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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is a green building?
A: Green buildings are structures that are cost-effectively designed, built, and operated in order to achieve the greatest possible energy efficiency, indoor air quality, occupant health, resource efficiency, and environmental compatibility. Green buildings are important elements of sustainable communities because they promote the use of locally produced renewable products, environmentally sound development and construction practices, and energy- and resource-efficient systems. These practices help create communities that improve the quality of life and economic vitality for current and future generations.
Q: Do consumers care about green building?
A: Definitely! In 2004, the market for green building-related products and services accounted for $7 billion annually, a 37 percent one-year increase, according to the U.S. Green Building Council. In 2002, 13,200 sustainable single-family homes were built in the U.S., nearly double the total number built between 1992 and 2001. Whether builders and owners are motivated by reduced operating costs, energy savings, tax credits, or the desire to be trendy, it won’t be long before green building isn’t the exception, it will be the rule.
Q: Do consumers care about sustainable living?
A: Sustainable living is one of the hottest trends forecast for 2006, according to many experts, including Gerald Celente, publisher of Trends Journal, who writes: “This is no back-to-the-land hippie movement of the 1960s and 1970s. It's less of a social statement and more of an economic, survival, and lifestyle necessity that many will choose in these high-risk times of terror, pandemics and a compromised food supply. The empowering part of technology, which didn't exist back then--from computers, broadband, alternative energy, water purification systems to reliable food sources--as well as the motivation for taking charge--are here and now.” Celente, has a proven track record in forecasting what to expect and how to prepare for the future. A reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution attests: "Gerald Celente is always ahead of the curve on trends and uncannily on the mark... he's one of the most accurate forecasters around."
Q: Does building green cost more than standard construction?
A: Green building should not exceed 1 to 3 percent more than standard construction costs, if at all. Many green building techniques actually reduce construction costs, and many aspects of healthy building cost little or nothing to implement. What little additional cost there is can usually be attributed to your contractor’s learning curve, or labor costs. A smaller percentage is due to materials expense. And remember, building green can save money in the long run through lower utility bills and maintenance costs.
Q: How does green building add quality?
A: One of the greatest advantages of green building is durability. When you build it right, there are fewer replacement and repair costs down the road. Green building adheres to higher building and material standards than conventional construction, which translates to overall improved performance of the home and increased homeowner satisfaction.
Q: What features are included in a green built home?
A: Some features that might be included are:
(1) Extra Energy Efficient Shell—Going beyond code, the home provides a quieter, more comfortable interior that reduces energy use and lowers energy bills.
(2) Healthier Paints, Sealers, Adhesives, and Solvents—Less toxic formulas reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.
(3) Controlled Ventilation and Filtration—Provides a safer and healthier indoor environment by filtering out allergens and preventing moisture from collecting inside walls and crawlspaces.
(4) Natural Alternatives for Flooring and Countertops—Materials like bamboo, cork, and linoleum offer a natural look while being more chemically stable and longer lasting than conventional products.
(5) Healthier Insulation—A variety of options are available including those that are less toxic, those with recycled content, and high-density insulations.
(6) Advanced Framing Technique--Provides more insulation while saving on lumber costs.
(7) Passive Solar Siting and Design--Uses nature’s free energy to supplement heating and lighting and reduce utility bills.
(8) Radiant Floor Heating--Generates an ambient temperature of 65 degrees, providing the same comfort as a forced air system while shaving 20 to 40 percent off heating bills.
Q: Why buy regional or local products?
A: A major tenet of sustainability is making use of local resources. Buying regional products reduces transportation and energy costs, while keeping dollars in the local economy.
Q: Are green products readily available?
A: Green products are becoming a true national presence. Large urban areas generally have more access to green homebuilding retailers than people who live in small towns and rural areas. But, “The time is ripe, the market is ready, and the products are mature,” says Greg Snowden, the chief executive of Green Fusion Design Center in San Anselmo, California. Sales at Green Fusion, which opened in 2004, are expected to double to $2 million in 2006, compared with 2005. It’s only a matter of time before such greenbuilding product outlets locate in Iowa. One, Green Building Supply, in Fairfield, does a dynamite business selling products throughout the country via the Internet.
Q: What if I can't find the product I want locally?
A: Contact the Center on Sustainable Communities (COSC) at 515-309-3266 or lynnae@icosc.com. COSC maintains a database of local suppliers of green building products and can refer you to the appropriate vendor. Several local suppliers, including "big box" stores, are starting to carry green building products or can special order these items. If the product is not available locally, COSC will provide you with regional vendor phone numbers and websites.
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