|
|
|
A green home is a healthy
living space characterized by smart design, energy efficiency,
enhanced durability, natural materials and water efficiency. It
is a space that celebrates and works with Connecticut’s
environment, while still providing us protection from the
extremes of our four seasons. Best of all, these homes provide
the owner with lower operating costs, increased value and has a
smaller impact on our environment.
What is the Greenest house of all?
It is the one you do not build. Connecticut is full of beautiful
homes in need of repair who’s embodied energy and environmental
costs have already been paid. Purchasing these homes and
renovating them is not only more ecologically responsible, it
also can be very cost effective and allow the owner to have much
more of a home then their budget would normally allow.
Pictured here is a beautiful 1893 house near the Mark Twain
House in Hartford. This original two family house was divided
into a 6 unit condo in the 1980’s. In late 2002, the unit
featured here was sold for $25,000. The owner renovated the
kitchen and bathroom, for a cost of $8,000, using some recycled
materials salvaged from another colonial house that was being
repaired in Hartford.
(Pictures)
Extreme Green Home Makeover
If you already have a home, an addition or green update in lieu
of a new home can add vigor and make your home much more
livable, healthier and valuable. It also can help you save money
on volatile energy costs.
One of the best guides on the web for doing a green remodeling
of your home can be downloaded for free from the
Alameda County Waste Management Authority.
When Building New, Small is Beautiful
When building new, size matters. Super sized new homes have
enormous impacts on the environment and cost more to maintain,
heat, repair, clean, and have higher property tax bills. How
large of a house do you really need? Might there be a way to
down size your home and better utilize the outdoors. Building a
smaller healthy smart home for your family with large
organically maintained gardens surrounding it would be a way to
limit the impact on your budget and the planet.
It all starts with DESIGN
The most important green element in all new homes is design. In
order for a home to be healthy, safe, energy smart, and
resources and cost efficient, it must be designed correctly.
Selecting a designer that understands green building and the
importance of providing you with a highly functional living
space that works with your site’s microclimate is a must. Many
members of the CTGBC have this type of experience and a listing
of them is in our Product and Service Directory.
Green Intergraded Construction
Once you have your green designed home, it is equally important
that your contractors adhere to green principals and standards.
Again, an experienced green builder or a builder willing to work
with you to implement your desires are the surest way to achieve
a high performance healthy green home. Green builders who are
members of the CTGBC are listed in our Product and Service
Directory.
Characteristics of many Green Homes:
Renovated spaces
Right-sized space
Green Intelligent Design
Healthy non toxic natural materials
Energy Efficiency (Energy Star Appliances)
Day-light spaces
Water efficient fixtures (Toilets, showers heads, sinks)
Quality Construction
Recycled materials & salvaged items from older homes
Local Materials
Organic land care and landscaping utilizing local plants
Southern orientation of the house
Limited or no use of plastics (especially PVC)
Limited or no use of asphalt
Pleasing spaces gracefully integrated with nature
More web based information on green homes is available in our
Green Building Links section
 Back to top
|
