12 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Green Building Product

A green building product better begin as a good product. Here’s what to look for before diving deeper into a product’s green claims.

By: Rick Schwolsky

While the industry has made real progress in providing us with green products and backing up their performance claims, product selection will continue to be one of the most critical challenges you will face in meeting your green missions—and that puts your business and reputation at risk.

As a former high-performance home builder, I know what this feels like. You’re stuck in a gray area between innovation and risk, caught between a commitment to build high-performance homes and your responsibilities to ensure those homes still perform their most basic functions without creating problems—or liabilities.

“Nobody,” builders often say, “wants to be the first to try out a new product,” and yet we’re driven to embrace change and improve the way we build. This dilemma puts pressure on every decision you make, whether it’s detailing a wall section, specifying ventilation equipment, or selecting finishes.

You have to find a reliable level of confidence in your decisions and balance the trade-offs associated with them. But how can you gain the confidence you need?

Here are the first 12 questions you should ask about any green building product you’re evaluating—before you make your selection:

How will it perform its basic function as a building material or product?

How does it compare with products I use now?

Is it code approved?

Is it third-party certified?

Will it contribute toward project certification?

Is it available?

How will it affect my pricing?

Will it increase my level of risk or liability?

How will it improve the level of performance of my homes?

How will it contribute toward sustainability?

Will it require new sequencing or installation skills/trades?

Is it worth the investment for the benefits?

After answering these 12 questions, apply your own experience and expertise to filter out products that would put you outside your comfort zone in terms of unknowns and risks.

Only after evaluating potential selections for their application as viable building products can you focus on their green attributes and performance benefits and how they’ll integrate with the other elements of your green projects. At that point you can ask: “What makes these products green?” “How can I avoid greenwashing?” and “How can I verify the manufacturers’ performance claims?”

This last question leads to third-party certifications, which we regularly cover in EcoHome.

Rick Schwolsky is Editor in Chief of EcoHome.

Green Building Products is a post from: Green Healthy Home

Damp Basement

Diagnosis:

The source of your problem could be a water leak or high humidity. Both can lead to mold, mildew, or other biological growth. Depending on the severity, conditions can lead to rot, structural damage, premature paint failure, and a variety of health problems. Water can seep into your house from the outside through a leak in the foundation, or small gaps around windows or doors. Water can also come from inside your house from a leaking water pipe, toilet, shower or bathtub. High indoor humidity caused by normal activities of everyday living, such as showering, cooking, and drying clothes, can also be a source of your problem. A damp basement is commonly caused by moisture migrating through a concrete foundation. There may not be a sign of any leak or standing water, but the moisture evaporates, increasing indoor humidity. Another common cause is condensation on the cold concrete walls and floors during humid months.

Prescription Checklist:

* Where does the problem occur? Below a bathroom? Ceiling? Corners? Where the problem occurs can lead to what is causing the problem. If the problem is localized (a spot on the ceiling, wall or corner it is possibly caused by a water leak. If the problem is in a large area, like a whole wall or room, then it might be caused by humidity.
* If you suspect a mold problem consult EPA’s Brief Guide to Mold in your home for more information.
* If you plan to remodel your basement, it is important to control moisture problems at the before doing anything else. Corrective actions can be relatively easily but sometimes, depending on the severity of the problem, they can be difficult and expensive.

Stop water leaks

* If a leak is the source of your problem, have it fixed first.
* If you have standing water on the floor of your basement after a heavy rain then it is likely from a leak in the foundation.
o Clean rain gutter and redirect downspout runoff away from the foundation.
o Make sure the ground around the house slopes down away from the foundation. If necessary, re-grade so the ground does slopes away.
o If you have a sump pump, make sure it is working properly.
* If you have water stains on the ceiling or wall under or near a bathroom it could be a leak from a water pipe, toilet, bathtub or shower. Hire a plumber to repair the leak.
* If the leak has caused substantial water damage or mold you will want to hire a contractor who specializes in mold remediation and water damage repairs.

Reducing indoor humidity

* If your basement has a dirt floor, cover the floor completely with plastic to slow down water vapor coming through the soil.
* Use ventilation fans in kitchens and baths to control moisture. Check to make sure ventilation fans venting directly outside. In some cases the vent fan may have been installed to vent into the attic or become disconnected or blocked.
* Your clothes dryer should be vented directly to the outside. Inspect the vent duct. Make sure it is attached securely to the dryer. Check that it is clear of obstructions (e.g. lint). Check for holes that leak air. If vent duct is damaged replace it with a metal duct. The vent duct should be cleaned at least once a year. The Consumer Products Safety Commission additional safety tips for dryer vents Exit ENERGY STAR.
* Ask a heating and cooling contractor to check your heating and cooling system to make sure it is sized and operating properly to remove humidity. If you system is too big or the airflow incorrect your air conditioner will not remove humidity like it should. Also, ask the contractor to check your duct system for air leaks, and proper size and air flow to each room. To help you find a contractor, please refer to our recommendations.
* Sealing air leaks (Home Sealing) and sealing duct air leaks can help to prevent high humidity levels in your home.
* During hot humid months, using a dehumidifier in the basement can reduce condensation on the walls. This may work better after you’ve sealed air and duct leaks to reduce the amount of humid outdoor air you are bringing into the basement.

Damp Basement Solutions is a post from: Green Healthy Home

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Mold, mildew or musty odors

Diagnosis:

A water leak or high humidity can lead to mold, mildew, or other biological growth. Depending on the severity, conditions can lead to rot, structural damage, premature paint failure, and a variety of health problems. Water can seep into your house from the outside through a leak in your roof, foundation, or small gaps around windows or doors. Water can also come from inside your house from a leaking water pipe, toilet, shower or bathtub. High indoor humidity caused by normal activities of everyday living such as showering, cooking, and drying clothes, can also be a source of mold, mildew or musty odors. Indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% are ideal. For more information consult EPA’s Brief Guide to Mold in your home.

Prescription Checklist:

Where does the problem occur? Attic? Basement? Below a bathroom? Ceiling? Where the problem occurs can lead to what is causing the problem. If the problem is localized (a spot on the ceiling, wall or corner) it is possibly caused by a water leak. If the problem is in a large area like a whole wall, room or basement then it might be caused by high humidity.
Stop water leaks immediately to minimize the potential mold growth.

* If a leak is the source of your problem, have it fixed first.
* If the leak is in your roof hire a roofing contractor to repair the leak.
* If the leak is from a water pipe, toilet, bathtub or shower, hire a plumber to repair the leak.
* If the leak has caused substantial water damage or mold you will want to hire a contractor who specializes in mold remediation and water damage repairs.
* After repairing the water leak, dry out the area completely.

Reducing indoor humidity

* Do you have a crawlspace under your house? A dirt floor in a crawlspace should be covered with plastic (vapor barrier) to prevent moisture from the soil increasing humidity levels in your home. If there is standing water or the soil is wet, dry it out with fans before covering the floor.
* Use ventilation fans in kitchens and baths to control moisture. Check to make sure ventilation fans venting directly outside. In some cases the vent fan may have been installed to vent into the attic or become disconnected or blocked.
* Your clothes dryer should be vented directly to the outside. Inspect the vent duct. Make sure it is attached securely to the dryer. Check that it is clear of obstructions (e.g. lint). Check for holes that leak air. If vent duct is damaged replace it with a metal duct. The vent duct should be cleaned at least once a year. The Consumer Products Safety Commission additional safety tips for dryer vents Exit ENERGY STAR.
* Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.
* Ask a heating and cooling contractor to check your heating and cooling system to make sure it is sized and operating properly to remove humidity. If you system is too big or the airflow incorrect your air conditioner will not remove humidity like it should. Also, ask the contractor to check your duct system for air leaks, and proper size and air flow to each room.
* Sealing air leaks (Home Sealing) and sealing duct air leaks can help to prevent high humidity levels in your home.

Mold, Mildew or Musty Odors Solutions is a post from: Green Healthy Home

High Energy Bills

Diagnosis:

One reason for high energy bills is an increase in the price of electricity or heating fuel. However, it is common to trace high energy bills to an in-efficient component (windows, heating and cooling equipment, ducts insulation) of your home or a failure of one of these components to perform as intended. It is not always easy to pin-point the problem, but fixing it can make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable.
Prescription Checklist:

To improve the energy efficiency of your home start with an evaluation of your homes energy use.

* To get started today use our Home Improvement Tools to score your home’s energy use and generate a customized list of improvement. You will need one year of your utility bills handy.
* For best results hire a contractor who is an energy specialist to do an in-home evaluation. A good specialist will use diagnostic equipment to evaluate the performance of your home and generate a customized list of improvements.
* Improvements may include sealing air leaks, adding insulation (Home Sealing) or sealing duct air leaks. Some of these you can do yourself, but you may prefer to hire a contractor.
* Turn down the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees F.
* Replace the light bulbs in your highest usage lights with ENERGY STAR CFL bulbs.
* When replacing lighting or appliances look for ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures and appliances
* Install a programmable thermostat, and use it to save energy while you are away at work.
* Contact your utility and ask if they offer any programs to help lower energy bills.

High Energy Bills Solutions is a post from: Green Healthy Home

Is your home cold, drafty, or uncomfortable? Do you have high energy bills? Ice dams? Peeling paint? Excessive dust? Addressing these types of home problems can make your home more comfortable, and at the same time improve its energy efficiency — saving you money on utility bills and helping to protect the environment too.

High Energy Bills

High utility bills in summer and winter can often be traced to air leaks in your home’s envelope, inefficient windows or inefficient or incorrectly installed heating and cooling equipment, or poorly sealed and insulated ducts.

Mold, Mildew or Musty Odors

Water leaks or high humidity can lead to mold and mildew. This can cause wood rot, structural damage, peeling paint, and a variety of health problems. Often, high humidity in homes with central air conditioners can be traced to improperly sized or installed air conditioners.

Damp Basement

A damp basement is commonly caused by moisture migrating through the foundation. As this moisture evaporates, it increases indoor humidity and can promote the growth of mold — resulting in an uncomfortable house.

Cold Floors in Winter

Some types of floor coverings (such as wood, stone, tile, or concrete) will naturally feel cold on bare feet. However, insufficient insulation or air infiltration can also cause cold floors.

Drafty Rooms

Cold air coming into or going out of your house, especially through leaks hidden in the attic and basement, can cause rooms to feel drafty and uncomfortable.

Dust

Increased dust could be a sign that it is time to change your air filter or that your ductwork is not well sealed.

Moisture on Windows

Inefficient windows or high indoor moisture levels from air leaks can result in condensation, frost, or pools of water on windows and sills.

Ice Dams

Warm air inside your home leaks into the attic and will warm the underside of the roof causing snow and ice to melt and refreeze as it runs off your roof — forming icicles and ice dams.

Peeling Paint

Peeling or cracking paint on your home’s exterior may be a sign of a humidity problem or improper paint application.

Hot or Cold Rooms

Significant differences in temperature from one room to another could be caused by several factors, including inadequate insulation, air leakage, poor duct performance, and improperly installed heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

Dry Indoor Air in Winter

Air leaks in your home allow warm humid air to escape and draw in drier colder air.

Common Home Problems and Solutions is a post from: Green Healthy Home

The term green home is being used more and more often in the residential building industry, but what does it really mean. According to the Green Building Council of Australia a green house is “a high performing home that is energy and water efficient, has good indoor air quality, uses environmentally sustainable materials and also uses the building site in a sustainable manner”. A green home also requires a holistic approach, beginning at the design stage and continuing on through the construction process and the eventual day-to-day running of the home. The main goal of these characteristics is to reduce the environmental impact a home will have over the course of its lifetime.

As mentioned above, a green house should begin at the design stage. Incorporating green design elements at the initial stages of a home construction will ensure the home can take advantage of the surrounding natural environment. By utilising the topography of the site, sunlight and breezes a green home can significantly reduce its dependence on additional heating and cooling sources. This saves the occupants money on their energy bills and reduces the production of greenhouse gases.

Choosing recycled and environmentally friendly building products is another important element of a green home. The type of materials used can affect the homes’ environmental impact and the health of the homes’ eventual residents. A green home utilises recycled timber or sustainable harvested plantation lumber for its structural and cosmetic components. It is also possible to use a range of other natural products in the construction of a green home, such as straw, mud, hemp and dirt. Although some of these materials are not conventional building products, it does not mean a green home has to look very different from a regular home. Many of the materials and finishes in a regular home contain formaldehyde and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). Once installed in a home they continue to release gases which can be harmful to the people living in them. A green home uses materials and finishes with low or no VOCs that ensure good indoor air quality.

A green home also minimises the use of energy and water by using efficient materials and products. Water saving devices in the bathroom, toilet and laundry significantly reduces water consumption. Collection of rainwater and the recycling of grey water can further improve water efficiencies. Insulation in walls and ceilings helps maintain a constant indoor temperature reducing the need for mechanical heating and cooling. Energy and water efficient appliances can also be found in this home. They reduce environmental impacts and keep running costs down for the occupants.

Consideration of these factors and the inclusion of sustainable building techniques and materials make a green home use energy and water efficiently, provide a healthy environment for the occupants and reduce the environmental impacts over the lifetime of the dwelling. [http://www.fwrgroup.com.au/]FWR Group Pty Ltd provide our clients with [http://www.fwrgroup.com.au/sustainability-consulting.html]sustainability consulting services for all facets of the emerging sustainable development sector, including technology, strategic planning, sustainable business and education/training industries. We can, for example, source, consult on, and manage all aspects of sustainable development, including sustainable housing and development. Our ongoing relationship to the sustainable development industry, including housing, education, community, and national/international sustainability networks, allows us to provide comprehensive solutions and initiatives for sustainable technologies and development needs.

What is the Definition of a Green Home? is a post from: Green Healthy Home

There has been an explosion of interest in going green. Everything from cars to light bulbs are being pushed to new levels of efficiency. New industries are cropping up, it seems, on a daily basis.

But what about buildings; office buildings and schools in particular. These are the places that we spend most of our waking hours, and where we consume most of the energy.

There is a movement, led by the US Green Building Council, to establish standards to which buildings are designed and constructed by. Affecting more than just the energy consumption, but also the environment of the occupants inside. Buildings are certified, showing that it has met the requirements for a particular level of efficiency.

Not only do buildings get certified, but individuals also become accredited. There are thousands of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited Professionals in the United States, all of whom had to pass a fairly difficult test covering the details of the “LEED” program. These “APs” act as a guide to design a building for the specific purpose of attaining high levels of efficiency.

Just as hybrid cars are more expensive than their normal, gas powered counterparts, buildings achieving, or attempting to achieve any level of certification will have an increased cost. The cost, if calculated properly, should be offset by the reduction in energy usage, and the increase in productivity of the occupants of the building. And the payback of the additional cost could come in 5 years.

A recent study released from the venture capital firm Good Energies, Inc states that around 50% of non-residential building will be green by 2015. That is five years from now. It must also be noted that these numbers also include buildings that did not obtain LEED certification, but did adhere to the guidelines. This should be recognized as tremendous growth.

Based on the ever increasing number of buildings being submitted for certification and the growing population of accredited professionals, it looks as though green building has only barely gotten started.

If you like this article and have a website, you can link to it, or post it (please include greendesigncommunity.com as the original source).

Building to a Higher Standard is a post from: Green Healthy Home

10. Don’t Get the Free Audit – Energy Audits are like all other things in this world. You get what you pay for. If you’re willing to take a day or a half day off work to have an energy audit on your home. Then it’s presumed that you intend to generate enough data to either satisfy an outcome, or solve a pesky problem that you may be having. Auditors who perform free audits do not get paid very well, think sub 40K per year. As so, they may not be as professional or as motivated to serve you as an auditor for hire.

9. Gather Your Records – An Energy Audit without clear usage histories on both your home’s heating fuel usage and the electricity associated with cooling, operating appliances, and lighting. Is likely to become an audit filled with anecdotes, probables and maybes. For instance, the auditor may very well miss the three space heaters you run in the deep of winter that costs $700 per year, or that your base-load domestic hot water usage cost is way too high. Most utility companies have at least a one year history of usage on each bill. So even just your most recent bill will really help out.

8. Be Prepared to Answer Questions – A good audit should always begin with the auditor taking the time to ask questions. He should be concerned with the history of the house, behaviors of the occupants inside the home, as well as finding out about any specific concerns that may have prompted the audit. And of course what sort of desired outcome there is for the findings of the audit.

7. Prepare the House – Do you want a really good audit? Or do you want someone to clean out your fireplace and move boxes around in the attic and basement. Auditors will burn lots of calories during the 2-4 hours they spend with you. Blower door testing, infrared imaging, combustion analysis, manual inspections of dark, tight places. If your fireplace is dirty with wood ash, clean it out for a safe blower door test. if you have furniture in front of crawlspace access doors, move it out of the way. I assure you, after doing over 2,000 private audits. If you take these steps prior to the audit, and maybe mention it in passing to the auditor at the beginning. He will work harder to maximize your audit.

6. Be At Home – Auditors are not magic. They will have questions for you. Because of the programs in place right now to train new auditors. It’s pretty likely you may have an auditor who hasn’t been in the field that long. He will need some guidance. Someone who can help him sort out what he thinking. I’m not saying you should stay in his “hip pocket” the whole time. But do make yourself available.

5. Don’t Sweat Infrared Imaging – I had a call from a guy last summer who said he wanted an audit but wanted to wait for winter so we could infrared image his walls. If auditors could only work in ideal infrared environments, then it would not be a viable occupation. Infrared is useful for about 4 months out of the year. Unless it’s less than 40 degrees outside or greater than 85 degrees, it just isn’t that accurate on the building envelope. Anything that can be determined on an ideal day for thermal imaging, can be determined on any day regardless of temperature, provided the auditor is knowledgeable and patient enough to carefully come to his conclusions.

4. Do They Do the Work Also, or Just The Audit? – Sure it sounds good: Have an independent professional who is not tied to the outcome in any way help you to prioritize energy improvements. However, here is how it happens in the real world. The real cost of a full service energy audit is about $500. Auditors who charge $500 don’t stay very busy. Auditors can only afford to do it for less if they also make money on energy upgrades. My preference is for the firm who does the audit and makes money on the absolute most cost effective measures. Which is usually some weatherization. This auditor should be an absolute expert on building envelopes and also offer real good advice about windows, doors, hvac, and lighting. But would leave the big ticket work up to those who specialize in it. This type of auditor can usually perform an audit for a couple hundred bucks or so, and more often than not will also earn a contract worth 1-4K. Don’t worry. Those first weatherization dollars pay for themselves quickly.

3. Do the Upgrades – No, you don’t have to do them all at once. Yes, you can start with the most cost effective first and then work your way through the list. But do them. IT WILL improve the value of your home.

2. Be Nice to the Auditor – Is he thirsty? Would he like a snack? Smile and thank him for coming out. Trust me… he’s much more likely to find the draft at the far end of that tight, dark crawlspace if he likes you.

1. Tip Him and Offer Referrals – Hey, he worked hard. Carried equipment in and out. Didn’t complain about your dog jumping all over him. Cleaned up after himself. Came up with some good ideas. Maybe saved you a pile of money because the windows or furnace you’re worried about aren’t ready for replacement just yet. That’s right… show him a little extra green so his lunch is paid for today.

Robert enjoys writing on health and business related topics. One of his newest ventures is bring together the buyers and sellers of the best whey protein on the planet at http://www.100wheyproteingoldstandardsale.com/ where you will find exclusive links to hot deals on top products 100% Whey Protein Sale for feeling great and staying fit.

10 Steps to Maximize Your Energy Audit is a post from: Green Healthy Home

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.

Learning More About ICF Construction is a post from: Green Healthy Home

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.

Disadvantages of Building Green is a post from: Green Healthy Home