Resource Efficient
Residential Construction

• Building construction and operation is accountable for one-third of all energy use in the United States. Source: http://www.sustainable.doe.gov/buildings/gbintro.shtml
• Construction activities often degrade water quality in streams, wetlands, and groundwater near construction sites. Source: http://www.peakstoprairies.org/p2bande/construction/contrguide/section6.cfm
  
• Indoor plumbing and modern appliances have contributed to copious amounts of water use within the home. One study indicates that between the years1900 and 2000, each resident has increased water consumption from 5 gallons a day to 62 gallons a day. Source: http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/wsm/facts/fs2631.htm
• As estimated in 1996, 43% (58 million tons per year) of construction & demolition (C&D) debris is generated from residential construction, renovation and demolition sources. Often, this material ends up in a private or community landfill where it occupies space and may potentially cause additional adverse environmental effects. Source: http://www.p2pays.org/ref/02/01095.pdf
• Buildings contribute a significant amount of pollution to the air, which contributes to acid rain, climate change, health problems, and other impacts resulting from degraded air quality. Source: http://www.sustainable.doe.gov/buildings/gbintro.shtml
• A growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities. Source: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidest.html#Intro1
  

Green built homes strive to change adverse affects of traditional building techniques through the use of sustainable building practices. Sustainability, as defined by the United Nations Environmental Programme Document, is meeting the needs of people today without destroying the resources that will be needed by persons in the future. Source: http://www.nrg-builder.com/greenbld.htm#sustain

Sustainably built homes strive to:

• conserve natural resources
• minimize waste products
• conserve energy
• create a healthy environment for the occupant

These goals are met by an 'integrated' or 'whole system' approach where all aspects of the home and the construction are considered together. The use of a whole system approach involves:

• The selection of a site suitable to reduce commuting, enhance community, maintain environmental quality, and maximize renewable energy opportunities.
• Site design that provides homes oriented to the community, that capture a unique environmental focus, and utilizes renewable energy inputs.
• Building design that incorporates these optimal site characteristics into integrated water, indoor air, and energy systems through the use of "green" materials, products and techniques.

Builders have a strong role in the development of communities by providing homebuyers with an opportunity to become more active in protecting the environment and by using practices during construction that conserve and protect existing resources. Pollution prevention practices help reduce the risks of accidents or exposure to harmful substances, both to employees and to homeowners. Builders benefit from green building practices through:

• Reduced Disposal Costs
• Enhanced Health and Safety for Workers
• Reduced Materials or Labor Costs
• Reduced Liability
• Improved Market Appeal
• Enhanced Community Leadership
  

• Reduced Utility and Maintenance Costs
• Occupant Satisfaction
• Reduced Health Impacts
• Enhanced Durability (environmental conservation and protection)
• Strong Resale Value
• Enhanced Community
• Increased Global Security (less reliance on imports)

Gallup poll surveys show that a majority of citizens embrace environmental protection, even if it risks economic growth. Source: The Gallup Organization. Individuals and communities are looking for ways to actively take part in the protection of resources and habitats. They are finding that the homes in which they live provide an avenue to demonstrate efficient resource use and environmental protection. According to direct surveys and market research, 89 percent of homebuyers are willing to pay extra for "green" features that improve quality, durability and the health of the house. Source: http://www.housingzone.com/topics/pb/green/survey/builder.asp.

Consumer preferences and changing demographics are already driving changes in the way new homes are built. According to the Meyers Group http://www.meyersgroup.com/homebuilding/homebuilding.asp, the largest residential real estate information research company in the U.S., the "old way" of development is being pushed aside by "new strategies" as shown in the following table.

Developing Communities: "Old Way" To New Strategies

These new strategies embrace green building practices and correlate to smaller, more comfortable homes that provide savings in utility bills and maintenance costs.

The building industry is focusing on ways to build homes while preserving environmental quality, providing desired communities, and conserving resources. A whole system approach to home building promotes the development of partnerships as many interests, (i.e. planning, architecture, construction, affordability, health, realty, codes and standards, energy, water protection, wildlife, transportation, waste and utility infrastructures), are combined into one home. These varying interest groups are finding that homes can be built in an affordable manner and still maintain environmental integrity. Examples of resource-efficient home construction are found throughout the nation and are becoming more common.

National and local Home Builders Associations now have technical assistance and informational resources directly relevant to resource-efficient design and construction strategies. Mortgage and real estate brokers recognize the importance of developing tools and skills to work with homeowners interested in "green homes". These groups are joining others in ensuring that consumers are fully aware of the benefits of resource-efficient homes. Local, state, and federal entities are also interested in developing better communities and protecting resources. Partnerships between government agencies, trade and consumer groups are becoming effective ways to encourage, certify, and recognize green building efforts throughout communities.