Building ‘green’ means a huge contribution

There is no better opportunity for a long-term contribution to conservation than building your home with “green”choices. By opting for sustainable materials, you and your family will be helping to protect the environment every day, for years and years to come.

Homeowners report that if they take the time and initiative to be selective about choices in the building materials, fixtures, and decor, we will live with the knowledge that we did the responsible thing, right from the beginning. As a home building guideline, take a look at these ideas:

•The walls: Ask for concrete, not wood. Builders are highly supportive of using the Nudura building system, consisting of stay-in-place, interlocking concrete units. With this Lego-like method (of reinforced concrete sandwiched between two layers of expanded polystyrene foam insulation) the total building envelope stands to be up to nine times stronger, far more fire resistant, and far more sound insulated. Better still, it’s a building method that will deliver energy savings of up to 70 percent. This Nudura innovation (nudura.com) is design-friendly for architects, much faster for builders, creates less construction waste, and provides defense against toxicity and mold that is so often associated with traditional wood framed walls.

•Indoor water conservation: Ask about grey water irrigation and rainwater harvesting.

•Energy Efficiency: In addition to the concrete walls, some of the more popular choices for conservation include: an “earth sheltered” architectural design; installing efficient ducts, lighting and fans; planning for gas or solar hot water, heating and cooling systems.

•Materials: Structural choices range from fume-free paints, finishes and adhesives, to sustainable floor coverings, sidings and trim.

•Solid Waste Disposal: Plan ahead and design your home for permanent composting, recycling, and waste control.