Contractors in California already build to some of the toughest energy, air quality, storm water management, and water efficiency standards in the nation. Based on choices by the builder and homeowner, Built Green™ goes beyond even these standards to give you added value, added peace of mind. Following, in no particular order, are ten reasons to buy a Built Green home.
More Money in the Piggy Bank
A Built Green home typically saves money on operating costs because of more efficient energy use with such features as extra insulation, more efficient water heaters, lighting and appliances, and the use of natural day lighting techniques. Many Built Green features save money on construction costs up-front.
Less 'New' Odors and Better Indoor Air
Using low-VOC and low-toxic interior paints and finishes can reduce toxins, thereby increasing indoor air quality in a home. Carpeting can be tacked rather than glued with adhesives that can off-gas over time. Mechanical ventilation can be improved by installing a 'positive' system that exhausts indoor air at a slightly slower rate than fresh air is brought inside. Improving indoor air can be especially helpful for residents with sensitivities to allergens.
Saves Old-Growth Forests
Rapidly renewable materials such as bamboo, wheatgrass, cork and strawboard can be managed, grown and harvested in a sustainable way, and can effectively replace lumber from old-growth trees. Engineered lumber uses smaller pieces of fast-growing wood to obtain the same sizes and higher strengths as lumber milled from large old-growth forests. Plastic lumber made from recycled plastic jugs can also be used for decking, sills and siding -- replacing what are traditionally wood products.
Water Conservation
Water conservation can be achieved by installing drought tolerant plants and less lawn in landscaped areas. Porous paving can be used in driveways and walkways to allow rainwater to seep into the ground instead of running off. Strict erosion control methods are used to help reduce sedimentation into streams, and natural features of a site can be protected. all of these measures benefit the Ocean and sea life.
Less Time Spent For Maintenance and Repairs
It takes less work and resources to maintain certain materials in a home. For example, siding, decking and trim made from plastic lumber needs little or no painting. Durable materials such as stone, tile and slate last longer and therefore need replacement less often.
Reduced Draft Inside The Home
A home can be sealed against the outside elements with advanced caulking that goes beyond basic practice. Typically, exterior walls are caulked around windows and doorframes, and on interior walls where they intersect with exterior ceilings. Air sealing can be checked for effectiveness with an optional 'blower door' test.
Healthier Yard With Homegrown Topsoil
During construction of a house or development, the topsoil that is removed for grading can be stockpiled and, later, reapplied to the site for healthier soils. Soil amendments can be added, such as compost, to further promote good soil for plantings that will have a better establishment.
Reduces Dependence On Fossil Fuels & Promotes Cleaner Air
By promoting the use of local materials, transportation and other costs can be reduced. By including pedestrian access and access to mass transit, projects can encourage the decreased use of automobiles, thereby reducing our foreign oil consumption and helping maintain cleaner air outdoors.
Less Trash
Built Green builders and remodelers post jobsite recycling plans and recycle as much as possible of scrap building materials such as lumber, wall board, concrete, cardboard and packaging. They can also incorporate many materials that contain recycled content or have been salvaged. This helps reduce the amount of material going to our already overburdened landfills.
Promotes Businesses Committed To 'Green'
The member companies of Built Green include contractors, builders and sub-contractors who are willing to not only build green but to go to the extra effort and cost to have their projects certified as Built Green; architects who can design a green home with you every step of the way; and our local governments that are committed to protecting the quality of life for all of us!
