The Triad Green Building Council has a new tool for environmentally conscious consumers — the recently launched www.triadgreenbuilding.org offers visitors information on green building techniques, certification programs and examples of local projects.
The site is another piece of an ongoing education campaign in the building community. In response to growing consumer demand for energy-efficient and green homes, the Greensboro Builders Association last year formed the Triad Green Building Council, affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders Green Building Program.
The council gives association members a framework for building green and homebuyers the assurance that their house is being built using a certification program.
The Triad Green Building Council is composed of industry professionals committed to the construction of sustainable quality-built homes. The new Web site provides a tremendous resource for area consumers and the industry. Here are some highlights of the information available.
What is green building?
This section of the Web site provides general information on green building features, along with a list of frequently asked questions regarding green building and the certification of homes.
Certification of homes
Having a home inspected by a third-party verifier is not only critical for homebuyer assurance, but it is also required for NAHB certification. Homes that are built in accordance with the NAHB Green Home Building Guidelines or the National Green Building Standard include:
• Energy efficiency: Appliances, insulation, windows and heating systems are designed to work together, and to lower your utility bills.
• Water efficiency and conservation: A green home is designed to conserve water — inside and out.
• Resource efficiency: Recycled materials, waste management and durable construction are part of the equation.
• Indoor environmental quality: Managing moisture and ventilation can help homeowners live and breathe in a more comfortable indoor living environment.
• Lot and site development: Planning can reduce a new home’s impact on vegetation, soil and water, while enhancing its long-term performance.
• Operation, maintenance and homeowner education: Knowing how to optimally operate and maintain your home is as critical as getting it built correctly.
Green gallery
Under the Green Home Gallery tab, visitors will find photographs of NAHB-certified homes in the Triad, with a general description of the green features incorporated in the construction of the home along with contact information for the builder. The gallery shows a variety of home styles and sizes.
Living green
There are numerous ways to incorporate green building features into your home, from simple changes to remodeling green to building green. Improving energy efficiency and indoor air quality are critical elements that most homeowners strive to achieve in their green remodel or new home. This section provides tips on incorporating green features.
Educational programs
Education for professionals and consumers is key to moving green building into the mainstream, and is therefore one of the primary goals of the Triad Green Building Council. The council and the NAHB offer numerous opportunities throughout the year for education and continued learning for builders and building professionals at all levels.
Additionally, our members are available to speak at consumer workshops, trade shows, civic groups and other public events to provide education for consumers and to promote green building in the Triad. Contact us if you would like to schedule a presentation.
Council membership
As consumers and industry professionals look for green building resources, a directory of all Triad Green Building Council members is provided with contact information. There is also a directory of Certified Green Professionals (CGP) who have earned this NAHB designation by taking more than 24 hours of class instruction in green building and taking annual continuing education courses.
Green building resources
Our building green partners are profiled throughout the Web site. Other resources include links to Web sites and articles of interest, a calendar of events, council news, and a “Contact Us” section that allows visitors to ask questions or make requests for information.
As the Triad Green Building Council continues to grow and expand, we anticipate our Web site to do the same. Our goal is to serve as an educational resource for anyone interested in building, buying, remodeling or simply incorporating green features into their homes.
Scott Allred is chairman of the Triad Green Building Council and the owner of Precept Construction. He can be reached at scott@preceptconstruction.com or 286-6811.
