 It is a great progressive step forward in green living to build a green building. It is not an easy task, but very worthwhile. Here are a few tips from EnviroCitizen.org to help you get started.
1) Site development is fundamental to green building because it is the first step in the design process. Proper site development ensures the best possible use of natural and manufactured amenities. The ideal site is a place where people want to walk. It is located near amenities and public transit, obtains maximum solar and shade benefits, has sufficient sidewalk and the development process minimizes land disturbance and erosion.
2) Next, selecting the right help is a good step to take. You may want to employ a green engineer, architect or planner. If you choose to proceed on your own, talk with a green building expert at your local green building supplier. This is a great place to get information on materials, possible setbacks, as well as a place to research approaches for your project.
3) Planning out your project includes the building’s size and shape. The size and shape of a building can have a tremendous effect on its energy efficiency, the amount of materials used and the disturbance of the surrounding environment. Smaller buildings take less energy to heat and cool, so these are generally better. If the building must be large, look at reducing the base of the building touching the ground by building multiple stories, so as to reduce the damage to the natural environment. However, be sure to consider the effect of building more stories on sun exposure and native vegetation. Also, some jurisdictions may have height limits for certain types of buildings, and this should be taken into account. Buildings should be shaped to take advantage of solar exposure and heat gain. Generally this means long, thin, rectangular-shaped buildings, with the long side facing south. This allows the most sunlight to flow into the building. This gives a clear view from different angles as well as helping with daylighting and passive solar heating. Site conditions may not allow this, so each building will need to be evaluated on a case by case basis.
4) Selecting the right materials is a good step to take next. The use of green building materials and products represents one important strategy in the design of a building. Using green building materials and products promotes conservation of nonrenewable resources internationally. In addition, integrating green building materials into building projects can help reduce the environmental impacts associated with the extraction, transport, processing, fabrication, installation, reuse, recycling and disposal of these building industry source materials. Try planning out a set of criteria in your product selection.
EnviroCitizen.org has found that these are good things to consider before beginning your green building endeavor.
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