|
In a broad sense, green building means applying new thinking to the way we build, remodel, renovate and develop our residences and communities. It promotes a mindset that enables healthy, mutually beneficial relationships between human, technical and natural systems.
Green building starts with the design of the home, specifically site selection and the orientation of the home. Each is a crucial component of green design. A great deal of energy can be conserved if a home is simply oriented North-South to decrease Western exposures in the summer months.
Also, design decisions, especially pertaining to floor plan layout, roof overhangs, and window placement can help to drastically reduce demands for energy during the warm summer months.
Green building goes beyond reducing energy use or improving indoor air quality. It is about addressing the whole system, not just the pieces. The financial case for improving your home’s energy efficiency is getting stronger and stronger. The EPA stated that in 2006 alone, Americans saved an estimated $14 billion on their energy bills and avoided greenhouse gas emissions equal to those of 25 million vehicles because of the Energy Star program.
With utility costs rising, it is becoming more and more expensive to operate a home. Nevada Power continues to raise power rates as state regulators recently approved a rate increase for the region's main electric utility. The three-member Public Utilities Commission decided unanimously May 23, 2007 to let the region's main electric utility raise residential customer bills by about 11.6 percent beginning June 1, 2007.
|
