In search of the perfect shade of Green Building Materials

By Arlena Schott

Host/Producer of Garden Wise Living

As we all become more aware of the need to be responsible consumers, we look to ways to be greener.

Green Building and Remodeling Green has become the leading way to create a smaller carbon footprint in today’s world. And it is not just a fad or a passing fancy but a way of life that is here to stay.

In a press release dated Nov 11 2010 from The US Green Building Council[1], buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption, and 13% of our water consumption. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy. The report goes on to say that this month, the total footprint of commercial projects certified under the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED Green Building Rating System surpassed one billion square feet. Another six billion square feet of projects are registered and currently working toward LEED certification around the world.

Manufacturers around the world have taken notice of this need to be green and have responded by creating building materials that meet regulations to be labeled as LEED Certified (LEED is an internationally recognized benchmark for green building). They also rush to pursue an Energy Star rating, giving us as the end consumers more choices to build and remodel green.

When I first began the research for the Green Build/Remodel episodes for Garden Wise Living I began to search for building materials that would meet the qualifications for a GreenBuild project. In that search I found many useful resources.  Once again the words consumer responsibility and research are key to any GreenBuild Remodel success.

I called, emailed, tweeted, and visited manufacturers as well as retail outlets to ensure the products I wanted to use for my project were in fact what they say they are.

We have all seen the mighty rush by manufacturers and retailers to announce that they are green and this has lead to a wave of green washing. Green washing is an ongoing problem in today’s marketing frenzy where there is so much at stake.

As consumers it is up to us to make an effort to look through the false advertising and patronize the manufacturers and retailers that have spent the time and money on making their products truly a vivid shade of Green.

I know it is easy to be discouraged as a manufacturer or retailer, that has always practiced a green business format, to see all the other manufacturers and retailers jumping on their green wave in the rush to get sales. In the long run doesn’t it in fact help us all by bringing the issues to the front of the line? Doesn’t it lead to newer and better guidelines that we would hope help to dilute the green washing?.

Yes it is difficult and we have all said “I was green before it was cool,” but if we take one minute to step back and look at the whole picture, we will see that by definition every shade of green light or dark is a good shade.

I am your Host of Garden Wise Living; don’t forget to Garden Wise!

Green Blessings,

Arlena

Here is a small list of some of the manufacturers and organizations and their links we felt helpful in our search for that perfect shade of Green.

ROOFING

Metal Sales Manufacturing Corporation, formed in 1963, offers a complete line of roof, wall, and fascia panel systems for the commercial, industrial, architectural, agricultural, and residential markets. With 19 manufacturing facilities throughout the U.S. and one of the largest sales forces in the industry, Metal Sales has become an international leader in the industry. Energy Star Rated for its Energy Saving Reflective Paint Colors and Sustainable attributes.

http://products.construction.com/Manufacturer/Metal-Sales-Manufacturing-Corporation-NST613/overview

INSULATION

UltraTouch Insulation can contribute to earning multiple LEED credits throughout the program. UltraTouch contains 90% post-consumer recycled content and uses cotton, a rapidly renewable resource, as one of its main ingredients. UltraTouch does not contain any harmful chemicals or irritants and therefore does not pose any VOC or off-gassing concerns. Using UltraTouch for your next LEED project will not only assist you in earning LEED credits but will also provide your clients with a superior, healthy, and safe insulation they can depend on.

http://products.construction.com/Manufacturer/Bonded-Logic--Inc-NST100938/overview

DECKING

GeoDeck by Green Bay Decking

GeoDeck composite decking material is made from a combination of recycled plastic and Biodac, an ingredient made by the recovery of purified cellulose fibers and other minerals. Designed with fade resistance qualities the system includes boards, railings, posts, balusters, end caps, fascia boards, post caps, post base trim and hand rail collars.

http://www.geodeck.com

I went to the Energy Star Website were there is a host of information and links for all your Green Building Material needs.

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_find_es_products

Habitat for Humanity has a State Listing that will guide you to a Habitat ReStore Directory. I found this to be a very valuable resource.
 http://www.habitat.org/cd/env/restore.aspx

Garden Wise Living with Arlena

Face book Arlena Schott

Twitter @greenblessings

www.arlenagwise.com