Green building

Green building is creating structures using environmentally responsible and resource-efficient processes in the construction of a building. Green architecture looks at the life cycle of a building from site, design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and demolition. The overall goal is to reduce the impact on the natural environment and human health.

Goals in green architecture are to use energy, water and other resources efficiently. Other concerns are to protect the occupant’s health, reduce waste, pollution and environmental degradation.

Green architecture is not a new concept. Frank Lloyd Wright’s philosophy in architecture made his homes a part of their surroundings. He maximized practicality while minimizing the homes presence and promoted harmony between the inhabitants, nature and the building.

Techniques that Mr. Wright incorporated in his buildings were roofs with deep overhangs. Overhangs of four feet helped shade the house from the summer’s sun and heat. Wright introduced the open floor plan and multi-use great rooms with tall eighteen-foot flat ceilings. Other energy savers used were wall built with 2 by 8 and 2 by 10 studs as opposed to the normal 2 by 4s. Foam urethane was sprayed in between the studs. The foam expanded to fill the space and trapped cold and heat inside. Foam was also sprayed between the ground level and first floor, which also provided a sound insulator. The use of foam is expensive initially but vents are not required, as you don’t lose heat in the winter or cooling in the summer through the roof.

Wright also used geothermal units that used the earth’s natural warmth from a ground-source heat pump. Again these systems initial price is more but they are more efficient to run which reduces pollution produced by fossil-fuel systems.

All green architecture focuses on using sustainable design and energy efficient buildings. The goal is to reduce the environmental impact of a building. Taking advantage of renewable resources like passive and active solar, photovoltaic techniques the use of trees and plants through rain gardens and green roofs and reducing run-off from rainwater.

Green architecture can be different in different areas of the country. In the mountains in the east there are different resources and needs that those found in the plains of the Midwest. For green architecture to be effective the considerations of the local environment must be paid attention to. Use resources that are native to your area when possible. Build small, more efficient buildings. Look for ways to re-use water and resources.

When you choose a site for a building you should not just take down all the trees find the best location to situate the building and keep trees and plant that will help to shade the building in the summer and allow for light for warmth in the winter.

Research your area and find and use the building materials that are suited to the environment where you are planning to build. Adobe buildings are great in the southwest but are not appropriate for rural Appalachia. If you have property you may be able to use the timber from trees that you have to cut in the building of your home.