Better Buildings
At the heart of a green home is concrete
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Constructing an environmentally conscious home may seem like a monumental task, but many components can be yours with just one choice. Start construction with concrete, not wood.
"In just one step, you can achieve a high level of sustainability in your new house," says Todd Blyth at Nudura, the manufacturer of insulated concrete forms. "Build your walls, floors and ceilings with stay-in-place, interlocking concrete units. With this Lego-like method (of reinforced concrete sandwiched between two layers of expanded polystyrene foam insulation) the total building envelope stands to be up to nine times stronger, far more fire resistant, and far more sound insulated. Furthermore, this certified innovation (nudura.com) is design-friendly for architects, much faster for builders, creates less construction waste, and provides defense against toxicity and mold that is so often associated with traditional wood framed walls. And of equal importance, it's a building method that will deliver energy savings of up to 70 percent."
Industry analysts agree that the overall quality of a green home will pay dividends immediately, and it will continue to do so for years to come. When building, pay special attention to materials and systems for water, sewage, energy, and your indoor environment. These are rated by an internationally accredited organization called Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), so ask your builder to make choices based on this designation.
"A green home uses less energy, water and natural resources," Blyth explains. "It is less wasteful and is healthier and more comfortable for the occupants. Equally important benefits include lower energy and water bills, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. As a result, the net cost of owning a sustainable home is comparable to cost of a conventional one."