Green Homes Defined
A "high performance" green home uses less energy, water and natural resources, creates less waste, is more comfortable, safer and healthier for the people living inside, and costs less to operate compared to a ‘standard’ home.
Most of the more credible green homes programs include practical tactics under the categories of energy efficiency, water efficiency, materials, indoor air quality, renewable energy, sustainable site, lifestyle and ongoing operations. Depending upon the shade of green you desire for your house, you can prioritize some categories over others. You can conduct your ‘green makeover’ all at once, or in steps over time. Your desired ‘shade of green’ can also evolve, as you progress in your own green pathway.
Many pages of this web site delve in the details of each category and provide you with practical strategies and suggestions you can implement in your home. Topics covered include:
Energy Efficiency: Air sealing, weatherization, insulation, efficient heating and cooling, energy efficient lighting, appliances, windows and doors, site orientation, exterior shading and green roofs
Renewable Energy: Photo Voltaic systems, solar water heaters, geothermal systems, green power
Water Efficiency: Faucet aerators, low-flow shower heads, high efficiency toilets and water efficient landscaping
Green Materials: Engineered wood products, FSC-certified wood, rapidly renewable wood and cabinetry products, recycled content products
Indoor Environmental Quality: Moisture barriers & controls effective ventilation, low volatile-organic-compound (VOC) paints, sealants, stains, shellacs and floor coverings, low or no urea formaldehyde wood products, combustion venting, radon protection, air filtering and garage pollutant protection
Sustainable Site: High albedo sidewalks, driveways and patios, stormwater management and non-toxic pest control.
Landscaping: Non-invasive species, drought-tolerant plants and shrubs and efficient landscaping
Incentives: Federal, state, local and utility programs that provide tax credits, rebates, discounts and other incentives for implementing energy efficiency and ‘green’ technologies.
Making your home a greener space is an ongoing learning process. Stay educated on strategies and technologies, to ensure that your greening efforts are as effective as possible.
