GREEN BUILDING - (Part II)

08.14.08

There are many new components, some of which are advances from the last time, "green building" was discussed, 15 - 25+ years ago.

Solar panels for hot water heating are coming back into "focus", more efficient this time. Photovoltaic cell panels are still expensive but available in panel form, or as roof shingles. Right now, they are best used for powering selected lower current-draw mechanical components. Effectively utilizing sun requires appropriately located land or otherwise excellent access to the sun, especially in the winter, as noted last week. This is much easier for larger parcel owners, than for urban property owners. Land elevation can be an important part of this.

California just recently dealt a blow to owners' sun rights, versus owners tree rights for urban home owners trying to recover sun access from abutters" trees that were blocking the sun. The governor stepped in, reversing an earlier court ruling.

If you are on a wooded parcel, selective clearing might give you access to sun, with the benefit for passive capture and for putting it to use to power some house components. A well placed "green house" room can produce a lot of passive heat that can be circulated into the rest of the house through low voltage fan ducting, or by simple convection.

In summary there are many other ideas that can work. Smaller hot water units, radiant heating, compact fluorescent lighting, computerized thermostats, etc. are some already mentioned. Some builders are "schooled" in this topic; others are yet to "catch on" and catch up. Many architects seem to be more current on this subject and know just what to suggest.

What's the (extra) cost? In general, building from scratch probably on the scale of 10 - 25%, at the moment. If you are converting an existing house, it could get quite complicated. Don't measure it in terms of payback; think of it as helping the planet well into the future.

©2008 R. Leech features.