Art & Debbie DeBrito

Beyond Energy Efficiency you can also use new, innovative materials and processes which reduce the impact on the environment. Built Green Colorado is a voluntary industry-driven program of the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver, offered to builders across the state. The purpose of Built Green Colorado is to encourage home builders to use technologies, products and practices, that result in homes that are better built and better for the environment.  See how this organization can help you find the right builder and the right materials for your new Colorado Springs green home.

 

How Green do you want to be? That is the question. It can begin with energy efficiency, but can quickly go beyond that standard. Think about building a home that uses less natural resources, and creates less wastes during the building process. How about when the materials are manufacured? Are your suppliers finding ways to manufacture materials that cause less impact on the environment?  These are important topics to consider when you are building a green home.

 

Consider using recycled landscape materials, including trees and plants that would have been otherwise thrown out. How about companies who use alternative fuels to power their equipment. Consider your appliances and how much green thought went into the manufacturing of them. Moving off of the power grid can also contribute to positive green causes. You can even purchase flooring solutions and surface finishes that do not outgas into the environment. The list is long and the considerations are complex.

 

You can also hire consultants to assist your building process. Ecolution Inc. is one such local consulting firm, EnergyLogic is another. They develop green strategies for builders, remodelers, and homeowners, matching philosophies and budgets to create a realistic "shade of green" for your project.

 

In the green material process, there are different levels:

Buying locally also contributes to green causes because the materials do not have to be transported as far, thus saving energy in the shipping process.

 

Higher end materials often last longer and therefore the expected lifespan may be several times that of a less expensive material. An example of this is a granite countertop verses a laminate.

 

Items that are a byproduct of another industry are often considered green candidates because the raw material was already in place prior to the need. Leather is an example of an item that is a byproduct of the beef industry.

 

Renewability is important too. Woods that are not taken from precious rainforests are more preferred. Bamboo renews very quickly and is preferred over other wood products. North American woods are preferred because the forests are better managed. If exotic woods are used, consider using veneers instead of solid wood components. Wool is also a renewable product and regrows.

 

Low VOC (volatile organic compounds) finishes and glues are less harmful to the environment but also provide a healthier indoor environment. Since homes are becoming more energy efficient, they are also becoming more sealed to the outside. Hazardous gasses, allergens, dirt/dust and outside poisons can accumulate creating health problems.

 

Not wearing shoes inside the house can reduce the dirt tracked in by 80%! It can also track in much less pesticide on the carpet. This can be a large concern for children who are still crawling and pets.

 

Having items in your home that remind you to be green help too. Look for ideas to bring the outdoors into the inside. Earthtone colors and natural artwork are good examples.