Sustainable Living involves many different attributes. As you'll see in this exhibit, one way to break it down is by "green building" -- with how we construct, remodel and maintain a space -- and "green living" -- with day-to-day choices in how we fill our spaces, eat, clean, move, and operate around our lives.
What We Mean by Green Building
"Green building" often means different things to different folks. In truth, green building and living combine and optimize all of the following features. By choosing green building products, you can make a difference without thinking about it day-to-day. But it's important not to "let the perfect be the enemy of the good", and recognize regular incremental changes can be powerful.
What We Mean by Green Building
"Green building" often means different things to different folks. In truth, green building and living combine and optimize all of the following features. By choosing green building products, you can make a difference without thinking about it day-to-day. But it's important not to "let the perfect be the enemy of the good", and recognize regular incremental changes can be powerful.
- A building should use as little energy as needed without compromising modern needs. In other words, we want to shrink your Energy Demand pie.
- Fossil fuels are getting harder to come by and at greater expense. They are a core element of inflation and its users are vulnerable to geopolitical instability. The less we all need, the safer and more secure we'll all be. As much of the energy you use should come from safe, clean, renewable sources like solar and wind. In other words, we want to fill your Energy Demand pie with green supply. And if that pie is smaller, it'll be easier to fill.
- Water is the most precious chemical on Earth; only 1% of it is potable and more is disappearing with vanishing glaciers, lakes, and reservoirs. Most foods we eat can't grow without water. So we want to be light on our water consumption, and we want the water we use to be healthy and safe.
- Materials in your space should foster healthy occupants and a safe future. This means avoiding toxic and dangerous chemicals.
- The materials used should be light on our Earth -- sourced from sustainable suppliers; minimize embodied energy (the amount of energy it takes to grow, harvest, mine, manufacture, process, ship, use, maintain, and dispose of any product) and water use; and be able to avoid the creation of waste in their manufacture and end-of-life (reuse or recycle them).
Here are some highlights you might have seen in this exhibit, a few ideas, and links for lots more information and resources...
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The floor you're walking on is made from cork -- a type of oak tree from Portugal. Each tree could be 200+ years old, yet every 9 years harvesters can trim the bark to produce cork materials, including wine bottle stoppers, wallets, paneling, and flooring. So, it's rapidly renewable, very climate friendly, and--because it's composed 80% of air -- it absorbs energy and sound, making it comfortable, quiet, and warm. Cork is naturally antibiotic and liquid repellent. And many manufacturers make it with chemically-friendly adhesives and finishes to keep it healthy and people friendly. This particular cork avoids the use of PVC chemicals and is extremely water resistent & durable.
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We need healthy forests for food to eat, water to drink, clean air to breathe, biodiversity to stabilize ecosystems, capture carbon, support medicinal research … and many more critical reasons.
When shopping for wood products, look for the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) for responsibly managed and harvested wood products. Or, better yet, if your project allows for it, look for reclaimed wood materials. The wood countertop you see is a locally downed tree, saved from the chipper. These "live edge" surfaces are popular for counters, desks, bartops, mantles, shelving, furniture and other wonderful projects. Reclaimed wood flooring made from old barns, warehouses, and fencing are also popular. And, if they're local, that's more climate friendly and benefit your local economy. |
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Water is our planet's most precious chemical, and climate change is diminishing reserves. Our farms can't grow our foods without it. When shopping for plumbing fixtures (toilets, faucets, shower fixtures, etc), choose models that use less water – and the energy to heat that water. Some fixtures use technologies so well, you’ll never feel the difference! Also, choose high-efficiency water heaters.
Look for the WaterSense label on plumbing fixtures and lawn sprinklers. |
Paints, stains, glues, sealers, flooring, fixtures, cleaners ... and many other products can be sources of chemicals that can harm our bodies, such as VOCs, solvents, glycols, urea formaldehyde, phthalates, and perfumes. The exposure risks can include short-term trigger effects like breathing issues, irritated eyes and glands, sore throats, and rashes; and it can include longer-term risks of cancer, respiratory diseases, and other ailments.
Although it's often thought of being rare, in fact MANY people are quite chemically sensitive. Look for items that avoid these chemicals. Because of the way such chemicals are regulated, it can be quite complicated. If you have questions, ask experts who have experience working with materials and sensitive populations. While no certification system or label is all-encompassing, leading resources include The Red List from the International Living Future Institute, The WELL Building Institute, Environmental Working Group, CRI Green Label for carpeting, SCS Floor Score for some hard surface flooring, and SCS IAQ Certification.
Although it's often thought of being rare, in fact MANY people are quite chemically sensitive. Look for items that avoid these chemicals. Because of the way such chemicals are regulated, it can be quite complicated. If you have questions, ask experts who have experience working with materials and sensitive populations. While no certification system or label is all-encompassing, leading resources include The Red List from the International Living Future Institute, The WELL Building Institute, Environmental Working Group, CRI Green Label for carpeting, SCS Floor Score for some hard surface flooring, and SCS IAQ Certification.
You're probably familiar with the "3 R's" -- reduce, reuse, and recycle. Our landfills are running out of space, they leach chemicals, pollute soils and waterways. Our oceans are famously choked by plastics and toxic chemicals. We need to reduce all kinds of waste! And the 3 R's can provide innovative ways of also helping neighbors, other local businesses, and others who see treasure.
The refrigerator you see here was donated from another remodeling project. This model is still Energy Star-rated and will be a welcome addition for someone who can use an upgrade. Reuse stores that specialize in receiving donations, reselling building materials, and providing training and "green collar jobs" exist all over the US. Locally, in the DC and Baltimore region, we have Community Forklift, Habitat for Humanity Restore, The Loading Dock, and Second Chance among leading resources.
Before pitching a building product you're done with, check to see if they can use them (you might even get a tax deduction). Before buying something new, you might see if they have something you can use.
The refrigerator you see here was donated from another remodeling project. This model is still Energy Star-rated and will be a welcome addition for someone who can use an upgrade. Reuse stores that specialize in receiving donations, reselling building materials, and providing training and "green collar jobs" exist all over the US. Locally, in the DC and Baltimore region, we have Community Forklift, Habitat for Humanity Restore, The Loading Dock, and Second Chance among leading resources.
Before pitching a building product you're done with, check to see if they can use them (you might even get a tax deduction). Before buying something new, you might see if they have something you can use.
We've heard about energy efficiency for eons, and it's never been more important. It makes us more comfortable. It shrinks our utility bills. It keeps air cleaner. It reduces the need to burn energy. There are many strategies for achieving a more energy smart building, but in general it involves: (1) a tight wall assembly of good insulation, air sealing, strong windows and doors; (2) using efficient appliances and electronics; and (3) use LED lighting. There are many good resources to learn and do more, including Energy Star, Passive House Institute, DOE Energy Saver, National Fenestration Rating Council, and the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency.
Also don't forget "grandma's old rules" still apply -- don't stand in front of the open fridge; don't keep the door open if the AC or heat are on; and don't keep lights and electronics on when someone's not around.
Renewable energy sources -- especially wind and solar -- have been all the buzz for over a decade. And, in truth, they are more affordable and accessible than ever in most of the US. They are often cheaper than "standard fossil" electricity sources. Search for local solar contractors in your area to install on your space; ask your local utility or state utility regulator about choosing suppliers that feed green energy into the grid on your behalf (such in Maryland, DC, and Virginia), and check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency. One great strategy is install solar panels on your building (or community solar if you can't) to serve as a "baseload", then choose a green power option through your utility to cover the rest of your electric demand.
Also don't forget "grandma's old rules" still apply -- don't stand in front of the open fridge; don't keep the door open if the AC or heat are on; and don't keep lights and electronics on when someone's not around.
Renewable energy sources -- especially wind and solar -- have been all the buzz for over a decade. And, in truth, they are more affordable and accessible than ever in most of the US. They are often cheaper than "standard fossil" electricity sources. Search for local solar contractors in your area to install on your space; ask your local utility or state utility regulator about choosing suppliers that feed green energy into the grid on your behalf (such in Maryland, DC, and Virginia), and check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency. One great strategy is install solar panels on your building (or community solar if you can't) to serve as a "baseload", then choose a green power option through your utility to cover the rest of your electric demand.
We hope you've found these ideas and resources helpful on our collective journey to a more sustainable, safer, more secure future.