We no longer live in a world of plentiful and inexpensive resources. As the building industry is responsible for nearly half the world's greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable construction is essential to reducing global warming. It starts with understanding that every decision we make has a lasting impact on our world's environment.
| Compare | Green | Traditional |
|---|---|---|
| Shingles | Simulated slate shingles, made from 100% recycled material, have an expected 50-year life span. A metal roof of recycled material can be recycled again at the end of its lifecycle, which is two to three times that of conventional roofing material | Petroleum-based asphalt shingles have an average 25-year life span and are made using a nonrenewable energy source. |
| Siding | Fiber-cement clapboards are of high recycled content, which breathes and lasts the life of a building. White-cedar shingle siding is renewable and locally produced, while a brick façade is an exceptionally durable, long-lasting and viable green choice. | Petroleum-based vinyl siding requires high energy consumption during the manufacturing process and has only a 15 to 20-year life span. |
| Insulation | Dense-packed cellulose insulation from 100% recycled newspaper and spray-applied foam insulation have very low air infiltration rates and minimal to no off gassing. | Petroleum-based fiberglass insulation allows air infiltration and is not recyclable. Fiberglass insulation can also reduce the quality of indoor air. |
| Windows | High-insulated, triple-glazed fiberglass windows with double and triple weather stripping, a reflective glass coating and argon gas-filled glazing are efficient, long-lasting, and require no maintenance. Effective placement of windows will further increase a building's performance. | Un-insulated single, and double-glazed, double-hung windows are a major source of a building's heat loss. Windows placed on north-facing facades and improper glazing techniques needlessly waste energy. |
| Plumbing | Low-volume fixtures, composting toilets and gray water recycling minimize environmental impacts. | Inefficient fixtures and systems increase water usage and create untreated waste that negatively impacts the environment. |
| Heating | Cordwood, wood pellets, and wood chips are renewable heat sources. Photovoltaic panels collect the sun's energy and generate electrical power. Solar hot water is a cost-effective alternative for domestic hot water. New efficiencies in geothermal technology have made this a more attractive system for whole house conditioning. | Nonrenewable heat sources further deplete the world's fuel supply. Fossil fuels are not locally-produced and increase air pollution with their use. |
| Lighting | Natural day lighting, reflective surfaces, compact fluorescent lights and automatic lighting controls reduce energy consumption. | Standard lighting design and light bulbs waste energy. |
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