Building green is about building better. It involves selecting the best of renewable resources, energy efficiency, conservation, sustainability…and simplicity. The biggest enemy of accomplishing these is habit. “The way we always do it” is hardly ever changed because “that’s the way we’ve always done it”.
But in the first HBA Habitat Green Verified house it was decided to save $6.00 here and there and still accomplish the five things in the above list. How? It was decided to leave out unneeded headers over interior doors. These headers have no structural value since there is no roof load transferred to them. Besides, code does not require them. Some house designs could have places where interior walls might need these headers, but not this house. The only problem is remembering to leave the headers out since it’s “not the way we’ve always done it”.
Look at the result of this kind of smart green building. If you save $6.00 times 15 doors, that is $90.00, plus nails, time and sawdust. Some might think about the trees saved, which is always good, but let’s look at it another way. What if we took the savings and invested in “real” bath exhaust fans. Yes, they make two kinds! The good kind actually removes the hidden enemy, moisture. The other kind basically just makes noise. Removing moisture could even be better than saving a tree.
The savings on un-needed headers can easily pay for this smart green idea of “real exhaust fans” which will result in a lifetime of savings. It is a win-win situation for the builder and future homeowner alike. Moisture is an issue in all houses, and as houses become more air tight and efficient, mold can be more easily supported. Exhausting excess moisture from the bath not only helps prevent this possibility, it also makes the air conditioner’s job easier.
The two HBA Habitat Green Verified projects are full of these types of energy-efficient utilizations. Green designs don’t have to cost more and are a much better value for everyone in the end.
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In January 2011, the HBA of Greater Springfield announced it would partner with Habitat for Humanity of Springfield to build the first two homes in Habitat’s new Builders Circle development. The homes will be certified to the National Green Building Standard and their construction will serve as a demonstration of flexible and affordable methods by which construction professionals can build green in a residential setting.
Jim Baker (B&G Drafting) is a Certified Green Professional (CGP), a HERS Rater, and a certified NAHB Green Building Verifier. He also helped design these and other green-built homes throughout the area. This Builders Circle Project Blog helps keep HBA industry professionals and curious consumers up to date on the latest green building features being incorporated into the project. The blog also provides updates on the project’s latest progress and upcoming needs. Those who would like to help with the project are encouraged to leave their comments at the end of blog posts, or on the project’s facebook page, to offer your assistance.
Jim D. Baker, B and G Drafting – HERS Rater and NAHB Verifier on this project.