Green Living

To build green is to build with passion, on the brink of possibility and with a clear understanding of decisions and how they impact and interact with the world around us. Building is but one part of the broad spectrum of human activities in need of a paradigm shift. I see a future world where humans interact with our planet in a symbiotic harmonious manner, living within the balance of nature, where our decisions are sound both economically and ecologically, and account for the impact our actions have on our environment and our community.

The process of building green begins at the drawing table with thought given to how the building will function as a whole system. The structure should be designed to optimize space with multiuse rooms, with careful consideration as to how the occupants actually live in their home. Design features that encourage a sustainable lifestyle such as recycling centers, compost bins and grey water systems should enter into the floor plan at an early stage. The overall size of the structure should be minimized to reduce the amount of material and energy that the building will consume. The best way to conserve energy is to minimize the amount needed. High performance buildings will have well placed windows, high R-values, a tight envelope with minimal air leaks, and will be sited with consideration for prevailing wind, orientation for solar gain, and other site specific factors.

Next we move into the slightly more complex systems of the home. The basic systems include heating, cooling, ventilation, electrical, plumbing and so on. In green building it is important to remember the integration of these systems. For instance some systems will maximize the energy input by accomplishing both space and water heating in the same heating cycle. Also important is the energy source. In today's changing world I am weary of creating buildings dependent on fossil fuels for any critical systems. Energy is abundant on our planet if we rethink how we harness it. Solar panels and wind turbines can in many cases provide for a considerable portion of a building's electrical needs. In terms of alternative systems, the word "alternative" is quickly becoming obsolete as they pass the tests that give them viability in modern building.

As the design process moves forward we begin to consider the types of materials. In our highly technological world, many options are available. One concept to consider is the true embodied energy in these materials, meaning the amount of energy that is consumed to bring this material from its raw form to the product that we use. For instance, both steel and concrete, which are nearly essential to the way we build today, have a very high amount of embodied energy. Decisions on materials weigh the overall durability and lifetime of a material compared to its embodied energy. The greenest building will have low embodied energy while being highly durable and long lasting, and will use recycled material whenever viable.

Let us not forget why we create these structures. They are our dwellings, the places where all else we do is based. They are the relics of our culture, a legacy to future generations. Most importantly they are part of who we are, and in many ways tell the human story of the blood, sweat, tears, headaches and smiles that have gone into their creation. They create the stage and stimulation that forge creativity. These buildings shelter our bodies and souls. Let us build with heart, with respect for our planet and with concern for our future, so that future generations may have the same honor.

Matthew Maher, the principle of Green Horizon Company, welcomes your perspective and feedback. He can be reached at 376-0307.

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