Source: residential architect online
Publication date: July 1, 2008
By Jeffrey Lee
Green construction need not be complicated or cost-prohibitive, experts told attendees during two presentations at the Pacific Coast Builders Conference (PCBC) June 26.
"Building green, energy-efficient homes doesn't have to be rocket science," said construction consultant Steve Easley, owner of Steve Easley & Associates. "You can build very efficient homes at very low cost."
The following collection of "attainable sustainable" building practices from presenters at the two sessions could help make your projects a little greener—without requiring much green:
Energy Efficiency
In most green building certification programs, energy efficiency accounts for a lion's share of the points, Easley said. Plus, it's appealing to homeowners. "Consumers want homes that have reduced operating costs," he said.
In thinking about air conditioning, many pros' first thought is about the system's seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), Easley said. Instead, "Design the homes to use less air conditioning first," he suggested, using overhangs, proper orientation and landscaping, and efficient windows and building envelope products.
Ensure the air-conditioning unit is properly charged, Easley said. "Sixty-two percent of the time, the A/C system is mischarged," he added. The unit's SEER drops off with the wrong charge.
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