Five Key Components of Green Homes March 13, 2009

5 KEY COMPONENTS OF GREEN HOMES

Nearly all green homes consider the following key components essential to green building and remodeling:

1. Design and size: Good site design and just large enough, as opposed to larger is better.

eco-modpod says: Good site design maximizes location of home with regards to the sun. South facing roofs at a 45 degree angle maximize solar panel use, the right amount of eaves (over hang of roof) allows for passive solar in winter when sun is low and blocking of hot, higher in the sky summer sun.

 

The size of homes these days is less relevant than their efficiency. A large 7000 sqft super energy efficient home may use fewer resources than an old 1000 sqft home that hasn’t been retrofitted for energy efficiency. The question is why would anyone need a 7000 sqft home?

green home design

 

 

2. Community connectivity: Located close to work, school, recreation and other basics.

eco-modpod says: There are five investment and eco-location criteria to consider when purchasing a home. View them here (scroll down to mid-article).

 

green community connectivity

 

 

 

3. Energy and water efficiency: At least 15 percent or more efficient than others.

eco-modpod says: How do you find out how efficient your home is and how it compares to others? Get a home energy audit. For Denver/Boulder residents call Emerge Green or Scott Home Inspection. 

 

Reduce your use of water by xeriscaping your yard (Denver is a drought prone!), installing no-touch faucet sensors (I love the one we installed in a bathroom), and taking shorter showers (I am still working on this one).

water efficiency with xeriscaping

 

 

4. Material selections: Use of some recycled and/or reclaimed products.

eco-modpod says: Stick with the simple moto of “reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink.”

 

•  Reduce the resources (modern is uncluttered and clean) from less packaging to increasing natural light, which reduces the need to switch on that CFL.

 

•  Reuse the resources in the home from refinishing those wood floors instead of replacing them to buying from a building coop like ReSource.

•  Recycle materials–like all that old HVAC and water heater metal–at Atlas Metal and Iron. If you live in Denver, you can put all your scrap metal next to the dumpsters and guys trolling the alleys with their pick-up trucks will come by and take it to the recycling center for you (it’s how they make their living). 

 

•  Rethink the choices you make when purchasing supplies for your home. Sure, that low VOC paint cost more but it is better for the environment and your health. 

 

recycled paper countertops

 

 

5. Indoor air quality: Limiting use of materials with potential toxic effects and increased ventilation.

eco-modpod says: The quality of air inside homes is often more hazardous than the air outside due to all the chemicals used in building and design products.

 

Cheap products are often the worst off gassers due to glue and formaldehyde used. Choose real solid woods, natural wood carpets (or better yet none), and low VOC paints. Include efficient vents to the outside in bathrooms, over gas stoves and with evaporative coolers to circulate fresh air.

 

healthier indoor air quality

 

 

You can research any one of these from the U.S. Green Building Council Web site, where each of these is covered in detail with case studies.

 

Source:
Eric Fowler, Realtor.org

 

 

Certified Denver area Realtor who can help you find or sell a Green Home:

Bridget Slevin, Coldwell Banker

- Certified Ecobroker
- Home Buyer Bike Tours
- Humanitarian of the Year Award