Catching the Green Wave
There's no
doubt any more: "Green building" has evolved from a cottage industry
to the mainstream of consumer consciousness. Driven by sky-rocketing
energy prices, concerns about global warming and greenhouse gas
emissions, and the desire to make a positive difference, homeowners
are searching for ways to shrink the environmental impact of their
homes. Remodeling an existing home, rather than building a new
one, is the 'greenest' decision a homeowner can make. Open land is
preserved and the energy required to make the materials for a new
house (concrete, lumber, metals, plastics) is saved. Additionally,
making an existing home more "green" has been made easier than ever
before. There has been a proliferation of products, systems, and
materials designed to reduce energy and resource consumption. These
solutions help lower utility bills, improve indoor comfort and air
quality, and control and mitigate unwanted air and moisture intrusion.
Such products reuse materials rather than extract virgin resources. In
addition, remodeling green can now earn homeowners a federal tax
credit. Consider the following ways a home remodeling project can
reduce a home's environmental footprint: - Insulation. Installing or upgrading
insulation in the walls, floors, and ceiling/attic, with special
attention to the myriad openings in the house (e.g., electrical
outlets) helps block thermal transfer through the home's structure.
According to the Dow Corporation, the combined open space in the
average home created by gaps, cracks and holes is the equivalent of a
four by four foot open window. Properly installed insulation and the
skillful use of caulk and expanding foam makes a more comfortable
indoor climate that requires less energy to maintain.
A
remodeling project could also include insulation for ductwork to block
heat loss, allowing the heating and cooling equipment to operate more
efficiently. Many new insulation products include recycled content,
such as denim, to make them even more
eco-friendly.
- Windows. High-performance
insulated windows and glass doors that block hot or cold air and the
sun's ultraviolet rays not only reduce home energy consumption, but
also create a more comfortable living
environment.
- Resource-saving fixtures.
Appliances rated by the federal Energy Star program for their energy
efficiency -- from laundry equipment to refrigerators and furnaces --
are designed to work better and last longer with less energy use.
Water heaters are more energy efficient. Tankless versions conserve
water, too. Low-flow toilets, front-loading clothes washers, and most
faucets are designed to reduce water use without sacrificing
performance or reliability.
- Lighting. Where
appropriate, upgraded, Energy Star-rated light fixtures equipped with
compact fluorescent bulbs serve both task and general lighting needs
at a fraction of the energy use required by traditional incandescent
bulbs.
Non-toxic finishes. Paints and coatings made without
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) offer comparable performance without
the toxic off-gassing and odor of conventional finishes, thus
improving indoor air quality. We work closely with individual homeowners to
insure that the decision to 'go green' takes into account the needs,
budget and sensitivities of our client. With more than 120 million
existing homes in the U.S., there's no doubt that green remodeling is
the wave of the future. It's a trend that a growing number of
professional remodelers are equipped to take advantage of. All will
benefit: Remodelers, homeowners and the environment.
Warm
regards,
Austin Schmitt, John Schmitt, Mark Jackson, and
Elizabeth Mitchel
Kingston Design Remodeling
11515 Suburban Place
Fairfax Station VA 22039
(703) 323-6527 - phone
kingstonbuilders@cox.net
www.kingstonbuilders.com
c.
2006 All
rights reserved.
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