Designing Green in Ann Arbor Real Estate

What does it mean to be “green”? The issues of energy conservation, alternative energies, nontoxic materials and sustainable design are at the center of the “green” building movement. Why should we care? The statistics for waste, pollution, and energy consumption of our built environment are obvious and undeniable. The premise is simple; we must try to save our planet, if not for ourselves, for the sake of future generations. Scientists throughout the world have made it clear that we can no longer ignore pollution and the depletion of our natural resources. 15-20% of all U.S. energy consumption is from the residential sector and 17% of all U.S. solid waste is from residential construction and demolition debris. Over the next twenty years if left unchecked the total U.S. annual energy consumption will increase by 37% and the total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions will increase 36%. We must act now or potentially suffer dire consequences in the near future. Our children, and our children’s’ children depend on us to do the right thing.

What is the right thing to do? Quite simply we must pay attention, be aware, and better our efforts when designing and building our homes. We have to care!!! As it turns out this is not very difficult because down deep we all care. We just need to alter our design priorities a smidgen and take a little more time in making important selection decisions affecting the health and energy aspects of our homes. We need to realize the importance of making these early-prioritized choices and how they will influence our own longevity on this planet. How much do we need to do and what do we have to give up? Anything we do is better than doing nothing, and will be better than what we have done in the past. We don’t have to be perfectionists but we do need to do our best and try to make a difference. And as surprising as it may seem, we need to give up very little if we plan and prioritize correctly. It is amazing what can be achieved through proper site, space and envelope planning. Choosing sustainable, renewable and maintenance-free products can be aesthetically pleasing while minimizing the negative impact on our natural environment.

Is “green design” different from “green building”? Green design refers to the special planning strategies utilized to conserve energy, provide alternative energy opportunities and protect our natural resources while overall providing a healthier living environment. Passive solar design, natural ventilation, earth berms/sheltering, building size and shape, site orientation, room orientation, south facing windows, roof overhangs, and air-lock entries are all green design strategies. The techniques used in green design often include alternative building systems to help enhance the efficiency of the structure. These building systems include the use of sustainable, renewable, non-toxic or energy conserving materials to achieve a greater result. The term “green building”, or “green construction”, most commonly refers to the use of these green materials and energy efficient products, which may or may not include special building systems and thereby integrated into a green design.

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