Shades of Green

"Green" is one of the hottest buzzwords in the home building and improvement world. A survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and Icynene TM Inc. found that 46 percent of people buying a new home or making major renovations are considering green products. With so many options, it's important to distinguish the types of green products are the best fit for your home and family.

As the name suggests, green building helps reduce the impact of our homes on the environment. Yet, homeowners and homebuilders are realizing that greener homes can cost less to build and operate, last longer, are healthier to live in, use less water and energy and often have a higher re-sale value (Source: U.S. Green Building Council). Greener homes make sense for many reasons. The challenge is deciding what products and practices are truly green? Dozens of building products call themselves "green," but there's no one universally accepted definition of what green actually means, even among building experts.

Green products and practices should offer long-term environmental and cost benefits. If you're discussing green options with a builder, contractor or a building product supplier, the following questions can help you evaluate their level of green building knowledge, as well as their green products and practices:

How green is your home?
Does it include building materials that:
* Have a longer life span compared to conventional products?
* Are non-toxic?
* Are moisture and mold resistant?
* Do not emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), HCFCs, HFAs, CFCs or formaldehyde?
Was a high-performance insulation and air barrier system produce used to help you save up to 50 percent in energy consumption and costs? Do you know how quickly the insulation will pay for itself?

What products are used to protect your family from the instrusion of outdoor pollutants and allergens? Example: Insulation that acts as an air barrier to improve indoor air quality combined with proper mechanical ventilation

What practices and materials do you use to reduce the incidence of mold and other moisture-related building problems?
* Air barrier
* Vapor barrier
* Proper detailing of the thermal envelope to prevent condensation on building surfaces

All-in-all, green building can have real benefits for your family, the re-sale value of your home, the environment and your personal comfort.

Scott Nichols is a principal with Carolina Foam Solutions, a local Green Building Consultant and Icynene Insulation contractor in the Carolinas. The Icynene Insulation System is a light density spray foam insulation that can be used in remodeling and new home construction and can help save up to 50 percent in energy costs versus homes with traditional insulation. It also helps control outdoor air pollutants and moisture. They can be reached at 704-596-0055 or online at www.carolinafoamsolutions.com