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By now you’re familiar with our series uniting experts in the home improvement industry. If not, read our Blog-Off announcement.
During our last Blog-Off, our experts predicted the 2011 home improvement trends. They outlined everything, from colors and design to materials and fixtures. However, one trend dominated the rest: going green. Thus, for this Blog-Off, we wanted to see how going green affects the homeowner.
Why We’re Asking
Over the past few years, Going Green has become an increasingly popular trend and it looks like it is here to stay. Sustainable materials, energy efficient appliances, re-purposed furniture, recycled artwork…the green movement is appearing in our homes now more than ever. Implementing eco-conscious practices into our homes not only protects the environment and resources, but it can also protect our families, by eliminating toxins, for example. As a consequence, many people are injecting some green into their homes.
As the green movement gains steam, more eco-friendly alternatives are becoming available. However, going green is a relatively new concept, so it got us thinking. If “green” is a new concept, wouldn’t that mean there aren’t as many eco-alternatives to fuel endless remodeling possibilities? And, if that is the case, wouldn’t it mean homeowners would need to make sacrifices in order to go green? For an individual homeowner, are these sacrifices worth it?
We aren’t sure ourselves, so we’re turning to the experts for help and we’re asking them to weigh in right here in the comments. What does this mean? Homeowners will get the raw, unedited answers directly from the experts. It also gives you, the homeowners, an opportunity to ask the professionals for clarification directly. This is the forum to learn the insiders’ opinion on going green.
So experts, it’s time to dish it:
Does Going Green Limit Homeowners?
We want more information on how this green movement is affecting homeowners, so enlighten us!
• How do you think going green constrains homeowners in the design/remodeling process? Are there any limitations or sacrifices required?
• How does cost play into this: do you think homeowners sacrifice hard-earned money by going green? Where is the overlap between being cost effective and going green?
• For homeowners on a smaller budget, which green elements are the most cost effective? Does a small budget limit going green or can a little go a long way?
Experts, post your answers in the comment field below! Homeowners, feel free to jump in, too!
Going green does not limit homeowners. Besides all the great products out there for every aspect of building, remodeling, or decorating, the choices and price points have gotten competitive too. Oil paints will soon be a thing of the past.
The original “going green” is using antiques, vintage pieces, upcycled thrift store bargains, and re-purposed pass-alongs and hand-me-downs. Using natural fabrics, such as cotton, linen, wool, and silk is another effortless way to go green.
Saving the planet is no longer thought of as a fringe movement, but rather a way of life for all of us.
xo xo
Here here visual vamp. The whole problem with this going green thing is that people heard more expensive over a more purposeful and healthier way to live.
The term green should seriously be banished; we’re far too into the mixed messaging for society to ever get on the same page. The question remains what is a more appropriate word?
If I could qualify “Green” to everyone I would, but that is a whole class that I cant do here. As a word I agree with Kelly. I will say that designing water/power use to be conservative and comfortable while using less is my goal as a Green Trainer. Personally I do not think is needs to cost more, nor does “being Green” need to be anything more than frugal and conservative, not “Liberal” Quite the opposite! Engineering is all that is needed. Behavior mod is free! education is a responsibility, and using less is cost effective. Hey Kelly I got a word for it….Conserve itive.
Newer and better green solutions in plumbing are being developed all of the time. This market is not slowing down anytime soon, which is good because our nation has water and energy usage issues that need to be addressed. ROTOGreen, the green initiative from Roto-Rooter, is part of a movement providing a wide range of environmental solutions from retrofits to new fixtures to routine tips that offer things in a range of prices for any number of people and businesses, as well. There are tons of options out there are more coming, each homeowner just has to find the solutions that make the most sense for them and their homes.
I’d like to comment on what, in my opinion, is the most cost effect way homeowners on a small budget can go green. As homeowners are investing in home improvement, many are looking for do-it-yourself (DIY) projects that not only help them save money, but help reduce their impact on the environment as well. You might have already installed a programmable thermostat to regulate heating and cooling and added weather stripping to stop your home’s most obvious drafts. Maybe you’ve even switched to a few compact fluorescent light bulbs. But if you’re interested in even more energy savings, the first place to start is your windows.
Windows are a key component to every home – they provide views of the outdoors, day lighting, ventilation and even solar heating in the winter. Properly installed plastic window products can help reduce energy and maintenance costs and potentially reduce a homeowner’s carbon footprint.
Here are five ways to prepare your windows for extreme temperatures to help you save energy and money in your home:
1. STOP THE LEAKS – Air leaks are a huge drain on the energy operating your heating and cooling equipment, costing you quite a bundle! Consider plastic wrap on windows and doors if you’re looking for a quick fix. Or, if you’re prepared for a more complicated remodel, rigid plastic foam panels, spray foam, and plastic home wrap can reduce infiltration of outside air into your home and help you save hundreds of dollars in heating and cooling costs each year.
2. TAKE COVER – Blinds, shades and shutters are more than just decoration! Use your blinds to block sun rays from heating up the house during the summer and keep cold air out in the winter. This can help cut down your air conditioning and heating bills.
3. GO MODERN – Replacing older, inefficient windows is a great way to upgrade and modernize a home that pays big dividends in the long run. Installing high performing windows with vinyl frames can help improve a home’s energy performance overall.
4. KEEP OUT THE COLD – There are a few quick and easy things you can do every day to stay warm this winter. First, make sure you close your curtains and shades at night and open them during the day to let in that sunshine. Also make sure the windows on the south side of your house are kept clean during the winter to let in as much sun as possible to heat the house naturally. For additional protection against the bitter winter cold use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the winter months. Remember, the plastic must be sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration.
5. STAY COOL – For those brutal months of summer heat, install white window shades, drapes or blinds that reflect heat away from the house. Make sure to close curtains on south and west facing windows and install vinyl awnings on the south and west facing windows as they won’t fade and help keep those sunny windows shaded. Apply sun-control or other reflective plastic films on south facing windows to reduce solar gain.
These are just some ways that you can help cut down on energy bills everyday. Don’t forget to also check with your window supplier or tax advisor about federal and state tax credits for installing new, energy efficient windows.
I work for a landscaping firm, so I’ll comment on outdoor sustainability options. Homeowners have so much more information about the environmental benefits of sustainable landscaping than they did even 5 years ago. We see “going green” with landscaping as a spark for creativity rather than a constraint. There are a wide array of water wise foliage that can be used to achieve looks compatible with virtually any architectural style and meet any purpose.
Recruiting a creative professional with thorough knowledge of options limits the sacrifices required. For example, homeowners can significantly lower water and chemical use by ripping out traditional lawns comprised of thirsty grasses. Some see this as a great sacrifice; however, a good pro can recommend less thirsty grass varieties that provide great play space while consuming less water or ways to mitigate the impact of high-water plants, like roses, homeowners just don’t want to do without. A thoughtful landscape design can also reduce home energy costs associated with heating and cooling.
For homeowners on a smaller budget, rip out the lawn!!! Replace it with a native grass variety that will need less water, less maintenance, and no chemical support (see http://www.idealmow.com for examples). A small budget can go a long way when used strategically.
I think “going green” requires homeowners to do a little research but, with the rising cost of commodities (like oil), I think they’re more willing. Fortunately, things have progressed enough that even a little research will show: potential savings over the long term, health benefits (like low VOC paint, for instance) and that the cost of making more ecologically savvy choices is actually competitive. Readily available sources for information and products online make it easier, too. In NYC, you have sources like Build it Green NYC and Habitat for Humanity ReStore, for instance, that allow homeowners to make “greener” choices easily.
Depending on the geographic location they are in, available resources, vendors and/or contractors/designers/architects who are familiar & know what constitutes “GREEN” (or LEED or any of the other eco-friendly accronyms of manufacturers, vendors or construction practices) can be limiting. Therefore, homeowners may have to rely more heavily on special orders and higher transportation/shipping costs. And “wait times” for working with an industry professional can make some projects not “do-able”.
There may be some “sacrifices” in terms of color, “in stock” as opposed to special order of materials, money (may be more of an upfront cost) and time (waiting for arrival of items/services).
In some cases, yes, which is one of the major turn-offs right now. However, in most cases, the health benefits and/or environmental & social benefits are worth the added cost. Lowering of VOCs can increase life quality & reduce health care costs (doctor visits, illness) which can more than make inital cost of paying more for a no VOC paint (carpet, stain/adhesive, cabinetry…). Also, as some aspects of being eco-friendly aren’t cost effective for manufacturers to date, cost IS higher for production, which is passed on to consumers.
WHERE IS THE OVERLAP BETWEEN BEING COST EFFECTIVE AND GOING GREEN? It depends on where the consumers VALUES lie…to some, being environmentally friendly in their design (and lifestyle choice) is a HIGH VALUE to them, so the “cost effectiveness” is nullified by the high value they place on being “GREEN”. For homeowners on a smaller budget, installing low-flow faucets & shower heads in the bathroom & kitchen, buying from LOCAL sources (cuts down on transportation costs/emissions), using NO VOC paints/stains/adhesives/carpeting, reducing packing on items purchased (includes groceries, bath/body items…), becoming more educated on label reading…KNOW what you are purchasing, planting a garden/farmers markets, recycle/repurpose when possible.
A little can go a long way! Every person implementing just 1 “eco-friendly/GREEN” practice into their life/home can make a HUGE difference to their health, the local economy and creating a more sustainable planet.
Green is a funny thing to pin down. It’s sort of like the variations on being a vegetarian. Most of the time it costs more to be green. How green you go depends on your budget and if you are doing new construction which allows for grey water systems and cisterns, but if your remodeling you may be making good choices that eventually will pay for themselves.
My number one “green” item to do is add insulation to your attic. In any climate zone this will save you money; 45% of our heat loss is out the top of our homes; only 11% heat loss from windows! Replacing old windows is a great thing to do but this can be costly and have a slower payback than added insulation. There is a newly patented insulation that is only 1/4″ thick and limits both conductive and convective heat transfer. I like this very much because homeowners install this over the pink fiberglass insulation (probably R-11, or a blown in loose insulation) to increase their R value dramatically without opening up walls. You can also add this material in walls if they are opened up over R-11 creating a R-22 rating (higher than a brand new home with 6″ walls with R-19).
There is a Federal Tax credit available for 10% up to 500.00 this year. Over the life of a client living in their home, they could potentially save thousands of dollars after the first 3 or 4 years. The product is Radiaflect insulation and I don’t know of any other product like it. The other easy tip is to look for the new language on plumbing products “SmartWise,” this is a partnership between the EPA and the plumbing industry. Any product with this symbol uses at least 20% less water and has good performance than in the past. Toilets now are available with a 1.28 gallon flush, shower heads that use 1.5 gallons per minute that actually perform. These are available in entry level and mid level pricing. I know American Standard has a number of these products. All of the recycled solid surface countertop materials have limited color selections to choose from over the non recycled material in their existing line (Silestone, Cesarstone type products) and they always cost more. None of these manufacturers use 100% recycled so the impact on the environment may also be very limited. Read the specifications before you go green, you may not have the impact you think you’re having.
We do not believe “going green” means limitations or sacrifices to home construction, interior design or simply sprucing up your home because so many products and options are on the market and available to consumers. Consumers who invest in eco-friendly products, will save money in the long run from lower energy expenses, and more efficient, long lasting products.
I work for a small business in Seattle called Second Use Building Materials. We aim to protect architectural heritage and keep waste out of landfills by salvaging old building materials and reselling them to the public. Using salvaged materials can present extra challenge for homeowners, at times. Finding matching materials, refinishing them so they look like a match, installation, etc., can all be tough, especially for beginner do it yourself-ers. However, the materials we sell are roughly 1/3 or 1/2 of the original cost, and they usually have more character than something you would get at, say, Ikea. People do really great things with salvaged materials. So, to answer your question, a person can do a lot on a small budget, if he’s willing to put in a little research and elbow grease!
There is one area in particular that not a lot of home owners may have thought about when “going green”. In Southern California, many of us are changing our landscapes so that more water gets into the ground and eventually, into the groundwater supply. In theory, this is great – it replenishes our supply, thereby reducing our dependence on water from outside of Southern California. Unfortunately, by doing so, it means that we can’t use many of the same herbicides to kill weeds on our yards. Think about it – if the water is going into the water supply, do we really want pesticides to go with it! Thus, it can be a challenge to have a truly environmentally-friendly landscape.
Going green, certainly limits your fixture/finish choices and forces homeowners to readjust what they may think a dream kitchen/bathroom/house should be. The most green thing you can do is create a smaller footprint both in the size of the house/space and how efficiently the space works to heat/cool/light the space. Also, when you’re on the cutting edge of green technologies, you’re seeking things that many manufacturers have not been able to adjust to yet, so you are limited in whats in stock, whats available, and who is able to provide it.
As far as cost goes, homeowners can actually save money in the design phase by really focusing on what space they need & use on an everyday basis and eliminating wasted rooms. They can also rely more on daylight by good window design and latent cooling/heating. It can be a return to how homes were constructed & conceived a hundred years ago. So, going green from a basic design & functionality standpoint can actually save money.
For homeowners on a smaller budget, there are so many things that don’t cost any more than the “non-green” alternative, but actually are safer or more energy efficient in the long run. Low/no VOC paints provide a much better indoor air quality than the standard off-gassing paint alternatives. You can research & even custom-order lower-flow shower heads at no additional cost. Obviously, florescent lighting everyone knows about.
I am a huge proponent for tankless hot water heaters, simply because you see a return in 3-5 years & you don’t suffer the hot water outages or potential for leaks over a standard hot water heater – its one of those few green luxury items. Dual-flush toilets are now the same cost as standard toilets. By doing the research, you can usually find a green alternative for the same cost.
A small budget doesn’t limit eco alternatives…but it takes planning and good design to achieve a green project on a smaller budget.
I have to say that the media has really fueled the term in the minds of consumers but it does not have to necessarily be about costing more or about sacrificing in the way of budgeting.
Going green is simply a term to describe the responsible approach we as homeowners have when we impact our environment be it with design, materials used, and also looking for ways to re-purpose what we have into a new form or function.
It’s also very much about reducing waste whenever there is any kind of demolition for example, where existing lumber can be used for another purpose or for that matter old furniture. Our own renovation used existing decking that had to be torn out due to construction defects and that turned into fencing around the property as well as using support beams for a backyard pergola. We also found some old white oak that was one hundred years old that was being throw out by a museum that was renovating and my husband scooped that up and it’s now a wall of cabinets and shelving in our guest room. Right there we saved a bundle on materials.
Then there was my personal choice in flooring that became cork that is used throughout my addition as well as some other rooms. I loved the fact that it is eco-friendly and comes from a sustainable source, loved the history on cork and loved the affordable cost. So, really it’s a misnomer to think of green as costly or out of reach cost wise.
Finally, because I personally espouse the use of “green” as in the green approach to hiring and working with contractors on my website, it all comes back to reducing wasteful spending and conserving time and energy on the part of the homeowner by getting educated on the risks and realities of renovating and contracting for a home project.
There are so many materials now that are green, so there really are no limitations aside from price because green products tend to cost more up front but end up saving you money over the long term.
The overlap between cost efficiency and going green, it’s really the up front cost vs. the long term savings in your energy bills. Each product is different and brings a unique equation to the table. Installing solar panels might cost you $50,000; if your average electric bill is $500 then it will take you 100 months to break even- but everything after that will be savings in your pocket.
Replacing your light bulbs with CFLS is something all homeowners can do on a small budget that is extremely cost effective. As far as more DIY yourself projects, weather stripping your doors and re-caulking your windows every three years is also extremely important. A lot of old windows are single paned, and so replacing those with double pane windows can make a huge difference in your monthly bills.
Since I only troubleshoot problems with existing home wiring, my customers are not facing budget questions related to remodeling, but they are still feeling an impact from the green wave. More of them just want things to remain as they are and do not understand why their energy saving devices of two decades ago (dimmers) are now useless for (or destroyed by) the soon-to-be-mandated CFL bulbs. Even their fluorescent-tube lights have become dinosaurs because electronic ballasts and skinnier tubes are about all that is approved as replacements.
I think I side with my customers. Green seems like a fashion, a fad, a bandwagon, and an old-fashioned sales pitch. Snake oil even. At least the ads for various colored pills say to ask your doctor if it is right for you. Who that is selling green cares enough to warn you that you won’t save so much money or much planet unless you run those CFLs for three hours a day? You used to save by only running certain incandescents one hour a day. Now if you go green, keeping CFLs going three hours, the only incandescents that should look bad are ones that would run the same three hours, which you never allowed!
Homeowners who choose to go green in terms of how they construct, remodel, and furnish their homes, on the surface, may seem to be limiting themselves. But, in reality, they are opening themselves up to unique products with unique benefits they have never considered before.
Roofing is a home necessity that homeowners become accustomed to replacing every 12 – 20 years in most areas. The standard roofing shingles that are used on most homes are short-lived, make homes hot in the summer by absorbing heat, and are petroleum based. By and large, these products are not very green.
My company manufactures a green alternative to traditional home roofing shingles and I’m sure a lot of other roofing manufacturers do as well. Going off my experience with our products, these green shingles can have as high as 95% recycled content, are sustainable because they can last over 50 years, and are 100% recyclable at the end of its use. Plus, they naturally keep the homes cooler in warm weather, usually cutting attic heat gain by more than 30%!
A lot of homeowners don’t think to go green in areas such as their roofs, but now more than ever there are more green options in less traditional areas of the home.
I do believe going green does constrain homeowners, but not because of design or product limitations. I believe the constraint has to do with the price of going green. If you want to go 100% green, it is going to cost you big time. However, if you just want to go green where you can, it can actually end up saving you money. I am talking about recycling and reusing older items that are already made. Reusing old cabinets and millwork not only saves you money and and frees up the landfills, these older products are usually made better and will last longer. I agree with others, the term “going green” really doesn’t work, and anyone using the steps I mentioned above would be “smart” rather then “green”.
I am a homeowner who built my own “green” home – I was the contractor/owner/builder. Been in it just over a year now. I wanted to give some personal experience from a homeowners perspective.
Careful analysis revealed that (just like everything else) lots of things could be done for very little money that made a BIG difference, but after the low-hanging fruit was all gone, further gains became disproportionately expensive for minor gains – we had reached the point of diminishing returns.
Cheap and easy stuff we implemented: high efficiency water heater (15% more than a standard one), insulation under the floor slab ($350), double glazed low E windows (special sale, result was about 15% more than standard windows), insulated doors, CFL light bulbs throughout, ceiling fans, heat pump for A/C and heat (20% more than standard A/C, but you’d still have to figure out a way to heat the place with standard A/C).
All told, our “basic” energy improvements were something like $3 to $4K more than “standard” components on a $100K project (3 to 4% additional) – these are things you have to buy anyway when you build a house, this is the time to spend a little extra money and do it right from the get-go.
The house itself is steel frame/polyurethane foam panels (no wood) so the structure is also R35 insulation. This is an alternative to regular stick-built construction, materials cost a little more but there is almost NO waste and it goes up amazingly quickly so there are significant labor savings as well. Finish is inorganic wallboard (won’t rot, waterproof) on the inside, split face block on the outside, standing seam steel roof – it looks like a regular house, you would never know there’s steel underneath.
Results on our efforts of going green: Hottest month in the summer – and we are in Florida, where it gets seriously hot – total electric bill was $90. Coldest month (Feb), total electric bill $70. This includes power for my computer based home business, cooling, heating, cooling, and power to my aircraft hangar where I have overhead lighting, a compressor, drill press, etc, and a 10 by 40 electrically operated hangar
door AND our well pump and lift pump for the septic tank. “Off season” (heat or A/C not needed) electric bills run under $50. House is cool in the summer, warm in the winter and amazingly QUIET as well.
Another saving: our insurance is only $500 a year – and $200 of it is hurricane insurance – we have neighbors who pay ten times that.
We did not go for a solar water heater (too expensive, too fragile, too finicky) but we did install plumbing for one “later”. We didn’t go for solar cells on the roof or try to go “off the grid” because the payback on that is a LONG time and the technology is advancing rapidly – we’ll revisit that in five years or so. We didn’t go for exotic architecture (grass roof, Trombe walls, buried heat/air exchange chambers full of boulders, etc.) because they are quite expensive and really not particularly cost effective. Yes they have “bragging rights” but they are considered eccentric and actually REDUCE the marketability of a home because most people consider them “weird” (if electricity goes to $1 per KWH, that would change, but it isn’t likely to).
Summary – there are a LOT of things that can be done with new construction which make a HUGE difference at low cost. Retrofitting is tougher, more expensive, and not as effective. It is ALL worthwhile because I don’t see the cost of energy going down unless someone can figure out how to make cold fusion work – and I am not holding my breath on that.
Good topic! I’m a renovation consultant in Cambridge, MA, and I see a lot of this kind of weighing of options on the green front. The foundation of my knowledge is the 17 years I spent producing tv’s “This Old House,” so I bring a certain Yankee skepticism to the whole green movement. To reveal my cards, I saw the rising tide of green stuff as mostly a marketing gambit. The real greenness comes from being smart in how you build, not what kind of gadget you buy.
so here’s a sampling of my take on the topic: the greenest square foot is the one you don’t build. geothermal is rarely if ever a good idea for residential use. do as your mom said and wear a hat and coat (insulate the hell out of what you build). replacing original single-pane windows with insulated-glass units is nearly always absolute folly, both architecturally and investment-wise. the most notable and sensible developments in the green space is the HERS scale and the tenets of Passive House.
Wow, now you found what I think the new color is for the new yr. NOT GRAY but Green! I really like the specific response here on this. Great job on this Blog, too many good responses to list who I want to say Right on to….Thanks
Greg,A Green Plumber USA Trainer!
“Going green” covers a lot of alternatives–from placement of a house on the lot, to solar panels, to window treatments, to something as simple as where to plant a tree, etc. I think that homeowners need to determine a plan on a budget and stick to it. The other thing is to make certain that whatever you install can be easily maintained, repaired and/or replaced. Do not paint yourself into the proverbial corner. Do not make such radical designs that only Al Gore would buy your house if you have to sell. While interesting and energy saving–a house made of old tires, hay bales, etc. does not sell to the average buyer. However, great designs with quality materials that also save energy do sell very well.
There are limitations and sacrifices in any design process. However, going green usually requires some hard choices–size of home, initial costs vs long term savings, etc.
Homeowners sacrifice hard-earned money on any construction or remodeling project.
The ultimate question is are they getting value for their money? To pour money down the drain just to say you are going green is crazy. However, if incorporating green elements into a design that fits your needs will work for you that is good. Far too often well meaning homeowners are duped into buying some so called green equipment or designs that are poor quality, poorly executed, rip offs.
One of the major factors of working with homeowners on any design is this basic question–How do you want the new design to make you feel? This “feel” factor can be worth a lot to some people and not so important to others. Some people do not mind spending a bit more to feel that they “are saving the planet”. Others would like to feel that in going green that they are also setting the stage for future savings. Others are only going green because it is now a fad.
In the long run the homeowner must feel comfortable in their new setting and feel that they got value for their money. One must always calculate the long term costs/savings of going green. Some elements are well worth the money. Some elements are nice but are not saving either money or much energy. Some elements are just not cost effective now but might be worth installing in a few years when both prices come down and energy prices continue to escalate. Some green equipment is in the early stages of development/evaluation and may or may not last or work well.
Actually the simplest, cheapest elements are still the best buy—lot alignment of house, planting trees, putting in insulation and energy efficient doors and windows, buying energy efficient appliances, using low energy lighting, taking advantage of sunlight, etc. All of the more exotic stuff is great if you have the money to spend. However, in a few years many of the more exotic equipment–solar panels, energy cube stacks, hydrogen generators, etc. will be available at affordable prices.
A small budget that is well used can result in both energy savings and in having a home that you love. The bottom line is to do what you feel that you will enjoy and what you can afford. Every little bit helps.
In terms of decorating your home, the easiest and most inexpensive way to “go green” is to repurpose furniture and accesories from Craigslist, thrift stores or Ebay. This is a great way to find great vintage pieces that are usually built better and have more character than anything you would buy new. This also gives you a chance to think outside of the box and spending less so you have more money left to customize the products to fit your home!
The truth is no mater how large or small the budget implementing green solutions into your home will require some research by the homeowner. Educating yourself on the products available isn’t any different from any other home improvement project which you”ll want to research. Going green is more of a commitment and a mind set.
Product manufacturers are making it easier than ever for us to incorporate eco-friendly and green materials, finishes and furnishings into our homes.
3 Quick and Easy Green Solutions:
Paint.
There are several paint manufacturers who have developed low-VOC and zero-VOC paints for the green consumer. VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds, which are toxic gasses that are emitted into the air while the paint is drying and even for a while after.
Window Treatments.
When it’s time to replace your window coverings look for energy efficient products. They provide great benefits by preventing heat loss in the winter, diffusing the heat of the sun in the summer, and saving money on your pocketbook all year round.
Appliances. As your appliances need to be replaced purchase Energy Star appliances. The blue and white Energy Star label translates into an energy savings of up to 50% compared with traditional products. Most major manufacturers are part of this program, so go to http://www.energystar.gov and look through the 18,000 products available and choose the ones that best suit you.
One step at a time!
I think going green actually gives homeowners different options rather than constraining them. While it often costs more initially, the long-range savings is a huge consideration. Being environmentally friendly saves money on future needs and should be factored in at the beginning of a project. This can help the consumer make the best buying decision for their needs and budget. Price comparisons and features versus future savings will play a large part in the final decision.
Homeowners wanting to make the first steps toward a “green” friendly household should consider changing their habits. For example, they can encourage their families to reduce the length of showers, turn water off while shaving and brushing their teeth. These changes don’t cost anything, and the savings can be substantial. Once this is achieved, the budget-conscious consumer should look at replacing old fixtures with high efficiency, energy saving models.
In hearth products “going green” is the result of both consumer demand and increasing government regulation. The result is that the consumer has a lot of choices at all price levels. Open front wood fireplaces are being replaced by gas fireplaces or EPA certified wood burning models.
In gas fireplaces, a consumer should do their homework. Vented gas logs sets reduce particulate emmissions when compared to wood burning, but consume lots of gas and are not good heaters. Vent free gas logs are 99% energy efficient but do not comform to LEED or Energy Start indoor air quality requirements as they vent their combustion products into the home’s interior.
The most popular “green choice” may be direct vent gas fireplaces. Direct vent fireplaces consume less gas and most are classified as heaters. Their sealed glass enclosures mean that these fireplaces use outside air for combustion and vent all of their exhaust to the outside.
Consumers should focus on total BTU input (lower BTU’s means a lower gas bill) and high AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) numbers. Consumers should ignore manufacturer’s “steady state efficiency” claims as these numbers are often inflated and based on unrealistic installations. At this time , there is no Energy Star rating program for fireplaces so stick with AFUE.
Lastly because gas direct vent fireplaces are often installed with a horizontal vent that eliminates the need to construct a vertical chimney chase, DV gas fireplaces often havean installed cost that is far less than wood burning fireplaces.
There are some “green” initiatives that require homeowners to make sacrifices, but there are others that make their lives easier. For example, home systems management is becoming easier and more convenient, and the paybacks can rival even those projects with the quickest ROI.
One example is Schlage LiNK™. Schlage LiNK replaces a conventional lockset on a home’s entry door and enables homeowners to check on their home’s security via their account on their computer or smart phone. And, thanks to its ability to “interconnect” and use Z-Wave® technology to control other home management systems, Schlage LiNK also can talk to the Trane Remote Energy Management Thermostat to control a home’s heating and cooling system, and all of this can happen from a computer or mobile device from anywhere in the world. So, considerable energy savings result from the ability to more precisely manage one’s furnace, air conditioner and lights. Examples abound:
1. Turn lights on and off remotely to save energy.
2. Working late? Use Schlage LiNK to tell your furnace not to go on until later than you have it programmed.
3. Open and close blinds to block – or get – heat gain through windows.
4. Accidentally left for vacation without turning down the furnace? No problem: Do it remotely through Schlage LiNK.
5. Program a more precise energy management schedule: More precision yields lower energy bills.
Another aspect to consider is that Schlage LiNK and its capability to interconnect with a heating and cooling system means a homeowner can get service reminders, such as e-mail notifications that it’s time to change the furnace filter, and a properly maintained furnace is more efficient and costs less to run. And, of course, presumably if the furnace is properly maintained, there will be fewer service calls that require a repairman to hop in his vehicle and burn the gas to go make repairs.
Homeowners can get a lot for their money with Schlage LiNK and its companion Trane Remote Energy Management Thermostat. Granted, the initial investment is more than for a conventional lock and thermostat, but the energy savings one can get from the ability to better manage energy use will pay for the difference in no time.
No matter how big or small the budget, going green doesn’t have to limit homeowners. The important takeaway is that homeowners will go green if the products make sense for their home, are affordable, and fit their lifestyle.
Our Home Remodeling and Repair Index data indicates that when homeowners choose to go green, they focus largely on window upgrades for the home. In a corresponding survey, 83% of respondents said they invested in windows for energy reasons with cost saving from increased energy efficiency being the top motivation. Top reasons homeowners did not request energy efficient window systems were that green products were too expensive, the tax credit did not justify the additional expense or they were simply not aware of the tax credit. This data indicates that homeowners will make sustainable choices and select green products that meet their budget and make sense for their home (ie: windows).
The green trend is expected to expand beyond windows in 2011 as results from a January survey showed that 74% of designers and architects in our network think interest in eco-design will increase in 2011. Additional results from our survey indicated flooring as one of the most popular eco-design elements. Homeowners that are looking for new flooring should consider bamboo, cork or wood from harvested forests. To ensure the wood is from harvested forests, homeowners should look for the Forest Stewardship Council certification on wood flooring packaging.
In regards to budget, let’s take a look at bamboo. Hastily harvested bamboo is likely to be cheaper than hardwood products, while solid bamboo harvesting practices can yield a product superior to hardwood products. If homeowners can’t afford the premier bamboo floor, they should still be able to find reliable bamboo flooring around the same price as hardwood products, without sacrificing quality.
The survey and data come from ServiceMagic’s quarterly Home Remodeling and Repair Index, which is compiled of data from service requests received through ServiceMagic’s online marketplace as well as results from a survey of homeowners and service professionals.
In the past, going green meant sacrificing design, function and price. But today builders are reacting to the new demands of homebuyers for greener choices. They’re working towards making green homes more obtainable for the masses.
Here’s a great example of how the market is changing. We recently sponsored a net-zero show home at IBS 2011. Our freedomRail closet systems were displayed in six spaces throughout the home.
The home was modest in size, a single-level home with about 2600 square feet and had a traditional exterior and an inviting interior. It was not only environmentally friendly, but also beautiful, functional and affordable.
Builder magazine said it best “the home isn’t the fantasy house that you love, but can’t have. It’s a dream that’s well within reach – the equivalent to the girl next door.”
It’s certainly a step in the right direction and is a good example of production housing in the suburbs that is affordable, beautiful, and net zero.
Honestly, I do not think that “Going Green” limits homeowners. In today’s marketplace, there are so many options when it comes to choosing materials, décor, bathroom fixtures, even tile! Making green choices today does not mean sacrificing style and more importantly performance for the consumer. Green products, materials and design solutions are very tangible for today’s homeowners.
Products
With less than 1% of the world’s fresh water supply available for human consumption, we must find ways to conserve this precious resource. A households can save tens of thousands of gallons of water annually by replacing older, less efficient products with water-conserving options. And, it is easy to do- look for the WaterSense label on toilets, faucets and shower heads. The WaterSense program is sponsored by the EPA to ensure products reduce water usage and meet strict performance guidelines, and its works similar to EnergyStar. So, if you see a WaterSense label, you know that the product has been tested and certified to perform as well or better than other models AND will save you water. Energy conservation will also be four-fold as there is less water to heat and process.
Improving indoor air quality is another step consumers can take by increasing ventilation or simply airing out their homes. You have probably heard the buzz around “low VOC” or volatile organic compounds. VOC’s are present in many materials and are one of the most common indoor air contaminants. It is important to look for products that are not simply low VOC, but are non-emitting so chemicals are not released into your environment. A chemical to pay close attention to is urea-formaldehyde. This chemical, in very small quantities, is toxic in your home. Consumers should look for products that have no urea-formaldehyde added or meet CARB compliance standards for emissions.
Tile is one of my favorite design topics and you can find so many great options out there in terms of eco tiles. Ann Sacks offers an eco line that is as beautiful and eye-catching as the best of their collections. Plus, this material choice is both long lasting and recycled.
Consult third party sources offering certification and resources for products. Here are several to consider:
http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense
http://www.greenguard.org
http://www.greenerfacilities.org/
Design for Longevity
One approach to sustainable design is to create an environment that can stand the test of time and continues to function for the family as they progress through different life stages in their home. One may remodel their kitchen or bath once every 10-15 years, so we need to be forward thinking as we plan the space. A design professional can help you explore design options and anticipate future needs.
Long-Lasting Materials
Consider materials that are manufactured locally. Sustainable bamboo may not be the best green choice if the product is transported around the world to reach your home– using a LOT of resources in the process. Locally-grown food has become quite the phenomenon, so we need to think about our other purchase choices in a similar way.
Look for renewable resources or products that are long lasting.
A great example of a long-lasting material is cast iron. Cast iron skillets, cookware, fencing, sculptures, these things have been around it seems forever and are staples in our society. When it comes to plumbing fixtures, cast iron is a wonderful material, based on color options and longevity. KOHLER Cast Iron sinks, baths and shower receptors make a great choice for the kitchen and bath. These products are made from 93% recycled and reclaimed iron and the durable enameled finished can be cleaned with soap and water eliminating the need for harsh chemicals in the home. Best of all, they will outlast all other materials, so get attached to your sink or bath. It’s there for the long haul!
As an electrician, I’ll address “going green” items that I see on a day to day basis.
Lighting is the big one. Everyone knows about changing their lighting over to compact fluorescent lighting (CFLs) to reduce their electrical bills and use less energy. However, once they are used up getting rid of them is not so green. CFLs can’t be dimmed. Dimming lights is a great money saving/eco-friendly way to go green so maybe CFLs aren’t so great after all.
LED (light emitting diode) lighting has come a long way and is setting the stage to be a better eco-fix than CFLs. They are better now than ever and getting better all the time. Cost is coming down sharply so they are almost ready to be an everyday purchase. Christmas lights for sale in stores this past year showed how readily available and affordable they’re becoming. LEDs can be dimmed, again a great way to go greener.
In California, building codes now require dimmer switches or high efficiency lighting and LEDs offer both. LEDs use less energy than even CFLs, last longer and can be dimmed. So yes the initial investment may be a bit more but they last 3-6 times longer and use half or less the electricity so I think we’ll be seeing homeowners using them sooner rather than later.
“Green” Design has been thought about for a long time, but only recently in the past few years has everyone “jumped on the bandwagon” where many of us are trying to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. For homeowners, most think about incorporating energy efficient products in their homes, but the cost(s) of the products could be a factor. Like others said above, as “green” products are continually being introduced, company competition will go up and the price of these costly products will (hopefully) go down.
Aside from buying eco-friendly products, there are MANY things people can do on a daily basis to live a more “green” lifestyle ~ turn off the lights and change your bulb style, don’t leave water running if it’s not being used, composting, etc.
Reusing and repurposing items around the house is key ~ save our planet and save your money!
Most homeowners in my experience will start going green for one of two reasons (or both): 1. A household member has severe allergies, respiratory probpems or asthma which drives them to select low VOC or non toxic building materials, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene, etc as well as building materials such as paint, caulk, glues, carpets and wood products.
The second main reason is saving money through energy efficiency and conservation measures. This could be as simple as changing incandescent light bulbs with cfl or they are forced to spend the money because the house is unbearably uncomfortable in winter and summer, the boiler breaks down or the utility bills are outrageously high.
Many of my customers receive state and feeral incentives which drives the decision to insulate, replave hvac equipment, appliances and so on.
Going green does provide certain constraints when considering all your eco-friendly options when in the design or remodelling process. I’ll focus my comments on solar electricity. The most obvious consideration is to have a clear site line to, and a large surface area exposed to the path of the sun as it moves across the sky.
In my experience, cost has always been the major stumbling block when considering green options. I haven’t met anyone that wouldn’t consider tempering, or even better, eliminating energy cost from the family budget. I believe most people are just watching and waiting until the balance tips somewhere close to where it makes solar power a viable option without payback times extending into the 20 or 30 year range.
For the homeowner that is on a smaller budget, there are many things you can do that don’t cost extra, but still makes eco-sense. Considerations as to the orientation of a new home design such as lots of windows and a south facing home in cold climates to capture the natural light and radiant heat from the sun to help reduce heating costs, and just the opposite for homes in hot climates where cooling is the prime focus. New technology in solar electricity allows getting a photo-voltaic system incorporated in the original installation, and starting with only the amount of modules that you can afford at the time, but easily expandable as the budget allows. Spending money to save money and to help the environment is, was, and will always be an argument that is hard to lose in my mind.