Posted under general to hear non-green builder’s opinions also.
Because there is a lot of talk about LEED, green and sustainable practices, I want to know what practices/ materials you would be willing to incorporate into your homes at no extra cost to the homeowner. For example, FH has done articles in the past about framing on 24″ O.C. and using foam insulation to create a tighter structure (showing how you could build more energy efficiency and keep cost low).
-working on M.S. in construction mangement and have studied a lot about sustainability and LEED concepts in building.
Replies
Warnera,
I am not a "Green" Builder per se although I incorporate many green building concepts in my building.
One trap that many clients fall into is the price vs. cost issue. While the immediate price of a product or service may be higher, the long term cost may be less. This is a critical evaluation. I could build a house from cardboard at a very low initial price, but the long term cost is very high since it would need to be replaced in 5 or 10 years. Just ask anyone with masonite siding.
One item we include is icynene insulation. Again, the initial price is twice to three time that of fiberglass, but in the long term the performance is (in my opinion)so superior that is pays itself off in a very short period of time. On project, I estimated the payback to be less than 48 months.
Good luck in your studies.
Bruce
we've been framing 2x6 24' o.c. for years.the standard is 6"fiberglass in walls,doubled in ceilings/attics for r40 total.we still do gable ends in stick frame even when building i.c.f.s.vapour barrier inspection is one of the inspection stages.if the h.o.wants more insulation,we foam the inside with sm board and strap.if "green" =tighter/warmer the next step would be taking out all the windows h.o.s seem to like so much