The Green Column

The Green Column

by Richard C. MacCrea, Andrews Valley Initiative

rmaccrea@verizon.net

CAN YOU AFFORD TO LIVE GREEN?

In a recent meeting, the question was asked about building the housing development green. The answer was, “No, we will not be adding to the cost of these homes.” Most people believe that building green makes a home more expensive, and with the current economy, we are all looking for ways to spend less. Everyone knows that solar panels cost a lot of money. Organic foods cost extra. Many believe they cannot afford to live green.

CAN LIVING GREEN REDUCE YOUR COST OF LIVING?

Yes, in three ways.

First, by reducing energy costs. Weatherizing existing buildings is where to begin. This is being proposed as part of the economic stimulus plan. If you are building or remodeling, you have the perfect opportunity to make your building much more efficient. As energy costs increase, so will the amount you are saving. There are ways to do this that do not cost extra during construction. There are also ways that cost extra, but save enough energy costs to compensate.

You can also reduce your cost of living by designing your building to fit the site. This can reduce construction costs, make your building more attractive and easier to maintain, and reduce energy costs. How? Have you ever noticed how the snow melts much sooner on the south slopes of the mountains? That’s because the sun shines from the south in the winter. Take advantage of this with south facing glass and you will be much more comfortable and reduce your heating costs. What about getting too hot in the summer? Easy. Design the roof to shade the glass in the summer (when the sun is at a different angle). Also, reduce the need for expensive excavation and retaining walls by carefully paying attention to the slope of the land.

A third way that living green can reduce your cost of living has to do with your health. Medical costs are skyrocketing. Can your building be involved? Yes. Studies show that pollution levels are many times higher inside our buildings than outside. Choosing materials that are healthier, building in ways that prevent mold, getting rid of radon gas, and including universal design principles can all keep you more healthy in your home. Universal design? You should build your home to be comfortable to someone with disabilities. If you don’t, and you end up in a wheel chair, will you have to remodel your home, or sell it? Why not design for this during construction? It doesn’t have to cost extra. In fact it can save you money. An AARP study concluded that this is your best retirement investment. Why? Because so many people end up in nursing homes earlier because their own home will not accommodate their needs as they age. Many of these principles can make your home safer for you and your guests, and more valuable.

There are many other ways living green can reduce your cost of living.

Richard C. MacCrea is the director of The Greening of Andrews Valley, a program of Andrews Valley Initiative. He works in the field of energy efficient, green building. rmaccrea@verizon.net