Building Design Solar Power Energy Generation Guide
Green Building Design With Recycled Materials
By Gerard J Howson
Innovative designs are not just about looks anymore.
Modern building design is focused on using recycled,
non-toxic materials to reduce our carbon footprint on
the Earth. It is about improving our air quality, getting
rid of contaminants and creating an all-around healthier
living or working space.
It is about taking a review of your options and making
responsible choices to ensure there is a planet left
for our grandchildren. Interior design school students
are learning about a complex set of standards that were
barely dreamt of in the 60s and 70s. Welcome to a brighter,
more sustainable future.
Compact Fluorescent Lamps Are Much More Efficient
Green interior design lighting is important because
light sucks up electricity, generates heat and costs
us money. A green lighting designer would tell you that
compact fluorescent lamps are much more efficient than
incandescent lamps, using 80% less energy.
"CFLs last 10 times longer than incandescents
and normally pay for themselves," explains David
Lee, a 23-year lighting designer with The Lighting Source.
Each bulb replaced with a CFL could save you $30 on
utility costs, experts say. Of course, since these bulbs
contain mercury, disposing of them is just as critical
when it comes to green building design.
Halogen Lights
Home Depot stores have orange bins to collect and recycle
these bulbs. For those who wish for sunnier lighting
color, halogen lights still offer 30-40% energy savings,
compared to incandescents, although they are not as
good as CFLs.
Green building design must take flooring into consideration
since there is so much of it! Carpets can be a real
problem if you are worried about indoor air quality,
since they tend to absorb dirt, moisture and contaminants.
Carpeting Is A Potential Indoor Source Of Air Pollution
While they may be softer, cozier and better at absorbing
sounds, the EPA says carpeting is a potential source
of indoor air pollution. Some cheaper new carpets release
a toxic gas, and flexible foam carpet padding with brominated
flame retardants are being found in blood and breast
milk, which worries scientists.
By contrast, hardwood flooring is easier to clean.
Many modern designs feature bamboo flooring certified
by the Forest Stewardship Council. In kitchen and bathroom
design choose terrazzo, stone, porcelain or ceramic
tiles. Instead of toxic vinyl flooring, aim for natural
linoleum made from cork and linseed oil.
Natural Fiber Carpet
If you insist upon carpeting, then use natural fiber
carpet with jute backing or polyethylene terephthalate
(PET) carpeting made from recycled pop bottles, rather
than synthetic fibers.
In the coming months, we are likely to see consumer
rebates for people looking to upgrade their existing
homes to meet green building design standards. Home
owners may be able to get grant money to embark upon
these projects and replace windows, furnaces, lighting
fixtures, flooring and ventilation systems.
The best contemporary designs are the ones that meet
consumer demand for recycled materials usage, fair environmental
practices and quality construction.
About the Author:
Gerard J Howson has written a number of articles on Home Improvement, Energy Efficient Appliances, Green Ideas,
Solar power and Renewable Energy including
Green Architecture,
Green Building,
Patio Lights,
Solar Outdoor Lights,
Solar Technology,
Solar Electric.
Look out for new articles as they become available on this site.
Little Known Solar Facts.....
Unless you have a severe sun allergy that prohibits
you from walking outside or being near a window during
the day, you have felt the power of the sun. The warming
rays ensure humanity’s very existence. Since the beginning
humans have needed the sun to grow food, provide warmth
and light the way.
It may just be another star in the sky but for Earth
it is what gives us life. There is more to the sun than
just allowing us to spend a day outside. It can be the
solution to our energy problems.
Solar power may be the future of the Earth.
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