THE GREEN DILEMMA < 1 • 2 >

reating a green home, to us, means matching the building materials to the design, the climate and the customer's budget to minimize the overall environmental impact and maximize energy efficiency.

WHAT IS A GREEN PRODUCT?

The most green products available could be used unwisely and result in homes that are far from environmentally responsible. In a well designed home, however, using green products instead of conventional ones could make the difference between an average home and a great one.

When you attempt to identify quantifiable, easily verifiable standards for green products, you find competing priorities. Many criteria become fuzzy and judgment calls are required. A product can be considered green for a number of reasons, some of which include:

• If it's made from recycled materials or agricultural waste

• If it is rapidly renewable or minimally processed

• If it is an alternative to ozone-depleting substances, PVC plastics or preservative-treated woods

• If it reduces environmental impact during construction or building operation or reduces heating or cooling loads or conserves energy

• If it contributes to a safe or healthy environment, prevents pollution or reduces waste

• If it conserves water, improves light quality or blocks the introduction of indoor contaminants

SO WHAT'S A GREEN PERSON SUPPOSED TO DO?

Should we choose natural building materials that are the most rapidly renewable but aren't, perhaps, as insulating? Or do we choose high-tech materials that use chemicals in their manufacture, but significantly save on energy use over the life of the home? These are questions we all must answer for ourselves. There is no one right answer.

At Sunlight Homes we walk a middle ground using technology where proven and appropriate and natural materials where prudent. Current knowledge and scientific developments arm us with the information needed to accomplish our overall goal—to design the most sustainable homes possible for each individual customer according to their own climate, needs, wishes and building budget.