Not to sound whiney or anything, I'm really not that way. But it irks me to no end to hear guys say they are building Green homes when all they really do is use spray foam insulation.
Now don't ge me wrong, we use it on every house. But, I have talked to many Owners that have bought into this hook, line and sinker.
We here at Coastal Green Building Solutions believe, very firmly, that a house can really only be considered Green, if either it has been certified under a Green Building Program and performance verified, or if the Builder is truly a Green Builder who understands the building science and has shown a practical understanding in the real world of Green Building techniques by having had a house certified and tested. I'll slide in a third condition here and say that the house should be at least subject to a blower door test and perform at a reasonable level.
Given the degree of legitimacy certification brings to a project (usually at minimal costs) does it make a whole lot of sense to not certify?
By the way, If you have read this and have any comments or questions about the subject, I hope you will take the time to let me know. I'd love to hear from you!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
So Now I'm A Blogger...
Its funny how we tend to think that other people are interested in hearing what we have to say. I mean, isn't that the underlying theme of the Blog?
On the off chance that someone somewhere might get an idea, laugh, or confirmation from something I have to say or one of my experiences, here goes.
I am a Green Builder. I only build Green homes. The only remodels I do are Green. To me it is a way of life, a dedication to the environment, and a belief that what I do is the right thing and my obligation to the people I am privileged to serve.
I have become active in the Home Builder's Association - having founded and now acting as Chairman of the Green Building Committee of the HHAHBA.
I have met wonderful people who have inspired me, taught me, and humbled me - sometimes all in the same conversation. Maybe i will even inspire someone myself.
I know that there are others who know more than I do. Yet, I feel pretty good that I have developed a sound understanding of what it takes to build a Green home.
I strive to continue learning. I can't wait to meet new people in the Green Building arena.
If all the time, energy, and money i have spent over the past three years results in my building better homes and having a positive effect on just one person's life, it will have all been worth it.
And then some!
On the off chance that someone somewhere might get an idea, laugh, or confirmation from something I have to say or one of my experiences, here goes.
I am a Green Builder. I only build Green homes. The only remodels I do are Green. To me it is a way of life, a dedication to the environment, and a belief that what I do is the right thing and my obligation to the people I am privileged to serve.
I have become active in the Home Builder's Association - having founded and now acting as Chairman of the Green Building Committee of the HHAHBA.
I have met wonderful people who have inspired me, taught me, and humbled me - sometimes all in the same conversation. Maybe i will even inspire someone myself.
I know that there are others who know more than I do. Yet, I feel pretty good that I have developed a sound understanding of what it takes to build a Green home.
I strive to continue learning. I can't wait to meet new people in the Green Building arena.
If all the time, energy, and money i have spent over the past three years results in my building better homes and having a positive effect on just one person's life, it will have all been worth it.
And then some!
Focus!
It seems like something often suggested to my daughter during homework time.
When working on a Green building project it is easy to loose focus on your original priorities. The quest for points for the Green certification program can become consuming. Or, finding those building materials with the highest recycled content can be overwhelming.
While putting considerable effort into aspects such as these is commendable and even required, dont' loose sight of your original goals and objectives. If indoor air quality is your biggest concern, great! Keep on it. Chances are that focusing on the priority will by inevitably lead to you following a better path for the big picture.
No doubt, we must view the building process from a whole house perspective. We know that changing one component of the building will usually affect many other things. This is the nature of Green Building.
By focusing on what is really important to you, you will end up with the home you dreamed of rather than something that evolved into more than you sought.
So, FOCUS!
When working on a Green building project it is easy to loose focus on your original priorities. The quest for points for the Green certification program can become consuming. Or, finding those building materials with the highest recycled content can be overwhelming.
While putting considerable effort into aspects such as these is commendable and even required, dont' loose sight of your original goals and objectives. If indoor air quality is your biggest concern, great! Keep on it. Chances are that focusing on the priority will by inevitably lead to you following a better path for the big picture.
No doubt, we must view the building process from a whole house perspective. We know that changing one component of the building will usually affect many other things. This is the nature of Green Building.
By focusing on what is really important to you, you will end up with the home you dreamed of rather than something that evolved into more than you sought.
So, FOCUS!
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