Why You Should Build Green
The Environmental benefits
*Enhance and protect biodiversity and ecosystems
*Improve air and water quality
*Reduce waste streams
*Conserve and restore natural resources
The Economic benefits
*Reduce operating costs
*Create, expand, and shape markets for green product and services
*Improve occupant productivity
*Optimize life-cycle economic performance
The Social Benefits
*Enhance occupant comfort and health
*Heighten aesthetic qualities
*Minimize strain on local infrastructure
*Improve overall quality of life
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Green Home – An energy-efficient home that incorporates multiple environmental, ecological and sustainability features that materially enhance the built environment. (Features such as
disaster resistance, excellent indoor air quality, universal design, resource efficient materials,
low water use, native landscaping, etc. are considered.) |
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Basis for Green Qualification a. Each new home qualifying for the Florida Green Home Designation shall meet or exceed the prevailing minimum standards of the Florida Energy Code. b. Each existing home qualifying for the standard shall achieve a confirmed Home Energy Rating System index of at least 90. c. Each home qualifying for the Florida Green Home Designation shall achieve at least 100 Credit Points in accordance with Schedule A of the Florida Green Home Designation Standard. d. Each home qualifying for the Florida Green Home Designation shall be certified by a Certifying Agent accredited by the Florida Green Building Coalition. |
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Swimming Pool / Spa Although a popular amenity for homes in Florida, swimming pools and spas utilize precious fresh water resources and harmful chemicals in their operation and maintenance. Simple steps can be taken to minimize or eliminate chemical usage, minimize energy used for pumping and heating, and reduce reliance on fresh water addition by minimizing evaporation. In order to maintain a sanitary swimming environment, pools generally require that chlorine levels be kept at a concentration of 2-4ppm (parts per million). Chlorine is generally added on a weekly basis, in relatively large quantities, in order to shock the pool. This high level of chlorine evaporates rather quickly, and the required constant level is maintained. There are swimming pool sanitation systems currently on the market that eliminate the use of liquid chlorine by recycling a salt alternative, or reduce the amount of liquid chlorine required by using ionization technology. There are also ultra violet and ozone systems available that sterilize the water without the use of chemicals. The average yearly cost for heating a residential pool in Florida is approximately $1,450 using electrical resistance (electricity at $0.09/kWh), and often over $500 using an electric heat pump or using natural gas. Liquid propane costs about the same as electrical resistance. A solar pool heating system is appropriate in our Florida climate, and can pay for itself in as little as two years. |
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Passive Solar Space Heat System A home designed for passive solar heating utilizes, and sometimes stores, energy from the sun during the winter months. South-facing windows receive significant winter sun and much less summer sun. Incorporating south-facing glass and placing the main living area on the south side of the home takes full advantage of this. Heat storage can be achieved by using a good conducting material on the slab floor, such as tile or slate, to provide for thermal mass. Concrete block and brick partition walls also provide good thermal mass, as do designs that incorporate water. Homes can also use this “mass” to preserve cool temperatures when the air conditioning system is operating. |
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Exterior Walls Dark colors absorb more heat from sunlight; in contrast, light-colored surfaces have been shown to reduce cooling costs. A code credit is currently available for homes in Florida that incorporate white metal or tile roofs. New paints are becoming available in the market that offer adequate reflectance specs in colors other than “white.” VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are the solvents in most paints that evaporate and contribute to the depletion of the ozone. VOCs are also a part of the stinky odor in paint that is offensive and continues to off-gas which contributes to poor indoor air quality.These paints will not stink up your house during application (well, not as much anyway), they won't pollute your air after wards and they are less harmful to the environment during clean-up and disposal. |
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Energy- Efficiency Energy-efficient lighting, appliances, and heating and cooling systems contribute to environmental goals, as well as an efficient building envelope and renewable energy generation. Insulating all hot water pipes can help reduce energy waste. Appliances labeled with the EPA ENERGY STAR® label use less energy and water than other products, save money on utility bills, and help protect the environment. Although energy-efficient models sometimes cost more to purchase initially, any extra up-front cost can often be made up with savings on your utility bill. Also, check with your local utility; some may offer rebates on the purchase of ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances. Also be sure to Look for clothes dryers with a moisture sensor that automatically shuts off the machine when your clothes are dry. |
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FUN FACT: Unlike most other appliances, energy consumption does not vary significantly among clothes dryers. Thus resulting in clothes dryers not required to display EnergyGuide labels. |
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Materials The materials with rapidly renewable content, recycled content, materials that are easily recyclable, and materials/techniques that produce less waste when implemented. Also included are examples to improve the durability of the structure. |
IF YOU WISH TO LEARN MORE. Please refer to the links below or you may contact us for any question you my have.
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References: Florida Green Building Coalition References: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Green Build |
Certifications/Education:
A.S. Degree - CADD/CIS
CAD Certified
Universal Design Certified
Rollins College - Classical Architecture
LEED Green Associate
Green Building Professional Certified*
Memberships:
Citrus County Builders Association (CCBA)*
Citrus County Green Building Council (CCGBC)*
Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA)*
Florida Green Builders Coalition (FGBC)*
US Green Builders Council (USGBC)*
*Currently In-Progress
