How to Build a Green Home with Christy Howell of Align

2GTAllYouCanEat, Green Gab Podcast - Green Homes, Green Living and Green Companies

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Is a new home on the horizon for you? Or would you like to improve the efficiency of your existing home? This time, we’re gabbing with Christy Howell of Align, who provides suggestions to build a green home that meets you where you are and provides sustainability for the future.

What Is Sustainability?

At its core, sustainability means that it’s built to last. Anything can be sustainable, from your home to your lifestyle. If it lasts and continues to serve you, then it’s sustainable. To build a green home, you want it to work with you—and for you—instead of being a slave to it. You want to build it mindfully with intention in the choices you make.

Where to Start to Build a Green Home

When you’re ready to build a green home, look first to your building envelope. That’s your foundation, walls, windows, doors, and roof. They make up the main elements of the building. There are lots of choices for sustainability in the building envelope. You can do a stick build, which is traditional framing with lumber. Or you can choose a modular approach. If cost is an issue, you could opt for partially green. Maybe go for sustainable components in the doors and windows. Pick the things that are most important to you.

Follow the Standard

The National Green Building Standard lists up to six different categories to implement when you build a green home. They are 1. Energy efficiency 2. Water efficiency 3. Resource efficiency 4. Lot development 5. Operation and maintenance 6. Indoor environmental quality There are different levels of implementation and certification, and you can choose the one that fits best for you to build a green home. The four certification levels are bronze, silver, gold, and emerald, with emerald being the highest. While your goal may not be to obtain NGBS certification, their guides are definitely a good source of information for building.

What Makes a Home Green?

Green is a catch-all phrase and can mean different things to different people. Perhaps the most meaningful component of green is that the home is safer, healthier, and more comfortable. Health and wellness come from how you build a green home. If you can bring in slightly better components to your home, or even just switch out cleaning solutions, you’re taking steps in the right direction. And that will make a world of difference in the long run.

Read more at The Green Home Coach Website!
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— Marla Esser Cloos on – The Web – Twitter – Facebook – LinkedIn

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About the Host of The Green Gab Podcast:

Green Gab Podcast Host Marla Esser CloosGreen Gab Podcast Host Marla Esser Cloos is the Founder of The Green Home Coach – a company leading the way to inspire you to learn about, focus on and put into place Green Solutions when it comes to your life, home building and more.

Marla is an NAHB Master Certified Green Professional, LEED AP and Missouri Woman Business Enterprise. She Earned her B.S. in Engineering and Public Policy and a Certificate in Energy from Washington University.

Click here to learn more about Marla at her website online via TheGreenHomeCoach.Com

Connect with Marla Esser Cloos on – The Web – Twitter – Facebook – LinkedIn