This issue’s musings from across the drawing board ponders what it means to be green. Kermit the Frog got it right. It’s not easy being green. The word is thrown about so cavalierly that the term is poised to lose its meaning completely. If you are planning a renovation project and want to be green, I will give you advice in only one word. The word is not “plastics” like Mr. McGuire said to Benjamin in the classic film The Graduate starring Dustin Hoffman. (If you have never seen the film, put it on your Netflix queue; it’s worth a viewing.)
The Word Is “Research.”
With the same authority that you inform your designer of the details on your needs for more space, you need to let him know what green means to you. Rather than acquiescing to someone else’s idea of sustainable construction, determine what is most important to you. Here are the broad categories to research:
Materials
A lot of attention is given to sustainable versus non-sustainable materials and products. Before boring into the “greenness” of a particular product, take a step back and think about the overall scope and quantity of all the various materials anticipated with your project. Do an informal Pareto analysis. Vilfredo Pareto reasoned that focusing on 20% of the work would have the advantage of 80% of the results. So, if your project will include a lot of new windows, but only a tiny amount of countertop, improving your knowledge on windows will have significantly more impact than becoming a countertop expert. The majority of the materials for an expansion project will be the structure and insulation for walls, floors, and roofs. If using certified sustainable lumber and non-fiberglass insulation is important to you, these two decisions will have the largest impact over the sum of every decision you make about finishes.
Design
Energy efficiency is commonly understood to be integral to sustainable construction. Space efficiency may be harder to grasp, but has equal if not greater impact. Building small, carefully considered spaces reduces the amount of every material used by large percentages when compared to conventional thinking. Simply by building smaller, the overall impact of a project is reduced proportionally. The key is creating smaller space without sacrificing comfort. We designed a project for a young family who had a small, but poorly laid out house. Rather than adding new space to improve their livability, we showed them how altering the interior circulation and room layout would have dramatic impact. They were able to gain much needed living space without adding a single square foot of new area.
Energy
The holy grail of green building is energy usage. After the whirlwind of construction, what remains is the day-to-day, season-to-season structure and its reliance on energy consumption. In the city we have the infrastructure of utilities. Reducing your dependence on the shared energy grid can have a monthly benefit to your bank account. It will cost more to generate your own energy of course, by adding solar hot water systems or solar voltaic electrical panels, but you can calculate the payback over the years of reduced utility bills. By studying the cost and payback of a variety of options, you will find the right balance between conventional energy consumption and living off the grid completely. Energy efficient products abound for appliances, furnaces, and lighting. You will have many items from which to choose. Your habits can also reduce energy dependence such as unplugging appliances and computers, turning off lights, etc. It all comes back to that one word, “research.”
The Internet is a great place to start your research. On our website for Perkins Architectural, we have a list of useful links which includes links to a variety of helpful websites such as the Energy Trust of Oregon and a U.S. Department of Energy link intended to be helpful to homeowners. You can find them at: www.perkinsarch.com under the “Useful Links” heading.
When you have a concept of what green means to you, design professionals can be instrumental in helping you realize your ambitions. You will know what help you need and will be able to make a better, more informed choice on an architect, designer, or builder. Even though Kermit the Frog said it was not easy being green, I think he would not want to be any other way.
John Perkins AIA is a registered Oregon Architect and Certified Sustainable Building Advisor (CSBA) with more than 30 years experience. His office provides commercial and residential design services and “Invisible Additions.” Perkins can be contacted at 503-287-7468 or visit www.perkinsarch.com.
