Technical Data - Green Construction
Not All Green Construction is Really Green
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It seems that everyone today has a 'green product'. It also seems that we are expected to buy that product just because they say it is 'green'.
That’s fine, and I’m not green bashing, but there is far too much 'green washing' in advertising today. So how do you know if green is right for you? Let’s start out with a little straight talk about green.
Green products can be sorted into several categories. Some of the most common are:
1. Sustainability: are the raw materials used in this product sustainable, such as wood from managed tree farms or reforestation projects.
2. Recyclability: can the materials used in a product be reused after the current life cycle
3. Energy efficiency: this can be applied either to the manufacture of the product, or how it serves your needs while in service4. Healthy living: do the materials in a product pose a health hazard.
Examples:
1. A 40mpg compact is more energy efficient than a 28mpg sedan…unless it takes 2 of them to transport your family to grandma’s house for dinner.
2. A highly sustainable flooring material like bamboo is a great choice, unless it has a glue and finish that will offgas harmful vapors for the next seven years.
3. New lowE and reflective glass units are great choices for heated living space, but 'old fashioned' clear glass may be a better choice for a passive solar sunroom.
Green is great, and should be a part of your decision making process, but make sure your are dealing with someone who is willing to be honest with you about how it applies to your needs.
Looking for Passive Solar Heating Western Washington?
Contact Sun Designs to schedule a consultation or give us a call at 888-538-5596.
That’s fine, and I’m not green bashing, but there is far too much 'green washing' in advertising today. So how do you know if green is right for you? Let’s start out with a little straight talk about green.
Green products can be sorted into several categories. Some of the most common are:
1. Sustainability: are the raw materials used in this product sustainable, such as wood from managed tree farms or reforestation projects.
2. Recyclability: can the materials used in a product be reused after the current life cycle
3. Energy efficiency: this can be applied either to the manufacture of the product, or how it serves your needs while in service4. Healthy living: do the materials in a product pose a health hazard.
Examples:
1. A 40mpg compact is more energy efficient than a 28mpg sedan…unless it takes 2 of them to transport your family to grandma’s house for dinner.
2. A highly sustainable flooring material like bamboo is a great choice, unless it has a glue and finish that will offgas harmful vapors for the next seven years.
3. New lowE and reflective glass units are great choices for heated living space, but 'old fashioned' clear glass may be a better choice for a passive solar sunroom.
Green is great, and should be a part of your decision making process, but make sure your are dealing with someone who is willing to be honest with you about how it applies to your needs.
Looking for Passive Solar Heating Western Washington?
Contact Sun Designs to schedule a consultation or give us a call at 888-538-5596.
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