Green homes are designed and operated to have a minimal environmental impact. They are constructed using green building techniques, which increase the efficiency of the homes and their use of energy, water, and materials, and reduce the homes’ impacts on human health and the environment, through better siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and eventual removal. The green attributes of green homes generally include, but are not limited to, reduced toxicity, re-usability, reduced waste, energy and water efficiency, high recycled content, intelligent design, responsible manufacturing techniques, and reduction of personal environmental hazards.
The green building techniques needed to construct green homes are sometimes called sustainable building or environmental building. A similar concept is natural building, which focuses on the use of natural materials that are available locally. Green homes may also fall under the classification of sustainable design and green architecture; however, while the initial design of a home is important in making hbba green home, the actual operation, maintenance, and ultimate disposal or deconstruction of the home also have very significant effects on home’s overall environmental impact.
There are several advantages to living in a green home. First, through the use of proper materials and attention to natural ventilation, green homes reduce exposure to mold, mildew, and other indoor toxins, and thus have better indoor air quality than standard homes. Homes with high indoor air quality are more comfortable and healthier places to live, particularly for families with young children. Second, because of increased efficiency, green homes reduce operating costs by using less energy and water. Finally, green homes in the aggregate have the potential to radically reduce environmental impacts on the local and global environment by reducing both pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.
Green building is increasingly governed and driven by standards, such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED for Homes has been developed, which is a voluntary rating system that promotes the design and construction of green homes. LEED certification recognizes and rewards builders for meeting the highest performance standards, and gives homeowners confidence that their home is durable, healthy, and environmentally friendly.
Fortunately, the net cost of owning a green home is comparable to that of owning a conventional home. This is possible, because although some green design practices cost more than conventional design, many cost less (particularly over the lifecy-cle) and when all practices are aggregated in smart, integrated design, they provide the green benefits without increased costs.
Design features of a green home
Multiple design features work in tandem to make comfortable, efficient, and economic green homes.
Conventional homes are getting larger, while the average family size/occupancy decreases. Smaller homes that use space efficiently, are well-organized, and are filled with a prudent number of possessions, can not only be beautiful and cozy, but also use much less energy to heat and cool.
A home located on existing water, sewage, and roads will have less of an environmental impact than one that is not. Ideally, a green home would also be located close to community resources and public transportation in order to minimize automobile travel. Finally, homes should be in a compact development to allow for more open, green spaces.
Landscaping of a green home is designed to minimize fertilizer, herbicide, pesticide, and water use. Trees are also planted to provide shade (passive cooling for the home). Permeable paving is used to recharge groundwater and reduce surface run off. Finally, non-toxic methods of insect and pest control should be used.
Rainwater from the roof is harvested and gray-water reuse systems are installed in a green home. High efficiency fixtures (toilets, showers, and faucets) are used. In some cases, even composting toilets or living machines treat human wastes.
In order to maintain high indoor air quality, all combustion devices (space heating, fireplaces) need to have proper venting, and air systems must have a method of heat recovery (such as heat exchangers). Materials such as paints and glues used in the homes also contribute to indoor air quality; green homes use products with low VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which helps maintain healthy air quality, not only for those living in the house, but also for those working on the construction of the home. Green homes also have good air-filtering, radon protection, humidity control, and protection from vehicle emissions.
Durable materials used in the construction are sourced locally to avoid unnecessary transportation. All wood is Forest Stewardship Council certified, and products are chosen from an environmentally preferable product list, which favors recycled and recyclable materials and rapidly renewable materials. Waste during construction is minimized, and waste is recycled during construction and during use (for example, through curb-side recycling and back-yard composting).
A green home is very energy efficient and meets the requirements for an Energy Star rating for the entire home, but also contains Energy Star appliances, windows, furnace, air-conditioning, and lighting. To earn the Energy Star rating, homes must meet guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which typically make them 20-30 percent more efficient than standard homes. Green homes are well-insulated, their ducts are tight, and the thermal envelope is sealed to reduce air infiltration.
A green home is run by renewable energy, utilizing orientation and window placement for passive solar heating and natural ventilation/cooling, and has a solar domestic hot-water system. In addition, the green home may have solar photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, micro-hydro, or combined heat and power systems.
The physical design of the house can also lend a great deal to a green home’s efficiency. Through careful attention to sizing and placement of glazing, room layouts, and positioning of various architectural elements, a wide range of benefits can be reaped. These benefits include an increase in natural day-lighting, solar heat gain or loss (based on climate), and better cross-ventilation.
Green homes are designed, built, and operated so that by using energy, water, and building materials intelligently, modern society can live well without needlessly damaging the environment.
