WHAT IS GREEN BUILDING AND WHY DOES IT MAKE SENSE?

Green building : This chapter delves into the concept of green building, highlighting its significance for environmental conservation and its role in the design and construction sectors. It offers a concise history of the green building movement and outlines the key organizations responsible for establishing industry standards and guidelines. Additionally, the chapter presents the latest iterations of these green building programs and discusses potential trends on a national scale.

The House as a System : This chapter emphasizes the complexity of homes as systems comprising many interrelated components. It underscores the importance of adopting a "systems thinking" approach and delves into the scientific principles governing building operations. The focus is on building science, which studies the transfer of heat and moisture and their impact on energy efficiency, comfort, and durability. It also addresses considerations related to ventilation and the choice of building materials. Subsequent chapters will detail specific strategies and construction methods for managing moisture, heat, and ventilation. At the heart of green building lies the precise application of building science and the meticulous management of homes as cohesive systems. Professionals in green building meticulously incorporate building science concepts into their designs and specifications to ensure the efficiency, health, and longevity of these structures.

Planning for Green from the Start : Starting green building early in the design process works best. It's important to keep the goal of making a good building from the start to the end. Sometimes, people try to make their homes "green" after they've already started building. Although you can still make improvements during construction, the best time to do so is when you're designing the house. For a lot of builders and contractors, learning about green building is new and can be tough. This chapter talks about the key design and early building steps that help make a house green. But green building isn't just about the building itself. Choosing where to build and how to prepare the land also plays a big role in how environmentally friendly a home is.

Insulation and Air Sealing : Unless a house is in a place with perfect weather all year round, it will need heating or cooling at times. To keep the house energy-efficient and cozy, insulation is very important. But for insulation to work well, we also need to make sure the house is sealed tight to stop air from leaking in or out. Choosing the right insulation and sealing materials, and installing them correctly, is key to making a house green. Knowing the specific features of different insulation and sealing materials helps us choose the best options for both new and existing homes.