How To Start Going Green
April 29, 2008 by Christiane · Leave a Comment
You came to this page because you are clearly interested in living in a green home. The question is: Where and
Are you currently living in a “regular†home, or are looking to buy one, and want to remodel that house and make it a green home?
There are a few basic steps to follow and things to consider before you dive in. What is:
- Your Current Lifestyle
- Your Budget
- Your Goal
- Your Time frame
Your Current Lifestyle
?? why me?? Well, you are the most critical player. Going green, building an eco-friendly,
Are you going From:
- Poorly insulated McMansion way out in the suburb, no shopping nearby
- 4,000 sqft for 2 people
- Each of you driving a gas-guzzling SUV
- Gas fireplace in living room
- No work required for heating your home, besides toggling the switch on the thermostat
- 3-car garage and along commute (over 20 miles one way)
- Landscaped with exotic plants, sprinkler system on timer
- No recycling, no composting, fill 2-3 garbage bags each week
And Plan To Change To:
- Low-energy, well insulated home close to work, shops, public transportation
- 1,500 sqft for 2 people
- Car port for one car
- Chop, haul and stack wood and keep stove going
- Minimal landscaping with native plants, greywater system, watering as required.
- Drive in a small car-pool car 10 miles one way or walk to train
- Recycle paper, plastic, metals
- Compost all plant matters
- One garbage bag each week
The starting point (From) might look like an extreme example. Sadly though, it is not that far off from the average American suburban home and life style. Wherever you start from is ok, as long as you DO start. Know what you are wiling change right now, and what you will have to gently ease into.
What was your reaction when reading the second list (To)? Did you feel inspired, somewhat uncomfortable, or ready to leave this website, forgetting about going green?
Don’t leave!!! Please stay! It might look overwhelming. And it doesn’t have to be. Start with a few small steps, especially if your project is to renovate an existing home. Set realistic goals and then maybe try to do a little more. You are already on the right track.
Did you know?
Some jurisdictions are requiring, and many will soon, that if you want to sell your home, you must indicate to potential buyers how much they can expect their utility bills to be. In other words, your home will have to be tested and rated for its energy usage. Buyers will be
checking and comparing energy usage, and the home with the lower energy bills will sell!
Ok, back to how YOU can start making your home green. Here are some easy, immediate steps you can take:
- Seal leaks around electrical outlets, windows and doors
- Turn down the thermostat to 69 degF in the winter, up to 75 degF in the summer if you have AC
- Use window fans as long as you can, before turning on the AC
Become an educated green home owner
Take some time to get educated about green homes. Building a green home requires teamwork between all the involved parties: you, maybe a green real estate agent and
Together you will plan, design and build your green home.The more you know, the smoother any construction and remodeling project will be.
- Browse through some books at the bookstore and maybe buy a few
- Attend an educational lecture or a green building show
- Talk to green contractors and architects.
Get an Energy Audit
Check with your utility about a FREE energy audit, or have an Energy Star certified Home Energy Rater perform the audit for a reasonable fee.
What Is Your Budget
Did you already make a budget for your green construction? Great, then skip ahead to the next section on getting clear what exactly you want to achieve, what your green goal is.
You must know how much money you have available. You will probably need some money up front as down payment, and in the months to come to finance the building of your new green home or the renovation of an existing house.
- Will you be paying for it yourself?
- How much do you need to finance?
- Did you check into getting lower interest rates for
building green ? Find an Energy Efficient Mortgage - Do you qualify for federal tax refunds or credits?
- Does your state, city or town offer grants?
- Does your utility offer rebates?
- Can you live on a tighter budget until the construction is complete?
Answering the above questions will help you as you move along through the process of building an eco-friendly, low-energy home.
What Are Your Goals?
Now that you know how much money you have available to work with, set your goals. It would probably be helpful to start putting together some of the members of your team so you can collect some estimates. As a minimum, talk to a green architect and a green builder.
You can approach this part from two angles:
-
1. Set your goal to be as high as possible, and then scale back as you start getting budget numbers.
2. Start with what you want as an absolute minimum and then add on as you find that you can afford to do it.
The approach you take depends on you. You might even try a combination. List your absolute minimums, and then dream up your ultimate green and sustainable, zero-energy, off-the-grid home. Get together with an architect and/or contractor and start putting some numbers to it.
Don’t forget to look at available tax rebates, utility incentives or special financing for alternative energy systems. That will help you make decision about items such as solar collectors for hot water, photovoltaic panels for electricity.
FAVE FUN, DREAM BIG AND MAKE IT HAPPEN!
What Is Your Time Frame?
When do you have to have your green home project completed by? Maybe you have no deadline. Keep in mind that it can get costly if you are carrying a mortgage on your current home, or pay rent, and have to make payments on a construction loan.
If the project for your green home renovation extends much beyond a year, you and your family members might get tired of living in a construction site.
It is important to plan your project with as short a construction time as possible. Everybody involved will stay focused and enthusiastic. And you will be living in your new green home that much sooner!
What’s Next For You?
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Tags: Green Start, green architecture, green construction, green homes, how to start going green
