| | LEED
Construction Company ArticlesBuilding Green - Getting StartedBy
Anthony
Seruga Building green is becoming more and more important as our resources
dwindle, and we become more aware of the sensitivities to toxins that many people
have. With the price of oil and natural gas rising, saving energy is a big concern.
The use of green construction in home and business developments has started really
taking off, and many people are interested in making their developments environmentally
friendly. One survey found that at least fifty percent of all builders should
be producing at least some green developments by the year 2010. However, once
you've decided to build green, it can be difficult to know where to start. If
you're an investor or developer who's interested in learning about the process
of green building, here are a few basics to help you get going. Currently,
the building industry is centered on those practices which are least expensive,
and easiest to implement. Unfortunately many of these practices aren't all that
green. From the use of adhesives and materials that can off-gas, to the creation
of structures that waste heat and water, a conventional building makes a big impact
on the world around us. You can make buildings greener in a number of different
ways, including using natural and non-toxic materials, improving air quality,
reducing waste of energy and water, employing renewable energy sources, and reusing
materials whenever possible. For those developing a property, or investing
in a development, building green can be especially difficult. Individuals who
are building on a small scale can more easily exercise control and find green
solutions. Larger developments require advance planning, and there isn't currently
a standard process for green building. However, working with experienced professionals
can help a lot. For instance, it's often a good idea to work with an energy consultant,
who can help you decide how to implement designs that will allow your buildings
to conserve energy more effectively. Conservation of energy is one of the biggest
concerns related to green building, since most buildings do not make efficient
use of power. Correct building orientation to make use of passive solar design,
efficient heating and cooling systems, and high grade insulation are just a few
of the options you can put in place to make your developments more energy efficient. You
should also try to work with contractors who have prior experience with green
building. This will help head off possible problems later on. A contractor who
has built green structures in the past will have better familiarity with the methods
and materials that are used. They'll also be more willing to work with you, even
if the process required to make the building more environmentally friendly means
more work on their end. Since building with environmentally friendly and
recyclable materials can be more expensive than conventional building, developers
should also make sure they do their research in advance. Look at the cost of materials
available, and design your budget appropriately. Be sure to factor in the increase
in sale price for green building, and the improvements in energy efficiency when
you decide what materials are most cost effective. Materials that are more expensive
now will bring savings down the road. Even if you're developing the property for
resale, buyers will be aware of this, and may be willing to offer a higher price. Development
often requires the removal of existing structures. Standard practice is to demolish
these structures, with the rubble usually being taken to the local landfill. To
make the process of getting rid of unwanted structures more environmentally friendly,
focus on deconstruction rather than demolition. Deconstruction takes longer, but
allows the materials to be reused or resold, and saves on tipping fees. If the
structures in question are older, they may have been built from materials which
are no longer available, like large dimension old-growth hardwood, which can be
reused in other buildings and is superior to softwood dimensional lumber. Another
place where many modern buildings create waste is water use. Very few structures
are designed to make efficient use of available water supplies. As more sources
of water become polluted, and aquifiers are emptied, water conservation becomes
a greater concern. Plan on using features that save water in your new development.
These can include installation of ultra-low flow toilets and showers, faucet aerators
and high-efficiency showerheads, efficient heating and cooling systems, and use
of air-cooled equipment instead of water-cooled. In addition, it may be wise to
designate a water efficiency coordinator for large projects. The nationally
accepted benchmark for green buildings is the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design) Standard. LEED certification provides independent, third party verification
that your building project is an environmentally responsible one. Even if you
do not choose to get this certification, being familiar with LEED standards can
help you make the right choices when building green. While getting started
in green building can be intimidating at first, familiarity with standards and
talking to experts in the field can make the process a lot easier. Energy and
water conservation are two of the biggest concerns, with use of recycled or recyclable,
non-toxic materials, and reduction of landfill use following. With a sound plan
and the correct priorities, making your development a green one doesn't have to
be hard. Green developments are turning up everywhere, from water-saving condominiums
built of recyclable materials where decaying industrial buildings used to sit,
to schools and businesses designed to make the best use of energy while providing
good air quality. Slowly, green building is becoming mainstream, so now's a great
time to get started. About the AuthorAnthony
Seruga and Yolly Bishop of Maverick Real Estate Investments, Inc. work with builders,
developers and other players in the commercial real estate industry to acquire
and develop properties. They use progressive investment strategies that have proved
extremely profitable. In addition to their own deals, they teach both seasoned
and inexperienced investors how to be big players in the game. Visit the website
for more info. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anthony_Seruga
http://EzineArticles.com/?Building-Green---Getting-Started&id=836159  | This
website was created as a public service to promote green building and LEED general
contractors, by Bob Moore Construction Company and General Contractor.com. Bob
Moore Construction is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and
the first Platinum Level member of the north Texas chapter of USGBC, and maintains
a LEED AP on staff. A leading general contractor in Texas since 1946, the company
has earned several awards including the AGC General Contractor of the Year. Bob
Moore Construction is also a member of Associated General Contractors of America
(AGC), Tilt-up Concrete Association, and the OSHA Local Partnership Program. For
more information about Bob Moore Construction's green building program, please
visit their website at GeneralContractor.com |
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