Sustainable Design from the Builder's Perspective

A few years ago when we opened 'g' Green Design Center on Cape Cod (now in 4 locations including Metro Boston – South Shore), there was a fair amount of pushback from builder’s who arguably had a right to let us know that they knew how to build.  All true.  What we have all learned however since that time is that there are new, improved methods of construction that don’t need to encumber the building process, and that certainly add value to the customer experience and final product.  Many innovations, simplifications, materials and approaches have emerged under the umbrella of green building that advance our ability to build tighter, more energy efficient home while not overly complicating the tried and true methods.

It is the smart builder of today who has educated himself and availed himself and his staff of the new materials which helps in setting their company apart in the marketplace as knowledgeable, cutting edge, consumer-minded, responsible and up-to-date.  So what are the brass tacks of what you need to know…

We are all learning, through the introduction of new building codes, that homes need to be built tighter and must earn a targeted energy efficient rating.  The moving target is the materials needed to reach that goal – do you used closed or open cell foam, rigid foam boards, batting for insulation in the walls or blow in cellulose? 

Its hard to know all the answers, and even more difficult to be an expert in every aspect of building, especially as construction becomes more of a science each day.  Sustainable building is really smart building, making reasoned choices by knowing who to turn to for input and materials, and putting new technology to work for your client.  Resources such as energy assessors, renewable energy and insulation contractors who are working with the latest and most effective products, are available and should be sought out.  Getting to know and understand how to select good quality materials that are NAUF (no added urea formaldehyde), FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, made of reclaimed and recycled materials, is a laudable goal, that can be aided by specialized centers, such a 'g' Green Design Center, who focus 100% of their resources on providing expert information in this emerging field. 

Don’t be fooled by companies who promise LEED points to think you are building green.  These types of marketing come-ons are a prime example of green washing and should be avoided.  No material can give you LEED points, its how and where they are used.  Materials can contribute to LEED points that are achieved on the project to get you towards certification, but materials do not have inherent points assigned to them and available from the manufacturers.  It doesn’t work that way.  Similarly products that are GreenGuard-certified, for example, have only passed one small air quality test and the designation is not the be-all-end-all to define a “green” product.  “Green” is not a band-aid which is applied to cover up a host of interior problems and suddenly make a home better built.  Green or sustainable building must include all the tenets of careful construction, a well-constructed building envelope coupled with a right-sized heating and cooling system, natural light, as little disturbance to the building site, and healthy and eco-minded materials for the finishes.

Sustainable design is not a design style, but rather a building approach.  As the next phase of requirements comes into play for retaining a contractor’s license, it will be the smart builder who looks into learning about energy approaches, new ventilation ideas, and smart, responsible materials.  Its not brain surgery but it is complex.  Fortunately, knowledgeable professionals are available all around to make this journey manageable and inspiring.  We can all look forward to reaping the benefits of these new ideas and approaches with safer, more comfortable and longer-lasting buildings.


For more information or to make an appointment to sit with one of our energy advisors or green building designers, please give us a call at 508-477-7798, or visit us on line at 'g' Green Design Center