Green Trends You Should Know

Whether you have a “green” house or maybe are just getting familiar with the concept ~ it’s on the way into our homes and offices.  Here’s a list of “green friendly” trends:

 · Copper roofs:  A little expensive to purchase and install, they are great long-term investments for buildings because they tolerate    inclement weather and last over 100 years (rather than the traditional roof lifespan of 30-40 yrs.)

· Timber framing:  This type of framing requires much less lumber than the traditional “stick-built” housing and often incorporates   superior insulating panels (SIPS), great for retaining heat or air    conditioning in homes. Also,      timber preparation costs are much less.

· Windows that beat the heat:  Low-E (low-emittance) windows, doors and skylights give off natural light while blocking UV rays that heat up house interiors.  Low-E windows also help reduce    fabrics, wallcoverings and artwork from fading.

· Rainwater holding tanks:  To help reduce the burden on local sewer systems, rainwater and storm runoff are collected into            cisterns, filtered multiple times and then directed into indoor plumbing, laundry, and sprinkler system. 

· Chemical-free lighting:  LED lighting (light emitting diodes) has the huge advantage of containing no hazardous chemicals like other lighting does (fluorescents contain mercury/incandescent bulbs have gasses that hurt the ozone layer).  An LED fixture uses 80 percent less energy than a traditional light bulb.

· Solar orientation:  It does make a difference which way your home or addition faces ~ the right direction with the right materials will reduce the amount of heat/cold that enter from outside.

These are just a few of the earth-friendly trends of green homes and   office buildings.  Look for more in future newsletters. v

Source:  REALTOR magazine online, July 2007