I was just reading the new issue’s readers comments and noticed two differing views on Green Building. One was in support and the other was sick of the expanding green coverage in FHB and was dropping his subscription.
I dont understand what the big deal is. Green Building is such an expansive topic and can be achieved, or pursued in so many ways. just on a small scale, we as builders face decisions every day that “can be green or not”. Many times what is green is also a cost effective solution, many times it is the opposite.
I guess what i am trying to say is that Green Building needs to be infused to every decision we make, not governing these decisions, but in consideration of these decisions.By just planning work schedules, trips to the lumber yard, jobsite recycling, reuse waste where possible, minimizing waste to the landfill etc. these are all very small actions but have an affect. As builders, small choices like these can make our work more efficient as well as a littel bit “greener”. Not all Green Building needs to be triple glazed, super insulated, bamboo floored mini-mansions. Green Building/Renovation can also be achieved through every day choices.
I am in support of expanding coverage and learning more. Removing this dialogue from the magazine would be a mistake. In this day and age of misused and dwindling resources, every little bit we do can have an affect.
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In a lot of ways, Green is simply applying good old Yankee/Protestant/conservative values -- Don't be wasteful, don't expect others to carry your load.
I agree with DanH. If you want to be truly green then that means you do quality work with quality materials that will last. Nothing is less green than doing a job that will have to be redone in a few years.
m.
" Nothing is less green than doing a job that will have to be redone in a few years. "
While I'll agree with DanH that quality of work and frugality is necessary to even be considered in the realm of Green, IMO, the job that doesn't need to be done in the first place is the "least green" job to do. Of course, if the Yankee logic were applied first, the unnecessary job would not be considered.
As I've pointed out here before, the quality of the work has little to do with how long an installation will last- ironically, the higher quality jobs are more likely to be redone as styles change.Around here, if you're selling your place, and it's at the upper price range, you'll be told to put in a new kitchen if it's older than 7 years or so.It's the cheap IKEA kitchen in a rental unit that will last until it's worn out.Bill
Agreed! so that makes "doing a job that will have to be redone in a few years" the second-most ungreen thing to do.
As I finished the line above I realize that it will be like a red flag to some one who will find something else that is even more ungreen. LOL. Bring it on!!
I think more than anything at this point the public needs to be educated and more informed on just what 'building green' is. I'm not so sure I agree on the use of the term 'green', as for many & most it conjures up images of tree hugging, Birkenstock stomping, granola chomping and political correctness as part of the prerequisites to having it done. Be that as it may, the name is here to stay.
"I guess what i am trying to say is that Green Building needs to be infused to every decision we make, "
When one learns what 'true green' building is then your statement says it all.
The days of wasteful spending, biting off more than we need or can chew, wasting energy and just plain greed are causing a huge implosion right now in the housing and building industry. All the lying and unregulated faulty loaning that went on is shaking Wall St. to the very core. It's only just begun and I would advise all here who make their living in the industry to fasten their seat belts.
We need to build things that are energy efficient, and that last. This goes across the boards into design, decorating and style so that people are not tearing out, rebuilding and restyling every 7 years. Green building is nothing more than the old common sense adage "waste not, want not."
I agree. I think the dialogue on green building should continue in this forum and the magazine.
Old Yankee adage:
Use it up, wear it out, make do or do without.Riversong HouseWright
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