Build Your Dream Green Home in 13 Steps

2BUILD YOUR GREEN HOME Building a green home is easier than ever with these eco-friendly materials and products. 01 02 AVOID WEST-FACING CONSTRUCTION USE STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANELS (SIPS) FOR CONSTRUCTION These are efficient, lightweight and structurally sound. This minimizes sun exposure and helps keep the home cool. 03 SELECT ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY MATERIALS Use low-VOC or no-VOC stains and varnishes AVOID CABINETRY AND FIXTURES CONTAINING CHEMICALS Look for cabinetry and fixtures with no formaldehyde, heavy metals, and dyes. 05 INSULATE THE HOME PROPERLY This reduces energy consumption in all weather USE ENERGY STAR WINDOWS AND APPLIANCES: Low energy consumption refrigerators, clothes dryers, hot water heaters, etc. You can also install low water consumption toilets, water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, and showers. 07 THINK GREEN HVAC Get a geothermal heat pump, radiant floor heating, or Energy Star HVAC system. PROTECT THE PROPERTY Make sure the construction isn't obtrusive to wetlands, protected wildlife or vegetation. 09 OPTIMIZE FOR SOLAR POWER Install solar panels on the roof 10 VENTILATE THE ATTIC This lowers cooling costs by preventing heat build up. 11 USE ECO-FRIENDLY LIGHTING Optimize sunlight with lots of windows and supplement with LEED Certifled light fixtures 12 INSTALL A CISTERN Collect rainwater for gray water uses, such as toilets and sprinkler systems. 13 CHOOSE INDIGENOUS LANDSCAPING Local plants are better for the environment than axotics. ili REFERENCES » http:/greentiving nationalgeographic com/g reen-homebuilding-technigues-3157 h http:/www.timberhomeliving.com 9-ways-10-build-a-green-home *httpwww.doityourself.comitrybul dgreenplanb http:inhabitat.com/green-building-101 environmentally-friendly-ighting SIPS