Green Building
What it means to be green...
Everybody’s talking about green building these days, but a lot of people still don’t understand exactly what it means to build green. If you are picturing tent-like yurts and mud huts, you’re not the only one. But today’s green buildings can be visually indistinguishable from their neighbors. The difference is in the details. A green home simply means a healthier, longer-lasting residence for your family that helps conserve our precious natural resources. Much of green building is plain old common sense, and putting some extra thought into the design as well as the construction of your home. What it means to be green...Money talks…
The fact is you can build or remodel your home exactly the way you’ve envisioned, using non-toxic and sustainably sourced materials with a minimal difference in cost. And energy and water conserving design techniques can even save you money in the long run–a lot of money! Well thought-out design means that your home will last longer and retain more value. Some studies already show that green homes have a higher resale value.
Here’s to your health…Most of us put a great deal of effort into taking care of our families and ourselves. We exercise, watch what we eat, and try to limit stress, so why should we live and work in buildings that can be harmful to us? Did you know that your typical house paint contains toxins that off-gas chemicals into the air you breathe every day? The same is true of standard home carpeting, which contains up to 120 known toxins, including formaldehyde. The good news is you can find natural alternatives for these materials.
Our natural resources are priceless…
And although they are graciously provided to us free of charge, we have to be careful not to take them too much for granted. Those of us who are lucky enough to live in the Sonoma Valley enjoy its outstanding scenic beauty every day. We have amazing hiking trails, breathtaking waterways, and almost unprecedented diversity in animal populations. It’s no wonder people come from all over the world to visit and live here, and it’s not hard to see the value in protecting it.
Conservation isn’t just about protecting the land and wildlife--it’s about sustaining life in general, which includes humans, too! Pollution of our natural resources like air and water significantly degrades our quality of life.
What it includes…Green building encompasses everything from the site you pick for your new home to the type of paint and furniture that is eventually contained inside. During almost every step of construction or remodeling there are opportunities to choose a more environmentally friendly practice or material.
If it's new construction, you want to take the entire picture into account from the beginning. For instance, the design and layout of your new home or building will greatly impact its effectiveness as a green building.
If you are remodeling, there are lots of environmentally preferable products to choose from. We have a green materials database on our resources page and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
