Green Options that Won’t Break Your Budget
Green building can be expensive. There are some green building materials that can cost the same or less than traditional alternatives, especially if you consider cost savings over a few years. Here are some green ideas that make sense for any budget.
Upgraded Insulation
No matter what your budget, upgrading your insulation and choosing a green alternative is a worthwhile investment. Recycled, formaldehyde-free cellulose insulation is typically the same price or only slightly higher than traditional fiberglass batts. Spray foam insulation can cost up to twice as much, but the tighter seal around your home and added R-value can help to reduce heating and cooling costs, ususally paying for itself after just a few years.
Compact Florescent or LED Lights
Compact Florescent Light Bulbs, or CFLs, can save you money. Though they typically cost more than incandescent bulbs, their longer life span, lower energy use, and lower heat emmission can save you up to $30 in electricity costs over the life of each bulb, according to Energy Star. LED lights are fairly expensive, but the life of an LED is approx 60,000 hours, compared to approximately 2,000 hours for an incandescent. LED lights are exceptionally energy efficient, using up to 90% less energy than an incandescent bulb.
Xeriscaping
Plants that are native to your area will require less water to thrive. By minimizing the use of lawn areas requiring sprinklers and choosing colorful native plants and groundcovers as an alternative, you will reduce the amount of water needed to maintain your landscape. Native plants typically cost the same or less than tropicals, and you may be able to save costs on irrigation and sprinkler lines as well.
Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures
Most low-flow fixtures can be purchased at a similar cost to standard fixtures, and will help to lower your water bill. Dual-flush toilets may cost slightly more than standard toilets, but the water savings make them worth the extra money in the long run.
Choose Renewable Materials
Renewable materials don’t deplete the earth’s resources. An example of a renewable choice would be using bamboo flooring instead of tropical wood. Since bamboo is a grass it grows back quickly vs. harvesting tropical hardwoods can deplete forests that take decades to replace. Cork is another renewable choice for flooring since harvesting cork bark doesn’t kill the tree. FSC certified lumber is also a green choice since it’s harvested from managed forests that are replanted to replace the trees that are used for lumber. Renewable materials often cost the same or less than non-renewable choices.
Shop for Local Products
By purchasing products from a local manufacturer, you are reducing the impact of shipping and travel. Shorter shipping distances require less fuel and less emmissions are generated, and you’ll save costs on shipping as well.
Low-E Dual Pane Windows and Doors
They cost a little more, but the energy savings associated with dual pane windows with a low-e coating save money in the long run. These windows help to keep the heat inside your home in the winter and out in the summer, reducing your heating and cooling costs. The low-e coating can also help prevent furniture and carpeting from fading.
As homeowner awareness grows, more people are searching for homes with energy saving green features. Both homeowners and spec builders alike can benefit from building green.
