:www.csgrp.com

Page 8: Green Building Construction Goes Mainstream: Sustainable Materials and Green Home Design

1. Use the “House System” Approach

The components of your home environment—including building structure, materials, mechanical systems, occupants, and outdoor weather—interact in complex ways. Make sure your design team looks at the individual parts as related to the whole.

For more information on Green Houses or Applied Building Science, visit http:www.csgrp.com

Page 9: Green Building Construction Goes Mainstream: Sustainable Materials and Green Home Design

Questions to Ask about Green Homes:

• Where are the boundaries of the thermal envelope?• Are the heating and cooling systems correctly sized

for the house? • How is the house oriented on its site? If your home is designed to be mold-resistant,

comfortable, and healthy, it will be energy-efficient as well.

For more information on Green Construction or Applied Building Science, visit http:www.csgrp.com

Page 10: Green Building Construction Goes Mainstream: Sustainable Materials and Green Home Design

2. Demand a Tightly Built House

A common myth is that mold is caused by well-insulated houses. This is often expressed as “a house needs to breathe.” Given the prevalence of indoor air quality issues, it is essential to understand that a house cannot be too tight; however, it can be under-ventilated.

For more information on Green Homes or Applied Building Science, visit http:www.csgrp.com

Page 11: Green Building Construction Goes Mainstream: Sustainable Materials and Green Home Design

Ventilation is achieved by various mechanical systems, ranging from high-performance exhaust fans in kitchen and bath areas to whole-house heat recovery or energy recovery ventilation systems. With a house that is insulated well and tightly sealed, you’ll require a smaller, less expensive HVAC system. You will also enjoy a quieter, more comfortable home with lower energy bills.

For more information on Green Construction or Applied Building Science, visit http:www.csgrp.com

Page 12: Green Building Construction Goes Mainstream: Sustainable Materials and Green Home Design

3. Green Homes Manage Water Well

Water is like fresh air: you want to control precisely its location and amount. Foundation details, drainage planes, runoff channels, window and door flashing, and attention to materials combine with xeriscaping (water conservation through landscaping) and low-flow fixtures for a completely updated approach to water management.

For more information on Green Buildings or Applied Building Science, visit http:www.csgrp.com

Page 13: Green Building Construction Goes Mainstream: Sustainable Materials and Green Home Design

4. Select Green Building Materials

From the ground up, excellent green building supply choices abound. Options include:-green-certified lumber and salvaged wood-recycled composite decking and flooring; recycled-content tile and carpeting

For more information on Green Construction or Applied Building Science, visit http:www.csgrp.com

Page 14: Green Building Construction Goes Mainstream: Sustainable Materials and Green Home Design

Select Green Building Materials

Proven alternatives to stick-frame construction—structural insulated panels and insulating concrete forms are among the best for our climate—are high-performance options. You’ll also want to reduce exposure to toxic substances and indoor pollutants by selecting interior and finish materials wisely.

For more information on Green Building Construction or Applied Building Science, visit http:www.csgrp.com

Page 15: Green Building Construction Goes Mainstream: Sustainable Materials and Green Home Design

5. Choose Green Equipment

• Install the most energy efficient water heating, HVAC, appliances, and lighting.

• Space heating and cooling alone accounts for nearly half of all home energy use, so it’s an important decision.

• Water heating is typically the second largest user of energy in homes.

For more information on Green Construction or Applied Building Science, visit http:www.csgrp.com

Page 16: Green Building Construction Goes Mainstream: Sustainable Materials and Green Home Design

Choose Green Equipment

• Explore your options, including solar thermal which can heat water and air efficiently in residential homes.

• Be aware that dishwashers and clothes washers and dryers are among the most energy-intensive home appliances.

For more information on Green Buildings or Applied Building Science, visit http:www.csgrp.com

Page 17: Green Building Construction Goes Mainstream: Sustainable Materials and Green Home Design

Green Home Trends: Renovate/Remodel

Greener technologies and procedures yield proven results in renovations and remodeling as well:

1. Recycle Your Home’s Waste 2. Use Healthy Building Materials3. Upgrade to Energy Efficient Windows4. Choose Energy Efficient Lighting5. Increase Your Building Shell Performance

For more information on Green Construction or Applied Building Science, visit http:www.csgrp.com

Page 18: Green Building Construction Goes Mainstream: Sustainable Materials and Green Home Design

1. Recycle Your Home’s Waste

Demolition and construction waste can comprise more than thirty percent of landfill content. The vast majority of this material is recyclable. In some parts of the United States, waste recycling plans must be in place before a building permit is granted. Salvage and deconstruction can save you money on disposal costs as well as providing a tax deduction.

For more information on Green Homes or Applied Building Science, visit http:www.csgrp.com

Page 19: Green Building Construction Goes Mainstream: Sustainable Materials and Green Home Design

2. Use Healthy Building MaterialsThe air you breathe can change your life. For interiors, low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and finishes rank first in a long list of healthy materials choices that are beautiful as well as functional. Recommended green materials also include glazed ceramic tile; solid wood furniture and cabinetry from sustainable resources; and linoleum, bamboo, and cork floor coverings.

For more information on Green Buildings or Applied Building Science, visit http:www.csgrp.com

Page 20: Green Building Construction Goes Mainstream: Sustainable Materials and Green Home Design

3. Upgrade to Energy Efficient Windows

If replacing windows anyway, upgrading makes a lot of sense. A great choice for efficient windows is low-e, double-pane with the lowest available U-factor. Sash or window insert replacements and insulating blinds or shades are additional ways to improve a window’s energy efficiency.

For more information on Green Construction or Applied Building Science, visit http:www.csgrp.com

Page 21: Green Building Construction Goes Mainstream: Sustainable Materials and Green Home Design

4. Choose Green Lighting Options

When choosing new energy efficient light fixtures, many designs are available to meet your needs and use much less electricity than in years past. Design with all factors in mind, including a room’s uses and characteristics.

For more information on Green Buildings or Applied Building Science, visit http:www.csgrp.com

Page 22: Green Building Construction Goes Mainstream: Sustainable Materials and Green Home Design

Take advantage of occupancy sensor technology, and install LED or compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs—CFLs last up to thirteen times longer than incandescents, and use about a quarter the electricity. The new generation of CFLs include a range of colors closely matching those of traditional bulbs. LED lighting offers longevity as well as efficiency.

For more information on Green Construction or Applied Building Science, visit http:www.csgrp.com

Page 23: Green Building Construction Goes Mainstream: Sustainable Materials and Green Home Design

5. Increase Your Building Shell Performance

While remodeling, assess and improve the quality of your building shell—the components of your house that keep warm air from escaping in winter (and cool air in summer). Are there areas that can be air-sealed to prevent drafts? Can insulation be added to exterior walls or attic? Consult with a professional for a thorough diagnostic assessment.

For more information on Green Construction or Applied Building Science, visit http:www.csgrp.com

Page 24: Green Building Construction Goes Mainstream: Sustainable Materials and Green Home Design

Green Construction

With green technology, your home will be more comfortable and energy efficient, have a higher value, and help protect the environment. Talk to your contractor about green methods and materials for your next build or remodel.

For more information on Green Construction or Applied Building Science, visit http:www.csgrp.com

Page 25: Green Building Construction Goes Mainstream: Sustainable Materials and Green Home Design

About Conservation Services Group

Conservation Services Group is the market leader in residential energy efficiency in North America. Headquartered in Westborough, MA, the company has improved the efficiency, safety, comfort, affordability and durability of more than two million homes since 1984.

With proven, award winning expertise in residential energy efficiency program ‐delivery, CSG provides solutions with a long term vision that incorporates the ‐latest and most comprehensive program designs and energy efficiency ‐technologies for a sustainable industry.

For more information, visit http://www.csgrp.com.