Green Home Construction ... A Ready Reckoner
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by: hugatree | Total views: 133 | Word Count: 478
A well-designed green home construction requires consideration of several factors, which must be incorporated in the initial structuring stages. In a green home, use of recyclable material is very important from the point of view of conservation. Cement high on fly ash content could be one of these alternatives. Wood salvaged from old buildings and reengineered wood can be used in constructing a green home. Green features work better when included in the initial construction phase. This also involves installation of a drip irrigation system for landscaping instead of the usual sprinkler system. Investing in a rainwater harvesting system is yet another step toward going Green. To aid absorption of rainwater into the surrounding soil, pathways, and roadways can be made out of permeable paving material.
The use of Forest Stewardship Council (SFC) certified wood for doors, window frames and other places where wood is required also helps the green cause. Green home constructions aim at cleaner indoor environment by making use of no/low formaldehyde interior paints. Harnessing the power of the sun by fitting solar heaters and photovoltaic cells helps reduce electricity consumption and lower bills. Greater reflectivity of light colored roofs as against dark colored helps in reducing heat buildup in the house. Also, they last longer because since the heat absorbed is less, they do not expand thermally as much as dark colored roofs.
Green Home Construction holistically handles both fixed as well as movable items in a house. It is best to use recycled wood furniture for the house interiors. Garden furniture can be made out of recycled plastic, which is easily available in the market. Using cork or bamboo flooring instead of traditional hardwood flooring helps greening the house. Avoid using vinyl linoleum, natural linoleum is a better choice. Leak proof ducting helps in conservation of energy. Ducting leaks cause over 10% of energy losses in a house. Using low volume flush toilets and fitting flow reducers to faucets and shower heads helps cut down 40% of the water volume and nobody will even notice the difference. Use on insulation which does not contain formaldehyde helps prevent sickness. One good material for insulation is cellulose insulation made out of recycled paper.
Double paned windows with low emission are very good green concepts. The advantages of double paned windows are that they help in providing insulation as well as reduction of noise. The frames of windows should be made of wood as these provide more insulation. The piping of the house should have a jacket to reduce loss of heat. These guidelines should come in handy if you are planning to build a green home.
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