What exactly is green building?

Green building is an approach to construction that can be applied to both commercial buildings and the homes we live in. It guides every step of design and construction, from choosing a building site to installing a heating system. Green building is alternately described as sustainable building, and ultimately this may be a more accurate way of looking at it.

 

Green buildings are as diverse as the people who live in them. There is no single template for a green house. Even though green homes may not look different from the outside, their designs are based on three broad principles:

 

Energy Efficiency. A green home uses as little energy as possible. Whenever feasible, renewable forms of energy should replace fossil fuels, which by definition are not renewable.

 

Conservation of Natural Resources. This broad objective recognizes that resources are finite. There is only so much timber, ore and water to go around; what resources are available to us should be used thoughtfully. Seen through this lens, durability, low environmental impact and low maintenance all become important attributes for a green built home.

 

High Indoor Air Quality. Green homes are designed to be healthy homes. Design techniques are used to help insure moisture, mold, and radon don't plague a green home. Building materials, furnishings, paints and finishes should not contribute toxins and irritants to indoor air. Even with clean air though, houses still need mechanical ventilation that assures a steady flow of fresh air. By understanding the principles behind sustainable building, Hasman Contracting Inc., (HCI) can make appropriate design and build decisions for your home to help you achieve your environmental goals.

 

Why Build or Renovate Green?

Mike Hasman, owner of HCI, is committed to the health and well-being of every client we meet. If you are thinking of building or remodeling, using green build practices and sustainable design will provide homeowners with outstanding benefits including:

• Lower Operating Costs
  Homeowners receive the benefit of lower utility bills due to improved efficiency in energy and water usage.
  
• Increased Comfort
  Green homes have relatively consistent temperatures throughout, with fewer drafts and improved humidity control.
  
• Improved Environmental Quality
  By following the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Model Green Home Building Guidelines or the NAHB National Green Building Standard, HCI and other builders are required to design homes that control moisture, emit fewer chemicals, and use air filtration systems that can contribute to a healthier indoor environment.
  
• Enhanced Durability and Less Maintenance
  Green homes incorporate building materials and construction design that strive to increase the useful life of the individual components and the whole house. Longer lasting materials not only require fewer resources for replacement but also reduce maintenance and repair costs. Green homes also reduce time required for upkeep. Once of example of this would include landscaping that doesn’t require weeding and conserves water.

HCI Offers Green Verification Services

As green building grows in popularity, so does the scrutiny of the green certification process. Make sure your project has the credibility of a third-party certification to back it up. Hasman Contracting Incorporated's knowledgeable staff maintains current certifications and is available for your residential green construction project. To learn more about having your green home certified, please visit www.nahbgreen.org for information on the verification process.

Click to view how the verification / certification process is completed (PDF File).