Q-I am planning to build a new home soon. Protecting our natural resources, energy efficiency, and minimizing damage to the environment are extremely important to me. What can I do to be “environmentally responsible” as I build? Are there any programs or guidelines available to follow?
A-The “green” movement has become very popular in residential construction. There are many environmentally friendly products available. Building practices are also changing to reflect the increased concerns for the environment by people such as you.
Fortunately, within the past year, a unique program has been developed by Atlanta-based Southern Co., parent of a consortium of five southeastern electric utility companies, to help satisfy all of your concerns in building your home. If you fulfill many of the guidelines outlined in this program, you can reduce the environmental impact of construction by at least 25 percent.
This program, called “The Good Cents Environmental Home,” measures a house’s impact on the external environment and aims to improve the home’s interior environment as well. It examines the following criteria: energy efficiency, building materials, construction practices, water-usage efficiency, building design and ecological impact.
Individuals who wish to enroll in this program must do so through their builder. Many local utility companies across the nation have information regarding this program. Your plans, materials, house fixtures and construction practices are graded, much like a test.
To have your new home certified as a “Good Cents Environmental Home,” you must accumulate a minimum of 700 “EcoScore” points out of a total of 1,300. Points are based on six above-mentioned categories. Specific questions deal with such criteria as the watering demands of landscape plantings, the availability of walking or bike paths, and how contractors disposed of unused paints and sealers.
The benefits to the environment can be significant. Houses that conform to the guidelines help to conserve electricity over the lifespan of the structure. Conservation of electricity minimizes the amount of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions. Good Cents Environmental Homes also conserve fresh water.
The “Good Cents Environmental Home” program is a spinoff of the original “Good Cents Energy Efficiency Program,” which appeared about 18 years ago. That program was, and still is, licensed by almost 300 utility companies in 29 states. Consider contacting your local utility company to see if it’s participating.
Environmentally friendly building is not that difficult. As with anything, it requires planning. Almost all manufacturers of building products are doing something to make their products “green.” You won’t have any trouble finding products that will help you achieve your environmental goals.
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Have questions about the remodeling process? Write to Tim Carter, c/o The Chicago Tribune, P.O. Box 36352, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236-0352. Questions will be answered only in the column.
For more information on the “Good Cents” program, additional “EcoScore” questions and a partial list of environmentally friendly products and manufacturers, send $1.50 and a business-size, stamped, self-addressed envelope to the above address. Ask for Builder Bulletin No. 27.
