Green Lifestyle

Most people are aware of our automobile energy use but few realize our homes consume 22% of all energy used in the US (transportation is 28%, commercial is 18% and industry 33%).

Homes generate 1243 million metric tons of C02 annually (industry generates 1710) or about 18 tons per home annually.

Therefore, green building has great benefit in curbing climate change.

Use of green materials, resources, and techniques will result in less waste and promote self-reliant and sustainable communities.

Self-generation means energy independence and gaining control of your energy costs. As we age and face limited incomes, energy costs will continue to climb. Limiting our homes' energy load will protect us in the long term.

Green building is simply the application of common sense.

Some examples of green construction:

• use of durable materials means they will last longer and generate less waste
• use of advanced construction techniques requires less materials and results in higher thermal performance
• recycling of usable construction waste
• use of recycled, renewable or sustainably grown and locally available materials
• uses low embodied energy materials
• less runoff from your property by using pervious paving and other water permeable surfaces
• decreased heat island effect due to heat absorbing landscaping, shading, and use of reflective or pervious surfaces
• since 6-20% of the energy used in a home is for lighting, we encourage use of daylighting, high efficacy lighting systems such as compact fluorescent and LED systems, light shelves, and careful lighting designs that reflect diffused light into the home