What Makes a Building Green?

A green building, also known as a sustainable building, is a structure that is designed, built, renovated, operated, or reused in an ecological and resource-efficient manner. Green buildings are designed to meet certain objectives such as protecting occupant health; improving employee productivity; using energy, water, and other resources more efficiently; and reducing the overall impact to the environment.

Did You Know?

Indoor Air Quality:

• US EPA ranks indoor air pollution among top five environmental risks. Unhealthy air is found in up to 30% of new and renovated buildings
• W.H.O. reports that indoor air pollution causes 14 times more deaths than outdoor air pollution (2.8 million lives)
• Of hundreds of EPA-regulated chemicals, only ozone and sulfur dioxide are more prevalent outdoor than indoors
• 20 percent of all housing in the US has too much lead dust or chippings (causes kidney and red blood cell damage, impairs mental and physical development, may increase high blood pressure)

Water:

• Older toilets use 3.7-7 gallons per flush
• Dishwashers use 8-14 gallons per cycle
• Top-loading washers use 45 gallons/load
• A dripping faucet waste 15-21 gallons per day
• US water users withdraw enough water to fill a line of Olympic-size swimming pools reaching around the world EVERY DAY (300 billion gallons)
• Although our planet is 71 percent water, humans depend on a mere .65 percent of the water for survival – much of which is polluted.
• About a quarter of the nation’s largest industrial plants and water treatment facilities are in serious violation of pollution standards at any one time.
• An estimated 7 million Americans are made sick annually by contaminated tap water; in some rare cases this results in death.

Wood:

• Although the US is home to only 4.5 percent of the global population, it is responsible for over 15 percent of the world’s consumption of wood.

The Benefits of Green Building - For the Homeowner

Utilizing green building products and practices in homebuilding results in quality homes and financial savings for you. Even the smallest effort can make a big difference. While particular benefits will vary depending on the specific choices made by the builder and homeowner, and to what extent green building practices are employed, the general benefits are:

Financial Savings

Green building construction standards and products make homes more energy efficient by being well insulated and well sealed. Efficient windows, appliances, lighting and other household equipment also help add to the savings and keep your monthly electricity bills low. Up to 65% lower! And with energy prices rising and non-renewable fuels being depleted, an energy efficient home is asset we can all appreciate for years to come. Water bills are also reduced through low-flow equipment and thoughtful land use.

More Comfort

Comfortable with year-round sun exposure, comfortable with ambient temperature and lack of drafts, comfortable with your utility bills - 'comfortable' can mean a lot of things. Starting with good energy design, green building helps to ensure that your home is inherently more comfortable. If you're building new, proper orientation of your home can take advantage of the sun's natural heat in the cooler months, while avoiding too much sun in the warmer ones, to save on energy costs. Tight construction also helps keep energy costs and drafts down. For everyone, better insulation and energy efficient windows, appliances, and lighting contribute to a comfortable environment while using less energy.

Less Maintenance and Higher Durability

Current building codes establish minimum construction standards that protect your safety. Green building supplements building codes by using premium materials that are more durable and construction practices that often exceed building code requirements. Together, these qualities enhance your home's performance and reduce maintenance and replacement costs, thereby raising its overall value.

Knowing You're Being Good to the Environment

Green building products and practices offer you the assurance that you are following environmentally friendly guidelines that help preserve our natural resources. A socially responsible step worthy of recognition, building green makes a strong statement about your dedication to the community and the environment.

Green building is not a passing trend. Informing and educating you about the value of green building standards is Pride Homes, LLC 's goal. We believe that through education we can all make a difference that will improve the way we live - today and tomorrow.