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Happy New YeaR!!
...HOW TO START LIVING "GREEN"
Many people believe that if you simply put solar panels on your roof you are building Green! Using one "Green" building material will not necessarily make your home green.
"Green building is not a "thing", it is a process". This statement is purposely repeated by the people of Austin Energy's Green Building Program and it means that it is not necessarily what you build with, but how you build it. Even further, it is the "process" an individual takes in learning and understanding what building Green is.
Ok...let's go even further if you will allow. Building Green is only part of the equation. Living Green is the other part. It is a way of life; a frame of mind. For many of us, it is a journey to the degree of "Green" each of us wishes to live. When we get there, do we desire to go further?
A friend of mine recently asked “How much more does building green cost?”
Technically, you can build a "Green" home with all conventional materials. When installed properly wall batt insulation can give you and R value of 13 as the manufacture specifies. The problem is that with some conventional materials, proper installation is difficult resulting in performance less than specified. This is why new materials, like blown-in cellulose insulation, were invented. So, if you start with the right home plan, designed specifically for your lot and smart construction techniques, you can build Green with a nominal additional expense. Then put solar panels on your roof for the icing on the cake!
The same friend asked, "Is this the way things are going?"
Yes it is and It must go this way. Our energy sources are growing more expensive, right? Supply verses demand is why; our supply is depleting and our demand is growing. So ask your self, how far do you want to go with living Green in 2007? Take a few small steps this year and see what happens!
For your Green and Sustainable living enjoyment and a fun way to take a few small steps, visit GoodCommonSense.net by Chris Searles. Resource Efficient Living Products ..... Save Money, Save Planet!
Check out our website for more helpful tips!
Contact Cammi Klier at 512.330.9309
or cklier@cdshomedesign.com
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