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Green home design is the wave of the future. Consumers are becoming more aware of the negative effect daily living has on the environment, resulting in increased acceptance of the need for change. Over the last 30 years, efforts to develop technology and build more environmentally friendly homes are paying off. The increase in demand for green home design from 2005 to 2010 is expected to increase from 2 to 10 percent. Several key factors are integral to green homebuilding. Reduced use of energy, water and natural resources, integration of renewable energy systems, reduced waste and fewer health risks are all requirements of green home design. Building materials are made from natural, toxin-free products and recycled components. Paints and sealants used in green homes are made with low volatile organic compounds (VOC) while wood and insulation products are made from bamboo, soybeans and cotton, which are quickly replaced in the environment. Windows and doors have a high Energy Star rating and electric appliances and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems must be energy efficient. The green home design incorporates the use of windows and skylights to take advantage of natural light, with trees and other shading devices used to limit heat from summer sun. Air quality is freshened and cleaned through use of both natural and mechanical filtering and venting. Many green home designs incorporate the use of renewable energy sources such as solar electric systems. Green homes are often built on previously used parking lots or building sites and wetlands are avoided; existing trees are retained whenever possible. Green home design has benefits that outweigh the cost of construction. The design and the natural materials lead to reduced internal pollution, and reduction or elimination of mold, mildew, carcinogens, and respiratory pollutants. Due to this pollutant free environment, occupants of green homes experience fewer respiratory and heart problems, allergies and cancer. The ecological-friendly products and resource conservation create fewer green house effects and pollutants, reducing the negative impact on the environment. The advantages of green home design include financial as well as health and environmental benefits since energy and water use is nearly cut in half. With knowledgeable contractors the construction costs are said to be about the same or less than conventional home construction. There are also initiatives to provide low cost green homes which will further improve cost containment to the benefit of all consumers. As consumers are educated to the benefits of green home design and products and designs improve, more people will choose to build environmentally friendly homes.
Article Source: http://www.articlegush.com
More related to building a green house, goto GreenHomeGuide.org.
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