By now, many people of heard of and are intrigued by green building techniques. Vertical ICF construction is one green building method that has seen resurgence thanks to its energy efficiency and environmentally friendly construction and installation process. Traditionally used in commercial building construction, ICF construction is as popular as ever in providing energy-maximizing savings and structural integrity to residential consumers. ICF, or Insulated Concrete Forms, are a type of wall that is generally made from cement-bonded wood fiber (usually made from recycled wood and cement) and polystyrene.

The strength of a building constructed with ICF technology will be unmatched in terms of strength, energy efficiency, noise reduction and comfort when compared to a structure built with typical wood frame construction. Termites and other pests and insects will not be attracted to insulated concrete forms, therefore eliminated the risk of having structural integrity compromised. ICF walls are mold, mildew and allergen resistant as well, so you can rest assured that your home would be a comfortable environment for you and your family.

Vertical ICF walls are ultra efficient when it comes to energy savings. Concrete and foam is the best insulator available for your home. You can save as much as 50% to 80% on your heating and cooling bills when comparing to energy costs of a traditional wood frame house. The high insulation value also makes it an ideal sound barrier, keeping exterior noises out of your home and interior sounds from escaping, allowing for better security and privacy.

Insulated concrete forms can withstand the highest winds that you would encounter with severe weather including hurricanes and tornados. Winds of up to 200mph are no match for ICF construction, and neither is fire. Insulated concrete forms are able to resist fire for up to 3.5 hours. Furthermore, ICF walls will resist mold and will not rot due to excess moisture, so your maintenance and general upkeep will be virtually non-existent.

Installation of insulated concrete forms is relatively easy and can be done quickly with an experienced green building contractor. Many ICF walls are made with recycled and environmentally friendly materials, non-toxic and not manufactured with any harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde. Installation is easy and even the waste products are kept to a minimum. Cleanup will be quick and easy, and the leftover waste products from the construction can be recycled.

It is easy to see why Vertical ICF construction techniques are gaining popularity, especially within residential buildings. The energy efficient, reinforced concrete walls have an unmatched fire tolerance, a high resistance to termites and pests, resistance to mold and mildew, and will result in the maximum amount of energy savings possible. The structural integrity of a home or building constructed with Vertical ICF walls will be much more enhanced to those constructed with traditional wood frames.

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Budda_Oliver]Budda Oliver

Mr. Oliver is a marketing agent of Better Green Technologies. The green builder offers unique building options for eco-conscious builders, like vertical ICF construction. For more information on their [http://www.bettergreentech.com]Insulated Concrete Forms please visit their website.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Learning-More-About-ICF-Construction&id=3591450] Learning More About ICF Construction

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Unfortunately, it seems that everything that is beneficial to people tends to carry a higher price tag with it. For example, the checkout receipt from a simple trip to the grocery store seems to double if the items that were purchased include fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and fish; instead of chips, cookies and canned foods. Just when a lot of people are seriously thinking about trying to help preserve the environment by building an eco friendly home, a few disadvantages to this type of construction are slowly beginning to rise to the surface. Of course, the primary concern is the tremendous initial cost that is usually associated with the whole “building green” process. Therefore, it is a wise thing to spend a little time and effort thoroughly sorting out and searching through all of the variables that may be connected to this fairly new style of constructing a home.

The most important stumbling block in this endeavor might just be the availability, or rather the lack of, adequate funding. This is something that will have to be quickly dealt with. Obviously, since this construction method is a fairly new concept to many people, the conditions and restrictions of such building loans might make it very difficult for the average homeowner to even be able to obtain a mortgage. Secondly, any potential green house builder also has to remember that since “building green” is a relatively newly introduced technique, the demand for these types of building materials has been very low up to this point in time.

Consequently, the possibility always exists that it may be more than a little difficult to obtain them from any of the material supply sources that are located in their particular area. As most people can attest to, the lack of competition automatically increases the prices of most items. Add to this fact, if a person has to order these things from a distant supplier, shipping and handling charges will also have to be included in the final price. Therefore, at the end of the day, the bottom line figure that will have to be mortgaged may be a whole lot more than some of the lending institutions will be ready to agree to. Locating qualified building contractors can become another exhausting undertaking.

Therefore, as you can see, there are a number of variables that just might have an adverse effect on the entire building process. Delving into any brand new idea or concept requires a whole bunch of planning, consideration and preparation. Try to envision how much more of all of these things will be absolutely necessary when dealing with a project of this magnitude.

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=John_R_Roberts]John R Roberts

John is the owner of [http://www.EZMLSListing.com]For Sale By Owner, a For Sale By Owner company that specializes in placing For Sale By Owner (FSBO) properties on the Realtors® Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for a low one time flat fee. Please visit [http://www.EZMLSListing.com]For Sale By Owner to learn more about their services and the For Sale By Owner packages they offer.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Disadvantages-of-Building-Green&id=3639845] Disadvantages of Building Green

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In the midst of our recent economic crisis, the US federal government’s interventionist policies have again redeployed finite resources in contravention to market forces. Consumers and many custom builders have been pushing for better quality, sustainable, energy efficient construction. Unfortunately these market forces have been overcome by government intervention. The government has incentives for first time homebuyers who typically purchase cheaper starter homes. As a result almost all new construction is being undertaken by large tract builders who specialize in cheap housing. This end of the market is very price sensitive leading these builders to continued with larger designs that sacrifice quality for size.

Contrary to the belief of the US Congress, capital cannot be created by printing money or authorizing programs intended to create jobs. In a free market capital is deployed efficiently to areas with the best returns. When the government intervenes, it may skew the use of resources to less efficient enterprises. History provides us with numerous examples, but we do not have to look far back to see one of the best.

The deep recession we are experiencing resulted in large part from government interference in the housing market. The American dream has become the American nightmare. Successive governments, both Democrat and Republican, since the Great Depression have done everything they can to encourage privately owned housing. Government bureaucracies like the Federal Housing Administration and government sponsored, now government owned, entities like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac artificially created a market for low interest loans to high risk customers. In a perfect storm, the Federal Reserve artificially depressed interest rates for a short-term economic boost.

Without artificially low rates and low credit standards, it is unlikely that the production of homes would have risen from 1.6M in 2001 to almost 2.1M by 2005. Post deflation the housing starts fell to 554,000 in 2009. At the beginning of the expansion, the Federal Funds Rate in January 2001 stood at 6%. When housing peaked the rate had been lowered to 1%. Not only did the volume of construction increase during that time, but the size of homes increase dramatically as did the price. Consumers were encouraged by lenders to purchase the largest home they could afford to take advantage of a once in a lifetime opportunity. Capital that might otherwise have been used in other areas of the economy was deployed in housing at artificially low rates. The result was catastrophic.

The same government is again intervening through first-time homebuyer tax credits. Coupled with low interest FHA loans having 3% down payments, they are creating some of the previously existing conditions. In addition to risking another bubble, the tax credits funded by all taxpaying Americans are being funneled to large corporate builders that specialize in low-end housing. This is evidenced by the fall in the median sales price in 2009 to $209,000 from a high of $262,000 in 2007.

Some of the larger builders have developed smaller plans, but they have mostly done so to meet the lower price points that the government influenced market demanded. They are not increasing the quality, sustainability or energy efficiency of their new homes. Though not all large home construction has stopped, only the truly wealthy, who tend to build better constructed homes, are still building. Homes of this quality usually include energy efficient systems and last much longer; both qualities of sustainable construction. Much has been written about “McMansion” homes, but generally homes in this market are not included. That is discussion for another day.

While tract home builders dominate the starter home segment, custom builders control the large home market. The real battle will be for the “move up market”. This market will determine the character of American housing for the foreseeable future. Move up consumers will chose between low quality, lower-cost homes built by large corporate builders and high quality, higher-cost homes built by small custom builders. Given the same available dollar for construction, the tradeoff is size for quality.

Assuming market forces determine lending limits, the average price of homes in the move up segment will likely remain much lower than previously experienced. At the peak the move up segment ranged easily into the $1M plus range. Those who grew accustom to the quality of higher priced homes will not likely abandon their affinity for hardwood floors, commercial-grade appliances, custom cabinets and granite tops. To match those features with a lower total budget, consumers will need to build smaller, high quality homes. The skill set to build these homes lies with the custom builder.

If Americans are truly interested reducing dependence on foreign energy and increasing sustainability in the housing market, we will need to decide to build smaller homes to offset the higher cost of quality construction. While it is possible that tract builders may chose to build smaller, their main advantage currently is delivering large size for a low price. Their organizations are not set up to deal with the custom aspects that would make their housing sustainable or more energy efficient. Through builder association programs custom builders have become much more educated in energy efficient, sustainable building to go along with their inherent quality.

The question now is whether the government will continue to incent consumers to continue a behavior pattern contrary to free market forces. If all new construction continues in the low end of the market, it will drive many of the remaining custom builders from the market. Already the number of builders belonging to professional organizations like the National Association of Home Builders has been drastically reduced. Most small custom builders are surviving only through remodel work, but if the market continues much longer many will likely move to other work. Rebuilding the knowledge base and expertise may take years and impact the overall quality negatively for year to come.

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Brent_Beecham]Brent Beecham

Author is a builder and developer of Montaluce Winery & Estates in Dahlonega, GA. The Beecham family has been building in Atlanta for 4 generations. Their quality is known throughout the Atlanta area. Montaluce is the Beecham’s first large development project. Montaluce is based around its vineyards, winery and restaurant, all passions of the Beechams. The homes built on the property are built using some of the latest techniques of green building. The development was planned in such a way to preserve more than 60% as either greenspace or agricultural. For more information please check our website http://www.montaluce.com You can also follow via Twitter: @MVineyards

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Green-Building---Sustainable,-Energy-Efficient,-Quality-Construction-Under-Threat&id=3622630] Green Building – Sustainable, Energy Efficient, Quality Construction Under Threat

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If you need to sell your home but are having difficulty interesting buyers, there is an alternative available. The green real estate market has skyrocketed in the past five years, thanks to new interest in sustainable living and the passing of eco-friendly legislature. Here are some tips for transforming your home from dull listing clutter to green real estate commodity.

Invest in Making Green Real Estate

If you are truly committed turning your home into a green paradise, and thus make it more marketable, you may have to make a large investment. Map out the types of changes you want to accomplish, such as adding solar panels and water efficiency kits. Determine how much each project would cost, whether you can do it yourself or have to hire someone to do it for you, and how long the project will take.

With all of this in mind, research the kinds of houses that have made these adjustments and how much they have sold for. Contact a selling agent to ask questions. Get a home appraisal prior to these green projects, and also ask them their opinion on how much your home would be worth after the projects were completed.

Small Ways to Make Your Home Eco-Friendly

If you simply cannot afford the investment, or you don’t think the investment will yield greater returns, there are small things you can do to make your home more marketable as green real estate.

Check your home’s energy efficiency. Replace any insulation that may be allowing heat to escape. Check doors and windows for cracks in panes, sealant fails, or even holes. These small repairs will all save big on heating and air conditioning costs.

Replace your regular light bulbs with energy efficient CFL, or compact florescent lights. Also, install new showerheads and faucets, replacing them with low-flow technology. This will save water. Installing an insulating jacket around your water heater saves money and energy.

Plant a Tree

One of the simplest and best ways to make your home green is to actually surround it with green! Planting a tree outside will produce shade in the summer, and can reduce cooling costs by up to twenty-five percent. Trees and shrubs can also block strong winds from your home, which prevent them from coming in through compromised windows or leaks in your doors. This can save on your heating costs by up to twenty percent.

In the summer time, your home will be more attractive to potential green buyers if it is surrounded by plants and flowers. You can purchase cheap flowers ready for planting from a local greenhouse. Ask the greenhouse attendant for how to plant and care for the flowers if you are not sure.

It is also easy to make your home appear greener during the winter time. Keep plants and flowers indoors. Be sure to water them as needed, and consult online manuals for how to care for particularly tricky plants. As soon as a potential buyer walks in and sees that your house is a great place to have plants, the chances are that they will be more interested.

Promoting your house as a piece of green real estate can make it much more marketable. Decide whether you can make big investments like solar panels or replacing appliances with energy efficient ones. If not, there are many small things you can do to make your home more eco-friendly and attract those green buyers.

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Beverly_Manago]Beverly Manago

Beverly Manago is a freelance writer focused on the real estate industry. She is also a consultant for My [http://mysinglepropertywebsites.com]Single Property Website, a web 2.0 marketing tool that lets real estate agents create stunning virtual tours and single property sites easily, with a free version available for listing presentations. She also contributes to the [http://mysinglepropertywebsites.com/propertysites/what-home-sellers-want]What Home Sellers Want there.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Getting-in-on-Green-Real-Estate&id=3624126] Getting in on Green Real Estate

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The massive impact of an ailing environment is already manifesting in many pressing issues and dilemmas the world is facing today. Global warming, climate change, air pollution, flood and the like are just few of the problems rooted from the destruction of the ecology. For home buyers and owners, there are viable alternatives for you to contribute in the protection of the environment through opting for green features incorporated in the design, renovation and construction of your home.

There are Eco-friendly or green means and approach you can use in order to assure that your activity and investment is making the most minimal impact on your surroundings. So what exactly are some green features to look for and utilize in a home?

One of the topmost alternatives for green houses is energy efficiency which is basically manifested in choosing efficient household appliances, high efficiency water heating system, air sealing and extra insulation and advanced framing technique.

Advanced framing and extra insulation is known to reduce the construction costs hence increase energy savings through minimizing lumber demands and production. Through proper water heating system, you also cut off the pipeline energy loss. Choosing household appliances and equipment especially with the labels that meet energy efficiency criteria helps you reduce the initial costs of your appliances as well as your electricity bills.

Ensuring the indoor air quality of your home is another viable feature of an Eco-friendly home. You can do this through the right choice on your carpet, ventilation and paints. It is important to choose carpets with less allergen-attracting components and low-pile features in order to improve the quality of air in your home interior. Use low-toxic and low-VOC paints and make sure that your home is well-ventilated to avoid potential air quality hazards. You can use quiet and automatic electric fans or through heat recovery ventilators.

Lastly, it is of utmost value and importance that you deliberately use materials and equipment for your home project that is amenable in conserving natural resources. For instance you may opt for plastic lumber, engineered wood, brick and fiber cement siding. Plastic lumber materials are actually preferred as reliable construction materials for houses and buildings. This is a good alternative in building benches, decking, docks and fences among others. For engineered wood, a good example is laminated veneer lumber that composes of raw materials with superior performance quality which are equally viable options to traditional items used.

Most importantly, consider recycled building materials which are still of high quality without the hefty price tags. It is also making sure that the demand for construction materials is reduced which eventually means that you are also lessening the demand for the production of needed items from the environment particularly trees.

Green alternatives and features are naturally integrated in modern day houses and establishment due to its incomparable benefits to both home owners and the ecology. Educate yourself of the different green choices you have which are advantageous in your investment as well as sound and wise choices to nature.

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rose_B]Rose B

For more information, tricks and tips when it comes to home improvement and real estate as a whole, simply visit [http://www.ponyhut.com/28082-Gold-Canyon-AZ-Equestrian-RESCity.aspx]Gold Canyon Horse Property and [http://www.ponyhut.com/28092-Phoenix-AZ-Equestrian-RESCity.aspx]Phoenix Equestrian Homes.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-For-Home-Investment---List-of-Green-Features-For-Remarkable-Homes&id=3615202] Tips For Home Investment – List of Green Features For Remarkable Homes

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For several decades now, we as San Francisco home owners, contractors, architects, designers and realtors have been told that bamboo is a wonderful material for remodeling projects in that it is very low in cost (relative to hard woods) and ecologically sustainable.

How many of us have attended trade shows in the San Francisco Bay area where bamboo stole the show? These trade shows tout the wonders of using bamboo for everything from flooring to ceilings, waste baskets to coffee table furniture, and even drinking cups more. The cost of many projects could be cut in one third or even one half as bamboo is far less costly (or so we have been told) than comparable hardwoods that were not as versatile nor as eco-friendly. Before the year 2000, much of these facts were true, and no one had any reason to doubt this after several decades of using bamboo for mass industrial uses in buildings.

But around the year 2000, many growers in Asia began harvesting the bamboo stalks at earlier ages than the minimum of five years growth. These younger stalks do not yet have enough strength and durability and are best used in craft projects like basket weaving or clothing. Many homeowners. contractors and designers continued recommending and using bamboo in the early 21st century totally unaware of the results to follow.

Today, in 2010, there still are large quantities of bamboo imported into the United States each year. How many of us can tell bamboo (or bamboo derived materials) that are more than five years in age? How many of us can tell bamboo that is younger than five years of age? Probably no one can. Therein lies the problem all of us face in choosing bamboo for our next “eco friendly” project! No one can tell. Well, actually we can tell after several years of wear and tear – but who would want to waste thousands of dollars (or risk thousands of dollars waiting) if the bamboo begins to decompose several years after installation?

Perhaps in several years there will be a bamboo rating system so that those of us who choose to use bamboo for its potential strength and beauty, not to mention its functionality. May I suggest that the rating system be simple to include only three categories: A “harvested at 5 years or older from a verifiable source/ documented”; B “harvested under 5 years and therefore not of durable strength for most projects”; and C “source or harvest age unkown”. In this way the buyer can have some sort of confidence up front at the start of a project that they are truly using an eco friendly material or not.

Until that time, I will continue to admire bamboo, but I will not encourage my own clients to use it in any projects expecting long term durability, nor as a substitute for hardwood flooring. Maybe it is best used only as an attractive live landscaping plant until further notice!

If you would like further information about bamboo and ways to begin a simple easy to classify system that can easily be internationally accepted, write me. My contact information is below. The first step is for a large bamboo harvesting plantation in China to start a documentation process. Documented bamboo, fetching far more in revenues (as if it were “organic produce”) will be the impetus for change. Even if change comes slowly, many home owners, builders, and designers will happily step to the front of the line for a truly certified quality building material. Bamboo deserves a place in every home. But first, let’s at least know the age of the material when harvested.

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=John_D._Kaufman]John D. Kaufman

John Kaufman
Realtor, Green
Coldwell Banker Real Estate
San Francisco, CA, USA 94132
John Kaufman c/o Duck Brand Homes
415 334 1880
rel=nofollow http://www.duckbrandhomes.com
[mailto:duckbrandhomes@yahoo.com]duckbrandhomes@yahoo.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Bamboo-is-Not-Always-Eco-Friendly-to-Use-in-Green-Projects---Is-Using-Bamboo-a-Boo-Boo?&id=3606466] Bamboo is Not Always “Eco-Friendly” to Use in Green Projects – Is Using Bamboo a Boo-Boo?

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The biggest trend today is the green home design. Why? Living in a home that has a smaller impact on the environment and the Earth is great for everyone involved. The materials used to create a environmentally friendly house are often recycled from other buildings, last longer than traditional materials and reduce the cost of electric and heating bills over the life of the residence.

Renting Vs Buying Eco-Friendly Spots

Eco-friendly designs are exciting for builders to create, but that does not mean the owner is always the one living in the eco-friendly structure. Finding an environmentally friendly home to rent can be a difficult process because everyone wants to live in a home that makes they feel just a bit better about their part in saving the Earth.

As is the case in any business, there are owners who will place some Energy Star appliances in a home and swear the home is a green home design. This is not the case. Energy Star appliances do decrease the carbon footprint the home has on the Earth, but that does not make the home a green home.

An Altered Building Process

One aspect of building a greener residence that owners forget, is the energy expenditure used in building. The builder needs to agree to use more energy efficient building methods during construction. Hiring a professional green builder could mean working with someone who understands the need to decrease energy use during the build.

For the homeowner or investor who wants to do their part to reduce carbon emissions, energy use and the impact the house has on the environment, home designs with Mother Earth in mind are the best solution.

Find Out All You Need to Know About Green Home Design from EcoFreek.

EcoFreek offers tips, hints, advice and articles on green home design both inside and out!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yvonne_Jane_Mustafelli
http://EzineArticles.com/?Green-Home-Designs—Express-Your-Inner-Green-Thumb&id=3329994

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When you create a green home design, you are contributing to preserving our planet's natural resources. In addition, you are helping to eliminate greenhouse gases, which are the main cause of global warming. Besides improving the health of the planet, you can enjoy savings on your energy bills. This can be done by purchasing appliances that are energy efficient, selecting eco-friendly building materials and practicing energy saving measures.

Using recycled materials are the best way to achieve a green home design. Your builder, local home improvement store, or interior design websites have a wealth of information about instituting eco-friendly materials in every room of your house. For example, in the kitchen and bath, recycled counter tops made with paper stone are gaining in popularity over those made from granite.

The quickest road to a green home design is the use of energy efficient appliances, such as refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, televisions, air conditioners and small electrical items. Whenever purchasing small and large appliances, buy those with the Energy Star label. The seal of approval issued by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Department of Environmental Protection Agency means the appliance prevents global warming by reducing energy consumption.

A green home design extends to a home's contents. One major area is the furniture, such as sofas, chairs, bureaus, tables and desks. Rather than buy new furnishings when they are outdated or when you redesign a room, consider whether the piece can be repainted, refinished, restained, or dressed in a slipcover. For worn out furniture pieces, determine whether it can be reupholstered or recycled.

There are various kinds of flooring that go hand in hand with a green home design. Cork and bamboo are two effective green offerings that provide additional benefits than traditional hard wood flooring. They come in a variety of color and style options, perform well in high traffic areas and look great.

A green home design should include dimmer switches. They can be easily installed in new homes under construction, as well as in existing homes. This simple switch can minimize energy consumption, which is a good thing for our planet. It can also put extra money in your pocket since you're saving on energy use. That translates into a lower electric bill.

Complementing a green home design are other environmentally friendly measures that save our resources. They are the four Rs: recycling, reusing items in other ways instead of discarding them, restoring instead of buying new and reducing waste. Evaluate your home practices to see how you can enhance your go green pledge.

A green home design helps to preserve our natural resources and keeps our planet healthy. Going green doesn't cost anything extra, especially when you consider the cost savings in the long run. Lighting changes, for example, instantly pays for itself. When you replace standard incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient luminescent ones, you conserve energy and realize a significant savings on your electric bill.

Sue Krippner is a Free Lance Artist, Home Staging and Redesign Professional. She is attracted to “all things beautiful, especially as it relates to interior decorating and design. Visit http://frugalhomedesign.com to see samples of her art and find plenty of professional design, tips hints and secrets to help facilitate your personal interior design goals with money saving frugal flair! Sue also has a lot more information about your green home design here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sue_E_Krippner
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Importance-of-a-Green-Home-Design&id=2360789

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A green home minimizes the negative impact on its environment through its home design. Here are a few considerations an architect takes into account when designing a green home:

1. Site: Evaluations and analysis of access, slope, ledge, soil, bodies of water, and vegetation in order to limit the home's impact on the site environment. This includes the site location (farmland, wetland, protected species habitats) and proximity to public transportation, parks, schools, and stores.

2. Size: A green home is efficiently designed to keep the square footage to a minimum. This reduces the amount of energy to heat and cool the home, lighting, and the quantity of building materials used, and also controls costs and reduces site impact.

3. Solar: Whether or not there is a plan to install a solar energy system to heat the water or produce electricity, there are several other solar considerations in green home design. Designing the home for passive solar makes the most of solar energy by harvesting it into the homes' natural energy flows. Passive solar systems include day-lighting strategies, heating and cooling control techniques, and natural ventilation. When a whole-building approach is taken, energy savings can be great both in terms of reducing the home's carbon footprint and the costs associated with heating, cooling, and maintaining the home.

4. Energy: Lighting, heating, and cooling systems are an important consideration in green home design. Renewable energy systems such as solar, wind, and geothermal systems use the earth's natural energy to heat and cool the home, as well as provide electricity to run appliances and technology..

5. Water Conservation: Building a new home presents a unique opportunity to save water. Two money and energy-saving strategies which can be easily incorporated into an energy efficient home design are 1) reducing the overall water using in the home by specifying low-flow water fixtures, low-flush or composting toilets, installing aerators on all taps, and installing low-flow showerhead nozzles; and 2) specifying a plumbing system that reuses grey water (wastewater from domestic usage such as dish washing, laundry and bathing) for flushing toilets, watering lawns, etc. (note: some grey water systems require approval by most local building jurisdictions, your architect will verify this prior to design).

Of course, a new home should use minimal amounts of fossil fuels, last a long time, and cost less money. Many home design strategies don't cost a dime in materials but can save hundreds of dollars on heating and cooling costs. The result is a beautiful, healthy home – for both the homeowners and the environment.

About the Author: Jeremy Bonin, a principal partner of Bonin Architects & Associates (http://www.boninarchitects.com), is an award-winning green architect and the author of TIMBER FRAMES: Designing Your Custom Home. With a special interest in sustainable design and green homes, structural insulated panels (SIPs), as well as timber frame construction, Jeremy incorporates renewable energy practices where possible, including geo-thermal, solar, radiant heat, and energy-efficient foundation systems.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Bonin
http://EzineArticles.com/?Five-Principles-of-Green-Home-Design&id=2027334

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Using eco products has become more popular as these products are environmentally friendly and reduce waste. You can buy eco products from many eco stores, both online and in your local neighborhood. Eco products are made from natural and sustainable materials materials and often times the product can be reused or recycled. With so much emphasis on saving the planet and preventing any further damage, eco products are an excellent solution.

While you may not have many eco retail stores in your area, there are plenty of eco products that can be purchased online. You can find eco kitchen appliances, eco beauty products, eco bath products, eco foods and even eco office supplies. There are companies that specialize in eco design for the home and can create an environmentally friendly environment that you can easily live in.

As with making a purchase from any online store you should always make sure you are buying from a trusted company. Eco products have a specific significance placed on them and many companies may be trying to pass off non eco products as eco products. Make sure what you are purchasing is actually environmentally friendly.

Some very well known producers and retailers of eco products include GreenFeet which produces environmentally friendly products that can be used in your everyday life. If you want an eco gift or organic gift basket then Fresh Unlimited can meet your needs and Anna Sova is an online store that carries luxury organic products. 3 R Living is another company that provides eco products of the highest quality and if you are interesting in modern eco design then visit Re:modern.

A specific store that caters for the body and soul by providing eco products is at Hip & Zen. IIKH Retail Store has a plethora of eco products. You can find something for the gourmet, eco products for your pet, baby eco products, and eco products to use throughout the home. A specific boutique dedicated to eco design is Vivavi.

It is possible to find a replacement eco product for whatever you need or desire. While eco products are still considered a luxury good they will become more and more mainstream as more individuals switch to using eco products. So start by helping the environment today and purchase an eco product at your favorite eco store.

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