Many associate “green” with exotic and expensive energy saving solutions such as solar panels, sod roofs or straw-bale homes. But the depth and scope of sound green building principles affects us all as we become a part of building a better, more sustainable future. It’s more than energy conservation; it’s a matter of future preservation. The U.S. Green Building Council defines green building as “the weaving together of many energy-efficient, resource-efficient and people-friendly practices in the responsible design and construction of our buildings and living environments.” That applies to each of us, every day in more ways than we think. It’s not just referring to new buildings but also to our existing structures, surrounding environment and the personal lives that will benefit.
Green building is a process of consciously thinking how to reduce our environmental impact both personally and globally. The goals are efficient use of energy, water and all other natural and material resources; protecting our personal and global health while improving human productivity; and reducing waste, pollution and environmental degradation.
This is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient stewardship or, as we call it, “life cycling.” Just as we want to extend our human lives, so should we aspire to extend our environment’s life cycles through better landscaping, water use, design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and even demolition. This extension of classic architects’ practices of building design for economy, utility, durability and comfort can apply to everyone.
Our whole health care system is tied to making our human life spans last longer. Why shouldn’t we take the same approach to our surroundings and make our buildings last longer and function more efficiently? Building sustainably doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Like imaginary monsters and myths about alligators in the sewer, the unexplored challenge of sustainability can scare people away from thinking about creating a better future. There are four primary urban myths I hear over and over again:
Myth: Building and living green requires complex technology, unusual materials and specialized hardware.
Truth: Building green starts with simple site orientation. Facing the structure toward the sun, shielding western walls and capturing cooling breezes for natural ventilation applies to new buildings. But for those of us in existing homes, what can we do?
In existing structures, replace uninsulated, poor ventilating windows, seal all openings, add windows where needed to capture sunlight and improve interior natural air circulation. Plant deciduous trees on the south and west; they’ll provide cooling shade during hot summer days but lose their leaves in winter, allowing precious sun radiance; plant evergreens on the north to block cold winter winds; and prune the overgrown rear jungle to increase light and air movement. Install skylights or solar tubes to capture sunlight in dark spaces. Finally, make sure the soil is properly amended and drip irrigation systems are working properly to save water.
These steps are simple, sensible and not exotic. The French architect Le Corbusier said the history of architecture is all about the struggle for light. I only add that today, it’s the struggle to control light.
Myth: Building green is costly, requiring materials from exotic locations.
Truth: The best way to build and live green is to use local products, minimize waste and think recycling. Building green doesn’t necessarily mean steel construction; local lumber is every bit as green and sustainable as wood that’s from China. While at the hardware store or lumber yard, check to see the source of the material and see how far it’s traveled. Much lumber today is from sustainable farms. Think local, just like going to the farmers market. If you don’t like what you find, consider another option. Maybe now is the time to recycle Grandma’s buffet into a computer work station.
Myth: Building green is an expensive luxury.
Truth: When built with local and accessible materials and using thoughtful but simple practices, the cost isn’t appreciably more than a less green method, but the savings in energy consumption is forever. Using natural light, proper interior ventilation and today’s insulation doesn’t cost that much. Photo voltaic panels on your roof can cut your electric bill, but so can properly applied trellis awnings on south or west elevations, which reduces energy use.
Myth: Building green is a passing fad.
Truth: Building sustainability goes back to ancient times. Most historic buildings we revere today have materials and/or designs that made them everlasting. Sometimes the choice of materials didn’t last forever, but the architect’s vision did—otherwise the structure or it’s memory would no longer be with us. Had we renovated and recycled more of the old 19th century structures, rather than tearing them down in the name of redevelopment, would we have a better North Bay today? I think so. The best places to live today are those sleepy towns that escaped the 1950-1980 wrecking ball.
It’s not just energy bills that are climbing. New construction costs continue to grow, but sometimes rehab works wonders on older homes just as it does for movie stars.
One of my favorite books, titled Your Solar Home, always gives me inspiration. It doesn’t call for photovoltaic panels, heat pumps or complex mechanical systems as part of the solution. It describes basic ingredients and designs that can apply to our existing lives. It was written in 1947. There’s something to be said for real truths that stand the test of time.
Chris D. Craiker, AIA/NCARB, is a founding member of the Napa Valley Architects Exchange. You can reach him at chris@craiker.com or (707) 224 5060; his website is www.craiker.com.
