greeningrandrapids

What is ICF Construction and How Does it Provide An Energy Efficient Home?

2008-04-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

Gaining in popularity for the green home are the tools of the trade. ICF's, or insulating concrete forms, are one of the strongest forms of construction in that the home is built with concrete. These forms used primarily for the exterior walls of the home are designed with foam that is grooved and fitted to fit the other ICF pieces just like a puzzle. In between the two pieces of foam on either side are rebar reinforcements that lock the foam pieces together and provide solid material for the concrete to adhere to.

ICF's are a popular way to go in the construction of a green home in that they not only provide a solid home but also an energy-efficient home. Since the concrete is totally encapsulated in rigid foam, the foam provides the energy efficiency while the concrete provides the strength. Energy efficiency is dependant on how the home is built and how much leakage is moving in and out of the house. Green home practices focus on building air-tight homes and with the interlocking foam blocks and long continuous panels, ICF's are ideal in preventing air leakage. The solid structure and the fact that concrete doesn't settle, also lends to the tight house construction.

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Why Southern Exposure is Important in a Green Home

2008-04-18T20:06:00.000-07:00

While some of us like to "shoot from the hip", there are others that are very organized in their thoughts and processes. Initially, I'm an organized individual and unfortunately, there are a lot of days that I "shoot from the hip." So, I guess I'm a little bit of both personalities.

For those of you who hate organized ideologies, you have to admit that a little bit of organization can go along way. In fact, when it comes to buying a home, answering some key questions just makes the process so much easier and helps you figure out what your true priorities are. See Planning the Key to Home Buying Success.

New construction works the same way and more specifically when you discuss "green" homes. "Green" homes start with a smart design and efficient technology systems to create green homes. In fact, the planning or design stage, in my opinion, is one of the most important steps in the process. Deciding what factors are important to you in the beginning saves a lot of time and possibly a lot of money in the future.

Green homes are about having "residential structures that achieve optimal year-round comfort, reduce energy consumption, improve indoor air quality, and limit environmental impact." (http://www.solarenergy.org/workshops/sushomedesonline.html. This type of home is about taking the house as a whole unit, being aware of the climate and temperature changes and knowing which design strategies can handle the environment and its natural surroundings. In order to reduce energy consumption, green designers look at other ways of obtaining other forms of renewable energy, such as solar, wind. In fact, here's what Wikipedia defines renewable energy as, "Renewable energy effectively uses natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides and geothermal heat, which are naturally replenished.

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Brand New Homes Don't Always Mean Energy Efficiency...

2008-04-18T20:02:00.000-07:00

Alright, alright. I have to tell you that I love green. Green to me means "Go", means $ signs, and also means a well-built house. In fact, my next article was supposed to be about the first stages of building a green home, but realized that I need to backup a bit.

In talking with several people, most people BELIEVE that when they buy a brand new home that they will have some of the qualities of a green-built home. Some of characteristics of a green built home include:

Energy - Efficiency

Safe for occupants (natural disasters etc.)

More comfortable (temperature, humidity)

Healthier environment

Durable (Structural, moisture managed)

Honestly, you should expect those things in a new home but in reality, it is not always there.

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Is Shrek Green? Yes, He Is.

2008-04-18T19:54:00.000-07:00

So, I'm this huge movie buff. In fact, one of my favorite things to do is to sit down on a Friday night with a bag of popcorn and put in the latest and greatest movie. And by the way, my family has seen a ton! Last Friday, we watched Shrek 3 with the kids. Initially, I wasn't going to watch it but decided it would be a good family bonding time!

The movie was good but what was interesting was playing around after the movie in the extras. They had "Ask Merlin" where you get to ask Merlin a Yes or No question and he answers. My question was, "Will I be incredibly wealthy?" I'll just say, I was pleased with the answer!

Another section was titled, "Being Green" to which my husband said that I should see what that's all about since I love the "Green" movement. Because I'm curious... I checked it out. Shrek starts out by saying that Kermit (do you remember him?) said it wasn't easy being green. To which he replies that it's not that hard. So here's the message that was sent out to the kids in a fun way on the backend of this movie.

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How Does a Home Qualify As Green

2008-04-18T19:48:00.000-07:00

We've already discussed the trends in home building and how "Green" built homes are becoming a trend. We've talked about what Green is in relation to the definition. Now, how do you know if you have a Green-Built Home?

Just so you know, there are a lot of builders that may claim to build "Green" and are hopping on the wagon to try and be "Green", but really aren't "Green." Some builders that I've run into the past couple of years, think it's a bunch of hog-wash. Maybe it is. With the media attention around "Green", I've now seen that many of the builders are changing their tune when it comes to building "Green."

I went to a great seminar about building a healthy home. The gal even put together a great checklist of things that you should be sure to ask.

Directly from her suggestions in her book, were some of the following questions to ask a builder:

To read more: http://www.seegrhomes.com/green-energy-efficient-homes/how-does-a-house-qualify-as-green.html

Why is a "Green" Home Important?

2007-11-26T13:14:00.000-08:00

Quite Simply... A Green Home Provides...

Safer Environment - it prevents moisture, mold and radon.

Healthier Environment - the toxins in paint in building materials can be harmful to one's health. Indoor air quality is huge, just ask someone with breathing problems like asthma.

Energy Efficiency - Everyone loves to save money.

Environmentally Friendly - Check out the impact that are buildings have on resources today.

WOW! This is amazing. There is something to say about the environmental impact of buildings today. Here's the information from U.S. Energy Information Administration from 2005

U.S. Impact of Buildings on Resources Today
- 40% of Total Energy Use
- 71% of Electricity Consumption
- 38% Carbon Dioxide Emissions
- 36% of all Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- 30% of Waste Output
- 12% of Potable Water Consumption

Just some things to think about... Stay tuned for How Does a House Qualify As Green?

What Do You Think of When You Think of Green?

2007-11-20T12:59:00.000-08:00

O.K. a lot of people have heard of what the term "Green" refers to thanks to people like Al Gore, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Seriously, if you didn't hear of that word, what would you think of?

When I think of the "Green", I think of...

Money

Someone being Green - meaning they don't really know what they are doing

Someone being Green - meaning they feel sick

So, how in the world did we come up with the term Green? According to Wikpedia..."The Green movement is a political movement which advocates goals common to Green parties, including environmentalism, sustainability, nonviolence, and social justice concerns. Supporters of the Green movement, called Greens, adhere to Green ideology and share many ideas with the ecology, conservation, environmental, feminist, and peace movements."

Definition of "Green" as it relates to Homes (http://www.greenbuiltmichigan.org/) Starts with the Careful Design, Construction and Operation of the Home. It deals with the Reuse of Removal of the Built Environment concentrates on the Environmental, Energy-Efficient, and Sustainability Factors of Home Building.

At this point, someone might say, "Tammy, why should I care. I'm not a tree-hugger. Yes, I would love to save money on my energy bills but is all this stuff really worth the extra cost?"

The Most Common Misconception - "It costs too much!"

No, I'm not going to lie to you. It will cost you a little bit more to provide you with the extra added comfort that you desire. However, the cost in utility bills is worth the cost.

Here's my personal example and why I really started investigating "Green" Homes.
I was getting ready to list of house in December of 2005 and asked the sellers for their utility bills for the year. Their gas bill for November was $80.00, my bill was $150.00 for the same month and their home had more square footage than mine. Honestly, that alone was enough for me to investigate further into this "GREEN" thing. Yes, they had the energy-star appliances and it was a newer home whereas mine was older. Point is, my bill was almost double for one month alone. Their utility bills for the year were minimal in comparison to mine. Something to really think about especially when our utility bills are supposed to increase this year!

Stay tuned for "Why is a Green House important?"

You are the Market, and This is What You Say is HOT!

2007-11-05T07:22:00.000-08:00

I love watching the trends in the home building industry. In fact, it's one of my favorite subjects to read up on. What you need to realize is that the "HOT" trends of today are because of what you said was important. See if you agree with these sources of the latest and greatest trends in home design.
Everyone knows that Location, Price, and Condition always rule! However, "new materials and new technologies are reshaping the way we build." (Craven, About.com). With the emergence of casual entertaining and the home being a person's showcase, here's what sources have said are the "HOT" items in Home Building.

March 2007 - Realtor Magazine

Cozy, small homes on a big lot
Earth tone colors
Oversized Family Rooms
Open Kitchens
Exotic Hardwood Floors like bamboo and brazilian cherry
Mudrooms with lots of cubbies/storage
Stone for countertops... ie. Marble, limestone

May 2007 - Realtor Magazine

Various materials, textures and colors (this would include metal, granite, stone, copper, different floorings) can make a huge impact.
Healthier Homes - includes: Sound proofing, Water Conservation, Wastewater Treatment, Roof Space, Native Plants, Graywater, Sun/Wind Power, Engineered Hardwood

August 2007 - GR Press

Large Family Rooms, Smaller Living Rooms
Home to be airy and bright
Larger Open Kitchens with Islands and Recessed Lighting
Fireplace
3 Stall Garage
Universal Design - "A concept that makes homes accessible to all people regardless of age or disabilities" (GR Press, August 19, 2007).

Latest Recent Google Search - About.com
1. Earth-Friendly Design - Sensitivity to the environment and the reuse of materials

2. "Prefab" Construction - Far from the perceived notions of prefab and trailers, prefabricated materials come in all shapes and styles and have great new designs. Anyone hear of SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels)? More to come on this later.

3. Adaptive Reuse - How can we reuse the buildings we already have?

4. Healthy Design - Increasing awareness is making healthy design a BIG deal. People have realized that they are becoming sick from the synthetic and chemical materials that are present in our homes.

5. Storm-Resistance - Can anyone say Hurricane Katrina?

6. Flexible Floor Plans - This one seems to be a trend everywhere I read. More people want the ability to use a great room and/or bonus room for multiple uses. Hence pocket doors and movable partitions are becoming vital.

7. Accessibility - Universal Design: making the room accessible to all individuals including those with disabilities. It includes wider hallways and doorways that is so beautifully blended in with the design that it doesn't look "handicap accessible."

8. Outdoor Rooms - Haven't heard of this one from other sources, but the article goes on to say that the yard/garden may become part of the floor plan on the patios and decks. It's not that far-fetched and you definitely won't have to walk that far to get fresh tomatoes if your garden is right off the slider.

9. Abundant Storage - Storage, storage, storage everywhere is now a necessity.

10. Eastern Ideas - Feng Shui principles are probably the most influential in homes today. The belief is that you will feel positive effects in your life.

There seems to be a common thread in most of these publications. Just to summarize:
•· People want large family rooms/great rooms
•· People want large, open kitchens
•· Various materials and textures is important
•· Universal Design will be a term that becomes more important
•· Healthier Homes, Environmental Concerns, Sustainability of the Home - "GREEN" concerns are affecting the way we build today!

References: Craven, Jackie. "Top 10 Trends in Home Design." About.com. http://architecture.about.com/od/buildyourhous1/tp/homedesigntrend.htm
March 2007. "The only tool you need." Realtor Magazine. http://www.REALTOR.org/realtormag
May 2007. Ballinger, Barbara. "Trends in Home Building & Design." Realtor Magazine. http://www.REALTOR.org/realtormag
August 19, 2007. Grand Rapids Press. "For homes in 2015, it's what's inside that will count."

Stay tuned for: "What Do You Think of When You Think of Green?" Coming soon.