The A to Z of Green Building

From Pamela on September 27th, 2007 in Green Remodeling

The folks at CalFinder are promoting a variety of Green Building techniques to consumers seeking reliable home improvement contractors who employ such techniques. Let’s face it. Green building isn’t just for tree-huggers anymore. In the spirit of sharing the wealth of information that’s available today, CalFinder offers its own version of the A to Z of Green Building as ideas to keep in mind when hiring contractors and selecting products for home improvements.

Avoid rainwater style shower heads and other water wasting fixtures

Buy efficient water heaters with an energy factor of 0.62 or better

Choose recycled plastic products as alternatives to precious wood

Divert plastic from landfill by purchasing carpet made from pop bottles

Employ engineered wood products to eliminate lumber waste

Find leaks and seal them up to reduce HVAC air infiltration

Get efficient appliances to reduce water use and electricity costs

Heat water and save energy with affordable solar heating

Install high-performance windows with low-e coatings and gas-fill

Jump on the recycling band wagon by properly disposing of e-waste

Keep dollars in local economy by avoiding imports

Lower energy bills with insulation that has recycled content

Make sure ducts don’t leak to improve heat delivery

Nullify contaminants by eliminating HVAC pressure differences

Opt for exterior finish alternatives to avoid maintenance and replacement

Put energy-saving light bulbs into at least five lamps in your home

Qualify for a lower mortgage based on your home’s energy efficiency

Reduce transportation costs by buying materials locally

Substitute durable and moisture-resistant fiber-cement siding for wood

Temper wasteful water habits with water saving showerheads

Utilize composites that close the recycling loop

Vanquish VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that harm the environment

Waste less heat and improve ventilation with a recovery generator

Xeriscape™ to reduce water waste with drought tolerant landscapes

Yield to the green building revolution to save valuable resources

Zap air pollution emitted by inefficient wood burning stoves