WHY GREEN?
Environmental Reasons
CO2 is a byproduct of producing energy and it is the energy demand from buildings, not cars, that is the biggest contributor of CO2 in the U.S. The size of buildings has been increasing - the average home is 45% larger that it was 30 years ago. Combine this with the fact that our population is expected to grow 30-40% over the next 40 years, and its clear we need to be building more sustainable homes.
Another fact we cannot ignore is the depletion of natural resources. Our most precious natural resource, fresh water is being polluted and depleted at a rapid rate. Forests are being harvested and cleared at record rates. Green home construction works to minimize the impact to natural resources by consuming less wood, recycling waste, and implementing water conservation measures.
Health Reasons
One in four Americans suffer from asthma or allergies. Scientific evidence has indicated that it is the air within our homes and other buildings that is usually more polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities. Most people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, so the risks to health are generally larger inside the home. Building a green home will improve your indoor air quality.
Green construction utilizes materials that are low in volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, and other airborne pollutants.
Financial Reasons
Green building, and more importantly zero energy is an attractive investment. Zero energy enables isolation from increasing utility prices. According to the Department of Energy, the national average energy pricing is increasing at a 5.6% annual rate. Using this figure, a $150 electric bill today will climb to $322 15 years from now.
Improved resale value: according to a federal research study from 1993-1996, property resale values increase by $20 for every $1 of annual energy savings.
It’s estimated that the average American could reduce their energy consumption by 25% or more, and at the same time help their finances.
