Shades Of Green

Local designers, architects and builders shed light on the rapidly evolving world of sustainable design. Written by Sharon, Jaffe, Dan.

Knowledgeable builders, architects, interior designers and developers are helping their clients build healthier, more energy-efficient homes. The projects we spotlight on the following pages vary widely in their levels of “green-ness.” Dozens of factors, including budget, scope, site constraints, personal priorities, timing and patience, affect a homeowner’s decision on how green to go.

On the following pages, we’ve come up with a few guidelines to help you get started on a greener path.

1. PRACTICE ENERGY EFFIENCY

Whether you’re buying a new washing machine or building a new house, you should factor energy efficiency into your decision-making process. It’s a simple equation: Reducing the consumption of fossil fuels in turn reduces the carbon dioxide emissions that cause global warming.

Creating an energy-efficient house, however, is not so simple. Typical American homes lack energy-efficient appliances, windows and insulation and therefore consume extra energy to compensate for loss of heat and air conditioning.

If you are building a home or starting a renovation, an experienced architect can help design a “tight building envelope” that will minimize air infiltration and maximize energy efficiency. He or she will position your home to take advantage of passive solar gain, recommend an environmentally friendly insulation (such as Icynene foam) and install low-E windows with argon gas that help keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer. You can also consider alternatives to fossil fuel-burning energy, such as solar power, wind power or geothermal heat. While the upfront costs of such systems may be higher than their conventional counterparts, they will save you money in the long run through reduced utility bills. Likewise, choosing Energy Star-rated appliances and lighting will help you reduce consumption and save a few dollars too.

2. RENEW, RECYCLE, REPLENISH

Whether you are planning a small renovation or building a new house, there are many ways to reduce waste, one of which is to reuse or recycle materials. Buying new products made from recycled materials also helps reduce waste. Homeowners can find carpet made from recycled soda bottles, countertops made from recycled paper and tiles made from recycled glass.

3. BUILD A HEALTHY HOME

Conventional building materials often harbor harmful materials, from formaldehyde in cabinet particleboard to off-gassing chemicals in carpet backing. Homeowners can find plenty of healthy alternatives in the marketplace, if they do their homework and know the right questions to ask.

4. KEEP IT LOCAL

A homeowner may discover some gorgeous eco-friendly cabinets online, but if they’re made in California then the energy spent on shipping can defeat the purpose. “You don’t want to ship things across the country,” says Bill Hutchins, who hires local artisans and cabinetmakers on all of his projects. “For me, sustainability is about building community in every way: economic, social, material, relational.” The concept of fostering the local community is an important tenet in the sustainable movement. Devotees of green building strive to find sources located within a 500-mile radius of their final destination.

5. RESOURCES

The Internet is a great resource for homeowners who want to learn about sustainable design.