Remodeling? Save Energy By Going “Green”

By Alicia Lanier, REALTOR

Green building and remodeling was a huge topic at the 2007 Kitchen and Bath Show and one of the presenters was David Johnston, author of Green Remodeling: Changing the World One Room at a Time.

“The movement (toward green building) is really being driven by the consumer, as more and more of them are realizing it’s the right thing to do,” said Johnston in his presentation. Among the many statistics he cited:

• Construction of an average 2,085 sq. ft. home uses 1.5 acres of forest, and 95 percent of our old-growth forests already have been depleted, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.
• 40% of children born today will develop allergies caused by construction materials in homes and schools that create poor air qulaity.

Johnston says that there are now more remodeling alternatives and techniques available than ever before. Among those he highly recommends:

• Heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) to improve ventilation while saving energy
• Low-VOC adhesives, caulks and paints, and water-based low-VOC sealers
• Natural stone or ceramic tile, concrete or linoleum for flooring
• Exterior grade plywood sealed with a no-VOC sealer for use as structural subfloors.

Ready to save money and live a “greener” lifestyle? Experts say it’s best to start simple.

Alicia Lanier is a REALTOR and member of the Coldwell Banker Diamond Society – Top 8% of Agents Internationally  www.AliciaLanier.com  408-491-1634

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