A Lighter Shade of Green
Moving toward Sustainable Building
by Brad Sonnenburg
The term "green" has quickly become the most frequently used buzzword in the industry. But the concept of going green often spawns uncertainty and questions, especially in today's market. In fact, the topic has generated so much discussion and information that many builders, developers, architects and planners have been left scratching their heads, wondering where-or if-they should begin.
Truthfully, going green is quite simple. Although municipalities and builder organizations have established excellent certification procedures such as LEED and the USGBC "Green Home" designation, the seemingly insurmountable regulations and guidelines cause many builders to avoid any attempt to green their new construction. But for those getting started in the green arena, certification is not the goal. Builders must get their feet wet before they can dive in fully.
New construction can incorporate environmentally friendly practices without attempting to satisfy a single certification guideline. For example, the City of Scottsdale's Sustainability Guidelines have long provided a benchmark goal for builders attempting to go green, but that doesn't mean every section of every directive in those guidelines must be fully addressed before a builder can be considered ecologically-conscious. Sometimes, the smallest steps can lead to the greatest advancement.
Getting the Green "Light"
A lighter shade of green may be just the color many builders should initially attempt. Light green builders can benefit both construction and sales by incorporating simple, inexpensive green features into new homes. Consider these light green elements:
Paint Selections
"VOC" is an acronym for "volatile organic compounds" and, simply put, any products containing VOCs are bad for the environment. They emit greenhouse gases, increase smog and reduce indoor air quality. House paints and finishes often contain high levels of VOCs, so this is an ideal place to start.
Instead, seek water-based latex paints for both interior and exterior finishes. Many brands have received LEED or other green certifications-easily identifiable on the label-so be sure to pay attention when purchasing paint. Sherwin-Williams Duration and Harmony series paints provide environmentally friendly, low VOC and low odor alternatives to traditional acrylic or oil-based paints.
Flooring Selections
Non-recycled, non-renewable products abound in today's flooring options. Many synthetic carpets and hard surface flooring materials require environmentally damaging manufacturing processes, including clear-cut deforestation and fossil fuel depletion. Look for flooring made from recycled or natural material, such as plush carpeting made from plastic soda bottles or sheep's wool. These often resist stains and retain color better than typical nylon fiber carpeting. For hard surface flooring, non-traditional materials offer alternatives to deforestation: Bamboo and cork are rapidly renewable resources, and when installed using low VOC adhesives and finishes, they last as long or longer than wood or synthetic floors.
Lighting Selections
Many guidelines, including LEED, are primarily concerned with energy consumption of lighting systems. While reducing energy use is definitely a bonus, interior lighting plays a major role in establishing the mood and health of residents. A common, environmentally unfriendly mistake is the type and number of bulbs in lighting design.
No better source for light exists than the sun. The "greenest" lighting designs take full advantage of site orientation, window placement, reflective surfaces, skylights and wall openings to naturally light interiors. When daylight disappears, efficient compact fluorescent bulbs save money and reduce pollution. Other simple changes can even earn an Energy Star Advanced Lighting Package (ALP) rating, which translates into savings buyers can appreciate. To earn the ALP rating, simply make sure at least 60 percent of a home's fixtures and all of the ceiling fans are Energy Star rated.
Appliance Selections
Home buyers expect comfort, sometimes at any price. Our reliance on furnaces and air conditioners, washers and dryers and other energy-hungry appliances leads to inefficient systems that increase energy consumption and negatively impact the environment. For example, electric clothes dryers cost 80 percent more to operate than gas dryers.
First, consider needs versus wants. Although a super-huge refrigerator may be tempting, most provide way more room than an average family needs. Downsizing the fridge will downsize the energy bill. Also, engineered construction systems such as advanced framing techniques and tightly sealed envelopes will improve the efficiency of HVAC systems and greatly reduce energy consumption. Centrally placing HVAC units will shorten duct length and eliminate heating or cooling losses-a simple strategy with big benefits.
Landscape Selections
The rise of suburbia was soon followed by the rise of the front yard. While the Southwest is known for inventive alternatives to grass lawns, many homeowners insist on expanses of green turf that require endless irrigation and contribute to excessive runoff and erosion.
Native, drought-resistant plans are the obvious choice for new home landscaping. Great designs can help builders incorporate local flavor and color without sacrificing the look that a great front yard provides. In fact, curb appeal can be greatly enhanced with appropriately sited native trees and shrubs and quality hardscaping. A minor investment in landscaping will save big money over the long haul, and the result will be more true to regional roots than any lawn ever could be.
Homebuilders and developers should take one simple step toward greening construction processes and see where it leads. Take a few easy, commonsense green ideas and incorporate them into a project philosophy. Read paint labels, seek out Energy Star appliances or even shop locally. These small steps have the potential to take homebuilding leaps and bounds into the future.
Three Common Misconceptions of Green Building
- Thinking people need larger homes (and large utility bills). Smaller, more efficient floor plans that eliminate "space for show" and provide livable spaces can better address today's buyer needs. They are easier to build and cost less to maintain-it's win/win.
- Thinking green construction is too expensive. Sometimes, going green is as simple as buying supplies from a local lumberyard instead of a distant supplier. Doing so reduces transportation costs and contributes to positive stewardship of the environment-and the local economy. It's not an "all or nothing" solution. Instead, find simple ways to green the construction process, and soon they'll add up to big-time environmental benefits.
- Thinking that being certified is the be-all, end-all goal. Realize that going green is a holistic approach to doing business that can transcend the need to be recognized. The more a builder branches into the green arena, the better chance their projects have at being certified, but along the way, they can still make a very positive impact through environmentally driven choices. Once they get into the swing of things, certification becomes as easy as filling out the right forms.
Brad Sonnenburg is a partner in the Phoenix office of BSB Design. With over 20 years of residential design experience, Sonnenburg's extensive background includes project management, construction documents and field coordination. Headquartered in Des Moines, IA, BSB Design operates 15 offices coast to coast, including Arizona, California, Nevada and Texas.
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