Publication Date: Friday, May 14, 2004
Thinking green
Thinking green
(May 14, 2004) Contractors, designers, homeowners can work together
by Lynn Comeskey
Q My husband and I have been hearing about green building. We are concerned about the condition of our planet and are wondering if this is a viable concept or another pie-in-the-sky idea that will never materialize. We will be doing some remodeling in two or three years and would like to know what we can incorporate from green building. What do you know about this?
A The ideas that are the basis for green building are not new. The purpose of green building is to develop a mindset amongst consumers and all of the parties involved in the building process to think and act creatively about what we are building.
A city of San Jose green-building pamphlet describes its mission as "creating a place where the people have the knowledge and opportunities to build and occupy dwellings that have a maximum impact on the well being of the occupants and a minimal impact on the environment." This applies to commercial, education and government buildings as well.
What are the components of green building? Some examples are:
Water -- Use of recycled water for landscape irrigation, use of water-efficient plumbing fixtures, appliances and landscaping.
Energy -- Use of energy-efficient designs, building materials and appliances, use of solar and other renewable energy sources, use of solar site orientation.
Materials and waste -- Use of recycled, recyclable, sustainably managed, re-used and local materials, minimizing the use of local landfill sites.
Health and safety -- Use of products that emit fewer toxic fumes, building practices that discourage mold, dust and mites, effective ventilation to promote healthy indoor air quality.
Site and land use -- Control of erosion to reduce impact on water and air quality, avoid development on inappropriate sites.
It is important to understand that not all aspects of green building can be applied to each building or remodeling project. They can and should be used as appropriate.
As I said earlier, these are not new concepts. The state of California has been requiring that buildings be insulated to certain specific levels and that water-efficient plumbing fixtures are installed for years. Many local municipalities require building contractors to look at what they are taking to the landfills and recycle a certain portion of the waste. The important thing is the integration of these issues into a program that can make an impact.
The San Francisco chapter of NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) has developed a training program to certify green builders. This course has been given in Alameda and Marin counties and there are now more than 100 graduates. The San Jose chapter of NARI (408-559-4996) is sponsoring a certification course in May.
Local manufacturers, distributors and retailers of green building products have formed BABIG (Bay Area Build It Green). BABIG's goal is to make it easier for remodelers and homeowners to gain access to new and innovative green products and materials.
Alameda County and the city of San Jose have developed strong green building programs. In addition to promoting green-building education, the city of San Jose has a full-time staff member working to see that green building is incorporated into all new city buildings.
Something is being done by both the private and the public sectors!
Lynn Comeskey continues to work with Mac & Lou Construction Co. in Palo Alto. Readers can write Comeskey care of the Palo Alto Weekly, P.O. Box 1610, Palo Alto, CA 94301.
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