What does it mean to build green?

Every where you turn in construction there is a term “green” construction. It has become a buzz word but what does it truly mean to build “green”? What does it mean to be ‘Green”? Lately it has been used to simply mean using recyclable materials, or engineered wood systems rather than real wood. But this is just the barely scratching the surface. Building “Green” is a far more complex way of building than just simply chasing what you buy, it also includes where you buy and how you buy.

To build “green” or to use “sustainable” building practices is to build with products that are close to the end use site. To build with products that are easily sustained such as faster growing tree species that mature quickly such as lodge pole or yellow pine. If that is not available use materials such as SIP panels (structural insulated panels) or Vitruvian panels (steel with eps foam panels). There is engineered wood which has less waste, more strength, and has minimal embodied energy. To build “green” also must take into account energy consumption and life costs. Embodied energy is the energy used to manufacture a material. Life cycle cost is the energy used to maintain and use the product. For instance solar panels have a large cost up front and a slow return period on the actual purchase of the product. The life expectancy is 25 years typically and the ability to recycle is none. This makes this product appealing early in the process but may not be as appealing as passive solar collection using an interior wall to capture and radiate heat. The cost is minimal and may not be as energy saving up front but the fact that the wall will last 100 years not just 25 and may be out of wood or concrete and so is 100% recyclable makes it a great choice for the long term.

The ability to recycle the materials that are chosen at the end of their life cycle is also important. If you select a 50 year composition shingle roof the up front cost may be 30% higher than a 25 year roof but that means that the landfill will be filled up at half the rate than if the 25 year roofing was used. The energy to install a roof is great and having to replace the roof half as often is a good thing.

There are several organizations who rate the value of the “green” building you are proposing for your project. Builtitgreen.org is one group just as “leeds” is another. Projects receive a score based on whichever groups systems you are looking to be certified by. The rating is based on embodied energy, proximity of materials to site, energy star ratings and other factors. You may receive tax credits if your project meets the minimum requirements as based on your building jurisdiction requires. Another great resource to understand these requirements is the USGBC.org website.

For me building “green” is all of these. “Green” building is a total approach with emphasis on proper siting of the building with regards to solar, water conservation, energy efficiency, material selection, construction methods and indoor air quality while respecting the design and budget. We must also keep an eye on life cycle costs, embodied energy and recyclablility of the products at the end of the life. Few projects will be able to do all of these things and so it is a balancing act. Balancing the budget and goals of the homeowner with an eye on the future and preserving our natural resources.