How Green is Green Enough?
In talking with clients the question comes up about what elements they can use to make their project more "green". Clients also ask what does take to make your project a green project. The way that I usually break it down is that people should not try to think of things in black and white, but more in a graduating scale. The governing bodies that determine how green a project is use a system that assigns points to each green element, so their are different levels. In a way I have always practiced a green life style, not necessarily because I was trying to save the planet, but because it made sense. I've turned a 100 year old door into a table, used off-cuts from projects as fire wood, and recycled all the cardboard from construction projects because I wouldn't have to pay the cost that it takes to just through it in the dumpster. I believe in being effective and efficient, which are definitely part of the green picture. It's like buying quality shoes that last you ten years or longer versus a cheap pair that last you a year. If you buy energy efficient windows and doors, add insulation in the attic, and use energy efficient appliances it will end up saving you in the long run. Some are easy applications, some are more complex, like icf, insulated concrete forms. Here were I live, in Dallas county, they have instituted that projects must have apply green applications to 4 out of six possible categories. Overall each green element serves a purpose, even choosing just one will have an impact on your home. If you would like to add a green element to your house, remember to look at it as something with options, not as something either you are green or you are not.