Choices Abound in Green Building

These days, it seems like most people desire a “green” home- that is to say one that has been built with the environment, sustainability, and efficiency in mind. Because of the increased demand for green homes in recent years, more and more environmentally-friendly options are available to homebuyers, including traditionally built homes and modular or “pre-built” homes.

General Green Building

Whether you choose a modular home or a standard home, you want one that is actually as “green” as it claims to be. Sadly, many companies have taken to using this label without really knowing or honoring what it means.  Some features that should be a part of green building include:

·         Use of sustainable building techniques and products

·         Concern for and reduction of environmental impact during the building process

·         Striving to create a resource-efficient final product

·         Striving to have a positive impact on human and environmental health and well-being

·         Efficient use of energy, water, and resources when building

·         Reduction of waste and pollution when building

·         Siting and structure design efficiency

·         Indoor environmental quality enhancement

·         Operations and maintenance optimization

As you can see, there are many excellent benefits, both for you personally and for the planet in general, of green building. You should be aware, however, that green building can be a little more expensive than standard building. However, you just have to consider that, in the long run, your green home will be cheaper to operate, due to its energy efficiency,  so you’ll actually save money. If that’s a trade-off you’re willing to make, then by all means, go for a “green” home.  

Green, Modular Homes

As mentioned, another option that you have is a modular home, and these can also be made “green” these days. As an added bonus, they can be erected very quickly. Since the home “shells” are already assembled with modular homes, all you have to do is order one that works for you and wait for it to arrive and be erected. These homes are not only time-savers, but money-savers as well, costing much less than standard-built homes. And, on the environmental side of things, modular homes are designed to be energy efficient , accumulate very little waste during the construction process, and often adhere to many of the same standards of traditionally built homes.

You have choices these days when it comes to going green. You can choose a traditional built home or a modular home and still feel good about your choice. If environmental responsibility is important to you, just discuss this with your builder ahead of time, find out what kind of green practices the building company utilizes, and then choose the one that can give you the home you want while still keeping Mother Nature in mind. 

Related articles

• Curbed National: Here are the Most Impressive New Green Buildings in the U.S. (dc.curbed.com)