CBIA Business Builder – October 2008
Excerpted from original article published CBIA Business Builder, October 2008 issue
Green Building Isn’t Just For New Construction
by Kathy Guyitt, CAPS
2008 CBIA Remodelers Council Chair
The National Green Building Standard scheduled to debut in 2008 features a detailed checklist that covers remodeling projects. While there are few programs that specifically cover remodeling in the meantime, remodeling professionals can still start to integrate green practices and products now. In fact, many remodelers are already incorporating green practices into their projects, such as efficient windows, appliances and plumbing fixtures, designs that minimize lumber and material waste, and materials recycling. Many of the concepts, products, and processes outlined in the current NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines can also be applied to the remodeling industry.
Remodelers should first familiarize themselves with the NAHB Model Home Green Building Guidelines, focusing on the Resource, Energy, and Water Efficiency Guiding Principles, as well as the Indoor Environmental Quality section. Not all of the line items in the checklist apply to all remodeling projects, but the Guidelines can offer ideas and best practices. For example, using ready-finished materials, low-VOC paints and finishes, recycled products, efficient lighting fixtures and bulbs are green product choices that can have a big impact on efficiency and air quality.
The references below provide more information on the current trends and needs in green remodeling. While many of these resources are more directed at consumers, knowing what the marketplace is looking for will give the green remodeler an advantage.
• NAHB Remodelers is a council of NAHB, offering exclusive information and benefits to industry professionals, including green building resources.
• ToolBase.org offers several green remodeling focused materials. TechSets offer a systems approach to projects, and can be applied to both new construction and remodeling. Topics include resource-efficient plumbing, efficient lighting, green kitchen remodeling, durable envelope construction, solar technologies, and indoor air quality. Energy-efficient remodeling training manuals may be particularly helpful to remodelers.
This article is an excerpt from ReNEWS – The Newsletter of NAHB Remodelers. The Fall 2008 edition is dedicated to Green. To request a free subscription to ReNEWS, email remodel@nahb.org.