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Green Building

Green building has become such an integral part of the language of construction that it’s hard to imagine a time when builders didn’t talk about renewable energy, sustainability, and environmentally friendly design. But a decade ago, green building was still something of a novelty. Builders and homeowners were slowly got acquainted with a new set of construction standards, and new expectations for what houses could and should do for their owners.

Green building is often called sustainable building because a big part of its appeal is the idea it can continue into the indefinite future without jeopardizing either the planet or us. Green building is about choosing building materials carefully, maximizing durability, and minimizing waste. Green houses are comfortable, healthy places to live, and they lower both operating costs and maintenance for their owners from the day they move in.

How we get there can be a complicated tale. Builders and building scientists have learned the hard way how to make buildings that are much tighter and much better insulated than the leaky, energy-guzzlers of a generation ago. The specialized materials and construction techniques are here, and the number of builders who know how to use them is climbing steadily.

A decision to build a green house, or renovate an existing house to green standards, often winds up with a discussion of renewable energy. A house with solar power on the roof may even make it to the net-zero promise land, where energy bills essentially go away and homeowners plug their cars in at night. It’s much more than that, of course. It’s a holistic approach to design and construction that offers benefits far into the future.

Energy-efficient, sustainable building is the future of building. If you’re not on the bus yet, we’ve got a seat saved for you.

 

  • Innovative Design in Affordable Housing

    A barbell layout comfortably organizes this small, single-family home into its extremely narrow footprint.

  • Podcast 507: Live From the Southeast Building Science Symposium

    Patrick and Andrew talk to attendees at the first Southeast Building Science Symposium in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

  • Mel Baiser, Co-Founder of Helm Construction Solutions

    In this Q&A interview, Mel talks about how their early career in the trades transitioned into helping design and build companies develop healthier and more prosperous businesses.

  • The Fine Homebuilding Interview: Emily Mottram

    A Maine architect speaks about Pretty Good House and biophilic design principles that adapt to all climates.

  • Ryan Shanahan, Zero-Energy Retrofits Manager

    This energy-efficiency expert focuses on the benefits of building energy-smart homes beyond saving money.

  • Nearly Invisible Solar Panels for Standing-Seam Metal Roofs

    The PowerFit 20 from Sunflare provides green energy, an easy installation option for metal roofs, and an improved aesthetic.

  • Elizabeth Disalvo, Architect

    A willingness to collaborate has helped Elizabeth Disalvo and her architectural firm to offer lower-cost energy-efficient pre-desgned prefab homes.

  • Building a Zero-Energy Home for Less

    An Oregon design-build firm makes high performance more affordable.

  • New Solar Shingles with Faster Installation

    GAF Energy’s new line of nailable solar shingles collect solar energy while protecting the roof.

  • Foundation Insulation Options for a Concrete-Free Slab

    A plywood slab-on-grade requires a similar foundation construction to the ones used when building a traditional concrete slab-on-grade home.

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Fine Homebuilding

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