Will it cost me more to build a green home?
Not necessarily. Every project is different, but it doesn’t have to cost any more to build green, and it could end up costing you less. It all depends on the type of materials that are used. When upfront costs are higher, long-term savings in energy and water bills will often offset them.
Where can I get green building materials?
Green building materials are widely available now. If your local home improvement store doesn’t stock a lot of green alternatives, chances are they can order them for you relatively quickly. See our resources page for a list of green building materials and suppliers.
Are green homes safe? Are they durable?
The same building codes and standards apply when you are remodeling or constructing a new home, green or not. And, some green building materials are much safer and more durable than their standard alternatives. For instance, lumber made of recycled plastic is less susceptible to fire and lasts longer than hard wood because it’s resistant to damage caused by moisture and termites.
Who sets the standards and guidelines for green building?
There are two non-profit organizations that set the standards for green building construction and materials locally. One is Build It Green (www.builditgreen.org). Build It Green’s guidelines are the most commonly used for residential construction in the Northern California Bay Area. The U.S. Green Building Council’s (www.usgbc.gov) LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) specifications are nationally recognized standards that primarily focus on commercial construction. LEED for Home and LEED for Neighborhood Design are currently in their pilot phases.
In addition to the above-mentioned organizations, the National Association of Home Builders (www.nahb.org) has established Model Green Home Building Guidelines, and they are working in conjunction with the International Code Council to create the nation’s first green residential building standard.
Will I get rebates for green improvements?
Yes! A lot of people have already heard about the state rebates offered for solar energy systems. There are also state and federal loan programs available to help fund renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements in your home. In addition, there could be local incentives through your city and/or county.
For a comprehensive listing of tax incentives and rebates for green building, visit www.dsireusa.org, the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency.
It seems everything claims to be “green” now. What makes a product green? And how can I tell the truly green products from the not so green ones?
It’s true. Many companies and products claim to be green these days. In any product description, pay attention to the method of manufacturing and the place of origin in addition to the materials that are used. The product may be harmless to the environment in its finished form, but the manufacturing process could be damaging. Also, look for government or other third-party certifications on products (like FSC wood) that show they have been evaluated by someone besides the manufacturer or distributor.
We are happy to provide more information and answer any questions you may have by e-mail at hetty@glsonoma.com or over the phone at (707) 938-9677.
