What is Green building??

The term "green" has become a national catch phrase, but most people have no idea what it really means to be build green.  Think of it this way...green building is like an elephant.  Two blind-folded people touching the elephant might have totally different experiences...one may touch the elephants truck, while the other might feel the torso.  They two individuals have a total different experience, but they are both touching the same elephant!  So it is with green building...no one size fits all.

Green is not a color; its a philosophy

Green Building is just good building science!  Building green means that environmental impacts, and  life cycle costs, and human health and quality of life factors are all incorporated into the design and construction of the building.  For example...it is estimated that approximately 3 billion board feet of structural lumber is thrown away every year in the United States!  That is enough to frame 62,000 new homes.  Clearly that isn't good for mother earth, or for the pocket book.  If even a fraction of that lumber can be saved, it would have a huge impact.  Purchasing lumber from sustainable forests is one step in the right direction.  Also, using SIPS, or structurally insulated panels is one way to cut down on wasted job site lumber.  The foam and OSB sheeted panels come pre-cut from the factory, so there is almost no waste!  In addition to the saving lumber, the SIPS are much more energy efficient, saving electricity.  That translates to a significant annual savings.  Using materials that are sourced locally saves on shipping and promotes local economic growth.   

Can energy be Green?

Energy can be conserved by ensuring proper site orientation, creating a tight building envelope (such as a SIPS building), having properly sized air conditioning equipment (better insulation allows the AC equipment to be smaller - thus saving $ on the initial purchase, and on monthly electricity costs), properly installed duct work, and efficient appliances and lighting.  Tankless water heaters are also a great way to save energy.  Unlike traditional tank water heaters, tankless heaters do not run constantly.  They are only used when the water runs, saving a tremendous amount of electricity and water over the course of a year.  Plus, as an added benefit, the tankless water heater never runs out of hot water!  Can you imagine taking a shower in the morning, after several other family members, and still having hot water?? 

The bottom line of Green

The term "green" is restrictive.  There are definitely shades of green...one size does not fit all.  Building green is not only good for the environment, its' good for your family's health, your family's life style, and your bottom line!  Woods Construction can help you build your green building, and exceed even your own expectations about what's possible!