Going Green

Green, green, green...That seems to be all you hear these days. Whether it's packaging, manufacturing, transportation, or technology, it seems to be a contest to see who can be the "greenest." I know the chairman of the National Association of Home Builders said in the most recent Builder magazine that "the future is green" and green building is a "sure thing." Sure, it's a great idea to do as much for the environment as possible. However, many builders have been doing the things promoted in green programs for years---without the need to be "certified." For example, the first guideline of NAHB's National Green Home Building Program covers lot design, preparation, and development. Barry has always considered those issues when designing a home. He works hard to incorporate the design into the landscape and to position the house on the site for maximum energy efficiency. His goal is always to preserve as much of the natural setting as possible. The second guideline emphasizes resource, energy, and water efficiency. Of course, we've considered those things for years, and we've tried to help the client understand the trade-offs for things like 2x6 walls or high-efficiency HVAC systems. The third guideline involves indoor environmental quality. We've always researched things like insulation, paint, carpet, and other materials in order to offer the best and safest products for our clients and for the environment. Finally, the last guideline focuses on operation, maintenance, and homeowner education. We found long ago that it pays to spend time throughout the building process to educate our homeowners and include them in the construction process. A well-educated homeowner feels confident in his selections and can enjoy his new home for years. Consequently, his referrals bring more "green" to our business!