Green design . . . sustainable design . . . healthy living . . . eco-design
These are all phrases that relate to the design and construction or remodeling of homes that make less of an impact on the environment, use fewer resources and less energy, and are durable and healthy to live in. There are many different shades of green – from light green with someone making a small change with a remodel (installing a low flow toilet and shower head with a bath remodel) to dark green with someone taking every possible measure with the design and construction of a new home. Every shade of green helps the environment, and therefore those inhabiting the earth.
In 2008, Sherri earned the Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation.
Below is a table that lists only some facets of a green or sustainable home.
|
Effect |
Benefit to Homeowner |
|
| Site the home on lot for maximum solar efficiency | Reduces energy use & thereby pollution. | More climate comfortable home & reduced operating costs. |
| Utilize resource efficient and/or recycled materials | Reduces strain on natural materials. Reduces energy use for material production & thereby pollution. Reduces material in landfills. | May be some cost savings. |
| Install Energy Star appliances & windows | Reduces energy use & thereby pollution. | More climate comfortable home & reduced operating costs. |
| Proper sizing, installation and use of HVAC equipment | Reduces energy use & thereby pollution. | May have reduced equipment costs. More climate comfortable home & reduced operating costs. Possibly fewer issues with allergies & asthma with proper use of ventilation equipment. |
| Proper installation & maintenance of air sealing & moisture management products | Reduces energy use & thereby pollution. | More climate comfortable home & reduced operating costs. Reduced replacement of materials due to moisture damage. |
| Install low flow fixtures | Reduces water useage. Reduces strain on sewer & water treatment systems. | Reduced operating costs. |
| Utilize rain barrels | Reduces water useage. Reduces strain on sewer & water treatment systems. | Reduced operating costs. |
| Xeriscaping | Reduces water useage. Reduces strain on sewer & water treatment systems. | Reduced operating costs. Reduces time spent maintaining landscape. |
| Use of compact fluorescent or LED lighting | Reduces energy use & thereby pollution. | Reduced operating costs. Reduced time spent changing light bulbs. |
| Use of low VOC finishes | Reduces air pollution. | Better indoor air quality. Possibly fewer issues with allergies & asthma |
| Proper maintenance of home | Reduces energy use & thereby pollution. May reduce materials going to landfills. | More climate comfortable home & reduced operating costs. Reduced replacement of materials due to moisture damage. Better indoor air quality. |
| Optimum location of trees on lot for solar efficiency | Reduces energy use & thereby pollution. | More climate comfortable home & reduced operating costs. |