Energy efficient home using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
The time for building green has come. The challenging economic climate of our recent past has changed what value means to home buyers. Green Building gives home builders a path to produce homes that are more energy efficient, therefore saving homeowners money.
What makes a home green?
Source: NAHB Green Building Center
- Responsible lot and site development. The home is positioned to take advantage of heat and light from the sun. Natural site features are preserved and protected.
- Energy efficiency. Energy Star appliances, insulation, doors, windows, heating and air-conditioning, lighting and the home’s design work together to conserve energy resources and reduce utility bills.
- Water efficiency. Water heaters, toilets, low-flow faucets and shower heads, and drought-tolerant landscaping conserve water inside and out. Energy Star dishwashers and washing machines, programmed, low-volume irrigation systems, rainwater collection systems, and hot water recirculation systems also save water.
- Resource efficiency. Materials are selected for durability, origin, and recycled content while waste-management strategies reduce the environmental impact of the home’s construction and maintenance.
- Indoor air quality/Indoor environmental quality. A properly sized heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system, along with exhaust fans in the kitchen, bathroom and utility rooms, cycles fresh air in and polluted, humid air out. Low-VOC paints, sealants and adhesives, and the elimination of urea-formaldehyde wood products, help insure a healthy indoor air quality.
- Reduce the impact on the environment. Preserve trees and use native vegetation, group together according to their watering needs. Driveways and other paved surfaces should be reduced as much as possible. Permeable paving and block pavers or grids are green options compared to traditional asphalt and concrete.
- Homeowner education. Making sure homeowners know how to properly operate and maintain their home is essential. Planet Clark staff are working on a Homeowner’s Manual to assist in understanding when, why, and how to keep systems running as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
As more houses are built using green building standards, the need for power generating plants decreases. This will save millions of dollars for consumers and decrease the strain on our natural resources, just a couple more reasons to build green.
Resources
Contractor’s resources
Green building resources
Green construction techniques
Learn more
Clark County Sustainable Communities
Department of Energy Builders Challenge
Going Green in Your Home
Green Building Advisor
Green Glossary
Health House
International Green Construction Code
NAHB Green building resources for homeowners