Star Homes: Building on the Green Lifestyle

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, “green” building means: “Improving the way that homes and homebuilding sites use energy, water, and materials to reduce impacts on human health and the environment.”

A growing interest in green construction means that builders and homeowners alike are becoming aware of health and environmental concerns related to habitat. But what exactly does creating a green home mean?

For those who have made the decision to adopt a green lifestyle, what a home is made of is certainly a major concern. New construction and environmentally safe remodeling to create a green home typically means opting for environmentally preferred purchases (EPP). EPP that is related to construction is defined by sustainability, energy efficiency and natural resource conservation. And in the case of building a green home, it means making environmentally preferable and sustainable decisions that also adopt environmentally friendly lifestyles.

With nearly 50 regional and national green home labeling programs around the country, it can be confusing for homeowners and builders alike to decide just what represents the true shade of green. The truth is that, while each program approaches green building a little differently, each incorporates important common elements such as:

• Improved Indoor Environments
• Water Conservation and Purity
• Renewable Energy Solutions
• Waste Reduction and Recycling
  (including during construction process)
• Smart Growth and Sustainable Land
  Development Practices

Although energy efficiency is typically the best place to start, homeowners need to understand the definition of home efficiency as it relates to the home environment as a whole. Though it certainly denotes a high insulation level, it is very important for human health that a home “breathe.” This is achieved through fresh-air intake and air filtration/purification, as well as through airflow. Having said that, the energy used in homes, through heating/cooling and appliances, often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants, which in turn contributes to smog and acid rain, both of which are risks to all life forms. When less energy is used and less pollution is created, it lessens the negative effects on water, earth and human health.

The energy crisis of the past years has resulted in our present-day blue Energy Star mark—the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency. Builders and homebuyers seeking Energy Star qualified homes are independently verified to meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes save money on utility bills and provide a more comfortable living environment with better indoor air quality, while at the same time helping to protect the environment.

It is still important to remember, however, that the Energy Star denotation means that only one aspect of a home is certifiably green. Building materials may still need to be evaluated for their green properties and should be just as scrutinized as energy efficiency.

Although Energy Star qualified homes include higher standards in many certifiable green building materials such as insulation, duct-work, windows, lighting and appliances, it is important to remember that “green” only begins there. Homebuyers can also look for the Energy Star Indoor Air Package label—a new specification developed by the EPA to address the indoor environment component of green building. Poor indoor air quality is an emerging health concern as cited by several government agencies including the EPA. Several factors that impact indoor air quality (IAQ) are taken into consideration including features to control moisture, chemical exposure, radon, pests, ventilation and filtration. The Energy Star Indoor Air Package label incorporates more than 60 additional home design and construction features, all of which help to ensure that the homeowner is protected from mold, chemicals, combustion gases and other airborne pollutants.

The Energy Star Qualified Home and the Energy Star Indoor Air Package are both great ways for homebuyers and builders alike to address two critical green home elements. Following through with additional green home programs is critical to fulfilling the total green lifestyle. Additional considerations that homeowner needs to include are water products for purity and efficiency, renewable energy technologies, waste reduction (including recycling), and sustainable land development practices with attention to water sheds. Green maintenance products and services are an excellent compliment to the green building choice and offer ongoing support to the green lifestyle way of living.

For additional information please visit:

Greenhaven Design and Maintenance Inc.
412.680.4326