Florida Renovators Answers The Question – What is Green Build?

WHAT is GREEN BUILD?

I was green for over 30 years and didn’t know it. In the late 70’s I got energy awards on new homes I built. In the early eighties I installed geo-thermo, heat recovery systems and I built solar panels for water heating and install solar glazing. In the nineties I started using light gauge steel for residential framing which is recyclable, lighter, stronger and more durable than wood.

What is green build? Having been in Florida for more than 40 years and enjoying the weather, I see the changes to the environment.  Green is concept of conservation value & efforts. No one likes to write checks to the power company. Green is energy efficiency. Green is efficient construction efforts. Green is natural and durable sustainability. Green utilizes recyclable materials. Green is cost effective. Green also recycles used materials.

TO BUILD GREEN IS PROPER PLANNING

Remember, electric power is not the only cost to a building. Building permanence and insurance cost are a prevailing cost as well. It is also important to document specific construction upgrades, both for value considerations as well as mitigation initiatives. Homes can be REBUILT. Homes can be recycled. All buildings can be recycled. Demolition material can be recycled and turned into electricity too. Banks, government and insurance companies don’t necessarily understand construction, therefore documentation and presentation of specific green specifics are warranted. The building owner want specific cost savings laid out in advance because simplistically the owner is looking for a quick obvious comparable cost analysis. Sometimes that is not always apparent and subject to ulterior conditions!

FORMULATING A GREEN OUTLINE

What are the construction elements of green build?  A list of important consideration should be outlined and budgeted.  A brief list of GREEN BUILD questions should be considered.

How is the building used?
What functions are needed by the building inhabitants? What about maintenance and building durability?
How does the building function? Can structure inhabitants modify their energy consumptions?
What lighting, ventilation, heating, air conditioning is needed? What about maintenance and building durability?

A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO GREEN BUILD APPLICATIONS

Documenting value?  How much does it cost? How long will it last? NAHB published a list of life expectancy of mechanical systems and finish longevity.

Factors that could be considered for outline

1. Initial implemented cost.
2. How is the system utilized
3. Durability factors
4. Environmental exposure factors
5. Abuses and maintenance factors
6. Modification and installation elements
7. Finish installation cost
8. Function, durability and value are not always equal considerations

Building owners questions and statements on green build considerations

  1. What kind of roof do I want?
  2. How much more should I spend on my HVAC efficiency system?
  3. How will it look?
  4. How much insulation do I need?
  5. What kind of windows and glass do I need.
  6. But what will it look like. It’s got to look good
  7. I want my cake and eat it too.
  8. I can only make black or white decisions!
  9. Engineering analysis takes time and documentation.

What to do first

1. Fact: You can’t change what you got until you establish and document what you have.
2. Fact: What is in the building? How is it made? How much insulation is in the walls and ceilings? What kind of equipment is in the building? Has panel loads been established?
3. Fact: How much glass area? What kind of glazing is existing? Has the orientation of the building been established? How much square footage? How much wall area? How much ceiling area? How many doors? What is the thermo rating of the doors?
4. What is the established design temperature? Has total R-values for walls and roof structure been established?
5. What are the existing heat loads produce inside the structure? Duct work type and condenser distance from air-handler. What is the occupancy loads?
6. What is the average exterior temperature range?
7. Building location? Latitude? Average BTU ratings at Grade?

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