|
|
Green |
|
Why Southern Exposure is Important for a Green Home |
|
|
|
|
While some of us like to "shoot from the hip", there are others that are very organized in their thoughts and processes. Initially, I'm an organized individual and unfortunately, there are a lot of days that I "shoot from the hip." So, I guess I'm a little bit of both personalities.
For those of you who hate organized ideologies, you have to admit that a little bit of organization can go along way. In fact, when it comes to buying a home, answering some key questions just makes the process so much easier and helps you figure out what your true priorities are. See Planning the Key to Home Buying Success.
 New construction works the same way and more specifically when you discuss "green" homes. "Green" homes start with a smart design and efficient technology systems to create green homes. In fact, the planning or design stage, in my opinion, is one of the most important steps in the process. Deciding what factors are important to you in the beginning saves a lot of time and possibly a lot of money in the future.
Green homes are about having "residential structures that achieve optimal year-round comfort, reduce energy consumption, improve indoor air quality, and limit environmental impact." (http://www.solarenergy.org/workshops/sushomedesonline.html. This type of home is about taking the house as a whole unit, being aware of the climate and temperature changes and knowing which design strategies can handle the environment and its natural surroundings. In order to reduce energy consumption, green designers look at other ways of obtaining other forms of renewable energy, such as solar, wind. In fact, here's what Wikipedia defines renewable energy as, "Renewable energy effectively uses natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides and geothermal heat, which are naturally replenished.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Brand New Homes Don't Always Mean Energy Efficiency |
|
|
|
 Alright, alright. I have to tell you that I love green. Green to me means "Go", means $ signs, and also means a well-built house. In fact, my next article was supposed to be about the first stages of building a green home, but realized that I need to backup a bit.
In talking with several people, most people BELIEVE that when they buy a brand new home that they will have some of the qualities of a green-built home. Some of characteristics of a green built home include:
- Energy - Efficiency
- Safe for occupants (natural disasters etc.)
- More comfortable (temperature, humidity)
- Healthier environment
- Durable (Structural, moisture managed)
Honestly, you should expect those things in a new home but in reality, it is not always there.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Is Shrek Green? Yes, He Is! |
|
|
|
 So, I'm this huge movie buff. In fact, one of my favorite things to do is to sit down on a Friday night with a bag of popcorn and put in the latest and greatest movie. And by the way, my family has seen a ton! Last Friday, we watched Shrek 3 with the kids. Initially, I wasn't going to watch it but decided it would be a good family bonding time!
The movie was good but what was interesting was playing around after the movie in the extras. They had "Ask Merlin" where you get to ask Merlin a Yes or No question and he answers. My question was, "Will I be incredibly wealthy?" I'll just say, I was pleased with the answer!
Another section was titled, "Being Green" to which my husband said that I should see what that's all about since I love the "Green" movement. Because I'm curious... I checked it out. Shrek starts out by saying that Kermit (do you remember him?) said it wasn't easy being green. To which he replies that it's not that hard. So here's the message that was sent out to the kids in a fun way on the backend of this movie.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
What is the Big Deal about Green and Green Homes? |
|
|
|
|
The Green movement has been around for some time, so why is it that some of us are just starting to hear about it? Or better yet, pay attention to "Green".
The media does their best to pick up on the "HOT" issues and with some big names backing the green movement, we've actually been hearing a lot more about these issues; global warming and why it's necessary to protect the environment. 
Some of the major backers of the Green Movement include: Al Gore, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Obviously, some big names that we all know, that are using their credentials to promote a better environment. Al Gore's Documentary - An Inconvenient Truth can be viewed via video at http://www.climatecrisis.net. Leonardo DiCaprio's Movie - The 11th Hour is scheduled to come out December 2007. You can view more information about this movie at http://www.leonardodicaprio.org/. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has made energy efficiency and protecting the environment one of his top priorities. You just need to visit his website at http://gov.ca.gov/issue to see his passion with this cause. CNN wrote on this in April, their article was titled, "Schwarzenegger pumps up green movement". You can view at the following link: http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/04/12/arnold.green/index.html
Green Building Standards are Growing
Organizations such as the National Association of Home Builders and the U.S. Green Building Council are avocating this way of building and are aiding the movement as well. Many more organizations exist that are part of this movement. One of them is LEED for Homes which rolled out in November 2007. LEED has been the certification system for the USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council) for commercial buildings and now is developing a certification program that will be tailor-made to homes. I'm one of the members for the West Michigan LEED Chapter... so feel free to contact me if you need any more information.
Discovery Channel to Start Focusing on the Green Movement
|
|
Read more...
|
|
| |
|
ICF's are a popular way to go in the construction of a green home in that they not only provide a solid home but also an energy-efficient home. Since the concrete is totally encapsulated in rigid foam, the foam provides the energy efficiency while the concrete provides the strength. Energy efficiency is dependant on how the home is built and how much leakage is moving in and out of the house. Green home practices focus on building air-tight homes and with the interlocking foam blocks and long continuous panels, ICF's are ideal in preventing air leakage. The solid structure and the fact that concrete doesn't settle, also lends to the tight house construction.