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There is an increasingly popular trend toward the use of green home design. Consumers are becoming more aware of the negative effect daily living has on the environment, resulting in increased acceptance of the need for change. Major initiatives over the past three decades have raised support and demand for green homes. The increase in demand for green home design from 2005 to 2010 is expected to increase from 2 to 10 percent. Several key factors are integral to green homebuilding. Reduced use of energy, water and natural resources, integration of renewable energy systems, reduced waste and fewer health risks are all requirements of green home design. Building materials are made from natural, toxin-free products and recycled components. Paints and sealants have low VOC (volatile organic compound) content, and wood and insulation products are often made from rapidly renewable sources, such as bamboo, soybeans and cotton. Windows and doors must have a high E factor rating and energy saving appliances and climate control systems must be installed. The green home design incorporates the use of windows and skylights to take advantage of natural light, with trees and other shading devices used to limit heat from summer sun. Air quality is freshened and cleaned through use of both natural and mechanical filtering and venting. Solar energy is a popular renewable energy source used in green home designs. Green homes are often built on previously used parking lots or building sites and wetlands are avoided; existing trees are retained whenever possible. Green home design has benefits that outweigh the cost of construction. Reduction or elimination of internal pollutants, mold, mildew and carcinogens result from the use of toxin-free, natural products and overall design. This creates a healthier environment, reducing risks of respiratory, heart and allergy problems and cancer. The ecological-friendly products and resource conservation create fewer green house effects and pollutants, reducing the negative impact on the environment. Besides the health and environmental benefits of green home design, there is approximately 40% reduction in energy and 50% reduction in water use making green homes more economical to run. The cost of building a green home is potentially the same as a conventional home and may even be less. Additionally, initiatives by private agencies and government to build low cost green homes will further benefit construction costs at all income levels. As the technology improves, contractors gain experience, and probably most importantly, consumers gain increased awareness, we should expect to see an increased growth in the demand for green home design.
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For more on green home designs, try GreenHomeGuide.org.
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