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Ashby Remodeling & Services Thinks GREEN!
What Is Green?
Over the course of the next 3 years, California building standards will be going seriously “green” and as you know, that means the national standards are not far behind! Sustainable construction or “going green” doesn’t necessarily cost your more money, the costs are either an immediate savings, equal to traditional practices or provide a nifty return on your money in the longer term. Sustainable design can also provide an opportunity to create a unique and attractive look that will make your home different than all the rest.
Thinking green in building or remodeling means an efficient use of resources that reduces the impact the building will have on human health and the world around us. Don’t let the cost deter you; it’s often an economically affordable choice. More and more homeowners are considering ways to remodel green. Here is an overview of just some things to consider about the building blocks of your next project. Sustainable wood is harvested from carefully managed forests where the process from planting to cropping is sensitive to environmental concerns. Sustainable forest operations are committed to ecological responsibility and the health and longevity of their forests. The two most common wood options are hardwoods such as oak and redwood, and softwoods from trees such as pine, cedar, and spruce. Their difference resides, as the name suggests, in the woods’ durability. Though hardwood tends to stand up to more abuse, it is harvested from older growth forests that take longer to replenish.
How can a homeowner or contractor be assured they are receiving materials that are sustainable produced? Thankfully two independent non-profits conduct rigorous audits of all foresting practices before bestowing their endorsement. Once earned, the seal of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and/or the Forest Stewardship Council ensures consumers that they are purchasing and supporting responsibly grown wood and paper products. Buying a certified product means that you are purchasing goods from companies committed to sustainable maintaining their practice for future generations.
Ask your designer or contractor if the wood used in your project is certified. Bamboo is another popular green option. It produces strong, durable products and it naturally replenishes. Technically it is not wood but a member of the grass family. But when treated, bamboo is exceptionally durable, though lightweight. It’s quickly becoming a favorite for ecological builders who approve of its natural growing speed without dependence on pesticides and fertilizers. You might also consider using reclaimed wood. Because many old woods provide exceptional quality and beauty, they are well worth recovering from old buildings, factories, warehouses, and residences for use in new projects. They can then be used as flooring, stair beams, paneling, and other products. Products and availability will depend on your region, so check what’s available from your local distributors or contractor.
Together, we can make a difference
When planning a remodel, one of the first decisions you will make is how to incorporate green building practices into your project. Building a “greener” or “sustainable” home is simply building a healthier, tighter, more durable and efficient home with devices and materials that last longer, that use fewer, reuse or produce their own resources. This promotes savings through their function or contains little or no toxic materials that can harm your and your family. Green building strategies help to preserve the environment for future generations by making life in your home more comfortable and healthy living.
First, we define what "green" really means in green remodeling. Green Remodeling is a
comprehensive approach that:
Green Components for Your Remodeling
Property Maintenance
Now that your remodeling project is done, how do you keep your green home green? Proper maintenance and care are essential to responsible home ownership. If green materials, products and systems are improperly installed, they will not serve the purpose they were designed for.
There are also many resources available online for green living education. Here are just a few ideas to start:
Materials, Products and Systems
Many Green Materials, Products, and Systems are mandated by California Building Code and are currently being used in standard building practice. There are different manufacturers that have countless options. Ashby Remodeling & Services can help you make a green decision and determine which is best for your home. We are committed to working with you to make sense of it all while we design your version of a healthier more comfortable home that meets and beats the current standards of a sustainable home. Below is a partial list of available materials, products, and systems that we will advise you about for your project:
What Is Green?
Over the course of the next 3 years, California building standards will be going seriously “green” and as you know, that means the national standards are not far behind! Sustainable construction or “going green” doesn’t necessarily cost your more money, the costs are either an immediate savings, equal to traditional practices or provide a nifty return on your money in the longer term. Sustainable design can also provide an opportunity to create a unique and attractive look that will make your home different than all the rest.
Thinking green in building or remodeling means an efficient use of resources that reduces the impact the building will have on human health and the world around us. Don’t let the cost deter you; it’s often an economically affordable choice. More and more homeowners are considering ways to remodel green. Here is an overview of just some things to consider about the building blocks of your next project. Sustainable wood is harvested from carefully managed forests where the process from planting to cropping is sensitive to environmental concerns. Sustainable forest operations are committed to ecological responsibility and the health and longevity of their forests. The two most common wood options are hardwoods such as oak and redwood, and softwoods from trees such as pine, cedar, and spruce. Their difference resides, as the name suggests, in the woods’ durability. Though hardwood tends to stand up to more abuse, it is harvested from older growth forests that take longer to replenish.
How can a homeowner or contractor be assured they are receiving materials that are sustainable produced? Thankfully two independent non-profits conduct rigorous audits of all foresting practices before bestowing their endorsement. Once earned, the seal of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and/or the Forest Stewardship Council ensures consumers that they are purchasing and supporting responsibly grown wood and paper products. Buying a certified product means that you are purchasing goods from companies committed to sustainable maintaining their practice for future generations.
Ask your designer or contractor if the wood used in your project is certified. Bamboo is another popular green option. It produces strong, durable products and it naturally replenishes. Technically it is not wood but a member of the grass family. But when treated, bamboo is exceptionally durable, though lightweight. It’s quickly becoming a favorite for ecological builders who approve of its natural growing speed without dependence on pesticides and fertilizers. You might also consider using reclaimed wood. Because many old woods provide exceptional quality and beauty, they are well worth recovering from old buildings, factories, warehouses, and residences for use in new projects. They can then be used as flooring, stair beams, paneling, and other products. Products and availability will depend on your region, so check what’s available from your local distributors or contractor.
Together, we can make a difference
When planning a remodel, one of the first decisions you will make is how to incorporate green building practices into your project. Building a “greener” or “sustainable” home is simply building a healthier, tighter, more durable and efficient home with devices and materials that last longer, that use fewer, reuse or produce their own resources. This promotes savings through their function or contains little or no toxic materials that can harm your and your family. Green building strategies help to preserve the environment for future generations by making life in your home more comfortable and healthy living.
First, we define what "green" really means in green remodeling. Green Remodeling is a
comprehensive approach that:
- Conserves natural resources.
- Uses water and energy wisely for long-term savings.
- Uses healthy products and incorporates sustainable materials.
- Improves indoor environmental quality.
- Builds high quality, durable structures.
- Reduces and recycles construction and demolition waste.
- Facilitates ease of responsible use and maintenance.
- Creates livable, vibrant communities.
Green Components for Your Remodeling
Property Maintenance
Now that your remodeling project is done, how do you keep your green home green? Proper maintenance and care are essential to responsible home ownership. If green materials, products and systems are improperly installed, they will not serve the purpose they were designed for.
There are also many resources available online for green living education. Here are just a few ideas to start:
- Change HVAC air filters per manufacturer's recommendations
- Change light bulbs to fluorescent wherever possible.
- Adjust thermostats to energy-saving settings while at home. Use a programmable thermostat to set the temperatures at less comfortable levels when you're not home or sleeping.
- Keep windows open for fresh air and ventilation.
- Plant drought resistant landscaping.
- Direct landscape sprinkler heads away from the building perimeter.
- Make sure attics are properly ventilated.
- Remove all toxic liquids from your garage and storage rooms.
- Switch to nontoxic cleaning products.
- Use low VOC paints and finishes.
- Visit your local greenhouse, and purchase a tree to shade your home to save on cooling costs.
Materials, Products and Systems
Many Green Materials, Products, and Systems are mandated by California Building Code and are currently being used in standard building practice. There are different manufacturers that have countless options. Ashby Remodeling & Services can help you make a green decision and determine which is best for your home. We are committed to working with you to make sense of it all while we design your version of a healthier more comfortable home that meets and beats the current standards of a sustainable home. Below is a partial list of available materials, products, and systems that we will advise you about for your project:
- Energy Efficient Windows
- Engineered Lumber
- Radiant Barrier Plywood
- Thermal Insulation
- Vapor Barriers
- Moisture Protection/Vapor Barriers
- High Efficiency Light Fixtures
- High Efficiency Water Heaters
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Air Quality Systems
- Low Flow Toilet and Shower Heads
- Point of Use Hot Water Heaters
- Recirculation of Centralized Hot Water Heaters
- Irrigation Systems and Drought Resistant Landscape
- Solar Powered exterior landscape lighting
