Green buildings are the wave of new building improvements. Green homes, home renovations and products also save money! It is my opinion that most people may be uninformed about the many benefits in green homes,green home renovations and eco-friendly products and practices.
Building construction is evolving and becoming more in-line, in America, with how buildings are constructed overseas. It is our responsibility to build our homes and office buildings in agreement and respect for our planet.
Environmental consciousness is a part of our perceived agreement to be aware of planetary and environmental health in consciousness to satisfy or hopefully,supersede our human responsibility by impacting the factors of our responsibility of our responsibility in the equation, for a healthier planet, while living in harmony with nature and the elements.
Collective planetary preservation is a gain for attaining an advantageous edge over the years of work that is needed to complete our life mission of global building change- beneficial towards a healthier planet for man-kind, immediately and intensively required for the betterment of nature, the elements,and humanity.
Building construction is evolving and becoming more in-line, in America, with how buildings are constructed overseas.
For example, the interior walls made of steel and concrete, in lieu of expensive wood, thus saving our trees and rainforests, by protecting the ecology and the surrounding wildlife that calls these resources home. Natural products that flourish in other parts of the country can also be entertained for more environmentally-friendly solutions to the human appetite for expansion of buildings and homes..
Products such as cotton fiber, Icynene foam and cellulose are fast gaining recognition,application and appreciation in the construction industry. The most recognizable product is cotton. Ever noticed the rising cost of cotton? For an important reason:it is quickly being sought by home builders and home renovators. The cotton material used will be made from recycled batted material; treated to be fire-proof.
Certain building products offer increased durability and help in sealing the building envelope. It is estimated that the lifespan of metal roofing is more than 50 years. Concrete and copper roofing products are expected to last a lifetime.
In commercial buildings, innovation can also help cut cost and have many benefits.
A building can be rated platinum, silver, or gold based on performance via LEED checklist (LEED stands for is the Leadership in Energy and environmental Design).
The rating is a point system based on-
*building materials;
*amount of natural lighting
*heat/cool efficiency
*water usage.
*Lot selection;- positioning of the home reduces the energy usage of the home
* Making even more changes by choosing to seal the building properly-
Sealing the building envelope; Reduces air leakage- into and out of the home.
How do you seal your building envelope? You can contribute by sealing the duct system, fireplaces, plumbing penetrations,doors,windows, fans, vents and electrical outlets. Holes need to be sealed around all penetrations including gaps being filled too! Sealing is saving and using less to heat or cool your area with improved sealing and outlet options for more energy efficiency as the goal.
Many public buildings, homes and universities are following suit and learning that the benefits of the initial cost of materials may in-fact pay for itself as the lower cost of building,heating and cooling energy costs are decreased due to the factors listed above. ** Another benefit is a healthy home- a home built to withstand the test of time.
**The U.S. Green Building Council estimates new savings of $50-$65 per square inch for positively constructed green buildings. In the area of the country,where I live, one university has been a standout, at least in the initial process, by building a combined heat and power plant on campus that will produce a third of the electricity needed on campus using natural gas – saving about $2.5 million a year. Here in central Florida, as the nickname and initials suggest, UCF- University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida or UCF- You can’t finish), is far from slowing down their aggressive construction schedule. Future projects are always entertained, ongoing, or in process. What makes U.C.F. different from other universities in the state, per Ms. Lee Kernek, said,”that the plant will be designed, owned and operated by the university.” Ms. Lee Kernek was, associate vice president of administration and finance at UCF in central Florida at the time of these initiated, strategic business and ecological decisions and I am sure that the initiation of her efforts will always be appreciated and recognized here in Orlando, Florida!
By November of 2011, UCF -( University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida),was able to use their energy even more effectively with the combined heat and power plant set to open. This green edition should be able to produce a third of the electricity needed on campus using natural gas – saving about $2.5 million a year. This was initiated a few years ago and upon further investigation, at the time of my latest researched update (last Updated in 2012), the construction efforts were carried and continue progressively. Many other universities and commercial builders took these innovations and renovations to heart and followed suit with more forethought for our environment and the effects of building, in unison with nature, that adds up to money- saving benefits as well!
*** Living on our planet is important; sustaining our environment is also important by being aware of the planet and everyone on it. Being aware of the results of proper building materials and the multi-level benefit to our environment, essential for humanity, nature, the elements and our posterity and with expanded actions and thinking we can save time and money in our efforts! Collective planetary preservation by changing the way that we build and maintain our buildings, homes and other structures is a gain for attaining an advantageous edge over the years of work that is needed to complete our life mission of global building change- beneficial towards a healthier planet for mankind, immediately and intensively required for the betterment of nature, the elements,and humanity.
I enjoy learning from you and from others offering me knowledge continuously!