The building industry, unfortunately, continues to make the same mistakes over and over again. Green building remains one of the most talked about and least understood aspects of the industry. I recently read an article about the response of the building industry to the ratcheting up of standards. That article only served to solidify my opinion that NOBODY has a universal solution nor understands how to make green building work long term.
Case in Point: The biggest deterrent to implementing green building or, as I prefer it, sustainable building practices, is the cost. True, we live in an economic climate that will not allow us to pass on the cost of any additional features to a consumer, regardless of the short or long-term value. Unfortunately, this aversion to cost blinds us so we miss the opportunity to become better at our craft.
Green is viewed as an add-on to current building practices. If implemented in this fashion, you are correct in determining green certification adds cost directly to your current bottom line. However, what companies do not often consider is what can be changed, modified, improved or eliminated from the current building practices and replaced with better, proven technologies and practices, typically resulting in lower overall cost of construction. The biggest culprit and opportunity lies in waste. Waste, the largest non-green feature of any home, serves no purpose, provides no value, yet we continue to give it a home on our balance sheets.
If you want to be green (read sustainable) you must, as my colleague Scott Sedam would say, go on a “relentless pursuit of waste in all its forms” and utilize the savings to increase your bottom line and build a better home. The real secret of green is the short-term increase in profits companies find when effectively implemented, not the eventual multi-year paybacks often advertised.
Related Stories
Custom Builder
3 Questions Answered About Reliable Energy in Home Construction
Energy expert Bryan Cordill makes a case for why and how propane is an answer to growing concerns about reliability and resilience in home construction
Business
PERC Highlights Sustainability and Efficiency at IBS with 'Clean Build Conversations'
Hear from industry standouts Matt Blashaw and Anthony Carrino at this hour-long Show Village event
Construction
How to Air Seal the Garage
A poorly sealed wall or ceiling between the garage and the main house can let harmful fumes into the living space
New Home
Hosting Multiple Generations for Generations to Come
Despite juggling numerous program and site considerations, architect Joel Wenzel designed a long-lasting, multi-generational retreat that nestles seamlessly into its bucolic surroundings
Custom Builder
How the Zero Energy Ready Home Update Emphasizes Resilience and Decarbonization
ZERH Version 2, released in December of 2022, will boost the efficiency and performance of single-family homes, preparing them for the increasingly oppressive weather
Business
The Fundamental Integration of Sustainability and Architecture
California architect Ryan McDaniel provides real-world insights and examples into how he approaches sustainability for his projects.
Codes & Standards
An Introduction to the Zero Energy Ready Home Program
Late in 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy's Zero Energy Ready Home program announced the rollout of ZERH Single Family Version 2
Construction
Guest Column: Residential Construction Trends to Follow in 2023
PERC shares homeowner trends to keep on your radar in the New Year.
Business
Stretching the Budget to Meet the Massachusetts Stretch Code
We take a look at Massachusetts' Stretch Code and how it's affecting design and construction on The House That Blues Built
Green & Sustainable
Sustainability Pioneers: 5 Brands to Watch
These leading manufacturers are committed to creating a more sustainable future for the building industry. Here are the steps they're taking to accomplish that