Categories of Green Building

Each of the certification programs for green homes has its own categories, but they all basically break down into the following areas. The items listed are not all mandatory, but should be worth considering in planning you new home/remodel.

Energy

With energy bills rising, this Category has been one of the most sought after in new homes and remodeling. Here are some of the areas that will gain points towards most certifications:

  1. Solar water heating for the home and/or pool
  2. Documented sizing of the HVAC system
  3. Proper installation of the HVAC system
  4. Passive solar day-lighting and space heating (solar tubes are much preferable to skylights)
  5. House shaded by trees on east, west and south
  6. Light colored walls, interior and exterior
  7. Energy Star appliances
  8. Class 1 installation of insulation (required by Energy Star)
  9. Insulate hot water pipes
  10. Energy efficient lighting (CFL's, LED's)
  11. Cross ventilation and ceiling fans
  12. Have a Home Efficiency Rating System (HERS) Index calculated for your home. Florida certified raters can be found at: http://dbase.fsec.ucf.edu/pls/engauge/engauge_search_rater

Water

We all know that we are short on water - just look outside your window. We must all do our best to conserve what we have. Here are some areas in which water can be conserved.

  1. Water saving clothes washer
  2. Low flow shower heads, faucets, commodes
  3. Only one shower head per shower
  4. No garbage disposal
  5. Greywater reuse for flushing
  6. Rainwater harvesting
  7. Use Florida Water Star standards
  8. Use non-cypress mulch 3-4 inches deep around plants
  9. Drought tolerant turf in sunny areas only
  10. Micro-irrigation in landscape beds
  11. Turf less than 50% of landscape area

Lot/Site

This is something we can't change in existing homes, but should be a very important consideration for new home buyers. The cheaper lot may cost you much more in the long run. Many of the items are under the control of the contractor - make sure that these items are covered before clearing begins.

  1. Lot should be close to basic community resources, to diminish the amount of driving necessary
  2. Points are given for building on an infill site
  3. Minimize soil compaction during construction
  4. Maximize tree survivability
  5. Preserve or create a wildlife habitat or shelter
  6. Stabilize disturbed soil, control sediment runoff
  7. Have the long axis of the house running east-west
  8. Maintain pervious surface area
  9. Direct filtered rooftop runoff to planted area
  10. Do not build in low-lying areas
  11. Clear cut lots will offer you no free shading

Health

Indoor air quality is a very important part of a Green home. The "new house smell" may actually be from volatile organic compounds (VOC's) which should be avoided at all costs. Moisture control will help to prevent unwanted mildew, mold and spores.

  1. Detached garage, carport, or no garage.
  2. If garage is attached, make sure that there is an air barrier between the garage and living space (including attic)
  3. Direct vent, sealed combustion fireplace w/ electronic ignition, or no fireplace.
  4. Carbon monoxide alarm
  5. Sufficient drainage under and around slab.
  6. Central dehumidification system
  7. No vapor barrier on inside of assemblies
  8. Low- or zero-VOC paint and adhesives
  9. Minimize carpet use
  10. No vinyl flooring, vinyl wallpaper, etc. (moisture barrier)
  11. Protect ducts during construction
  12. Central vacuum system
  13. Universal design (see Aging in Place tab)
  14. Energy Star bath fan, range hood vented to outside
  15. Radon gas vent system
  16. No air handler/ductwork in garage
  17. Efficient HVAC filter

Materials

The types of materials, and their place of origin, are significant in a green home. Sustainable flooring that has to be shipped in from China may be a dubious application.

  1. Building materials with recycled content or eco-friendly
  2. Locally produced materials wherever possible
  3. Advanced framing techniques use less material, more insulation
  4. Contractor separates and recycles waste during construction
  5. Large overhangs, windows and doors properly flashed
  6. Plants minimum 2 feet from foundation
  7. Armored or metal hoses from all appliances/fixtures to plumbing
  8. Roof not too steep or too flat (3/12 to 6/12 pitch)
  9. Lever style water shutoffs at appliances and fixtures
  10. Materials certified by an independent third party

Disaster Mitigation

Although we don't have to worry much about earthquakes, Florida is still subject to hurricanes, tornados, flooding, wildfires and insect problems. Take these into account when planning your home

  1. Safe room
  2. Window, door and skylight protection
  3. Secondary water protection on roof
  4. Finished floor level at least 12 in. above 100 year flood plain
  5. Bottom of slab at least 8" above top of backfilled dirt
  6. Proper grading, slopes away from house on all sides
  7. Fire resistant wall cladding, roof covering, fascia and soffit
  8. Integrated Pest Management system
  9. All wood materials are borate or ACQ treated
  10. Downspouts discharge a minimum of three feet from house
  11. Water from irrigation or sprinkler system not to hit house during operation

Recycling

Make sure that your contractor uses recycled material as much as possible. This can include a minimum of 18% fly ash in the concrete, steel studs at interior partitions, milled trees from land clearing used as mulch, etc. There are many ways to conserve, and to keep our landfills clear of unnecessary waste. Have the designer add spaces for your recycling needs once you move in. There are many attractive cabinets that will hide recycling bins.

Other Items to Consider

  1. A bigger home typically consumes more energy. Many certifications will penalize a house that is larger than normal.
  2. Pre-wire you home for security, sound or automation if you think you might want to add them later. This will be cheaper to do at the framing stage, and will eliminate the possibility of an installer compromising the insulation and air tightness at a later date.
  3. See if your builder is a Certified Green Professional, a member of FGBC, this Council, or the U.S. Green Building Council. There is no such recognized designation as a "Green Builder".
  4. Plan for an edible landscape/food garden
  5. Make sure your air conditioner uses a non-hcfc coolant