Difference between revisions of "Which Environmentally Sound Products Should Be Considered"
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4) '''Daylighting''': daylighting is important to consider as a way to reduce energy use of lighting. | 4) '''Daylighting''': daylighting is important to consider as a way to reduce energy use of lighting. | ||
| − | 5) '''Lights''': Use compact | + | 5) '''Lights''': Use compact fluorescent bulbs. Although these bulbs cost more they last significantly longer and use much less energy. A typical 60 watt fluorescent will put out the same light as a 60 watt standard buld but only uses 16 watts of power to do it (instead of 60). ''Those bulbs should not be thrown away with normal garbage: they should be collected separatly''. |
| + | LED's are also coming into the spotlight. These last significantly longer and typically use less energy than even the fluorescents but are more expensive. | ||
6) '''Windows''': | 6) '''Windows''': | ||
Revision as of 12:09, 23 April 2007
1) Wood products: Select wood that comes from sustainably harvested trees and is certified by FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). This wood has gone through a rigorous set of steps to ensure that it meets high standards for sustainable harvesting. Also consider using recycled/reclaimed wood. Many firms are reclaiming wood from old barns/houses. Once the wood is run back through a mill it looks brand new, with the exception of a few telltale nail holes...There is a premium cost for these products, however, one must weigh the consequences of the actions of buying products from companies that are not being good stewards of the land. While the short-term benefit may save you some money the long-term negatives of unsustainable forest practices affect all of us not to mention the ecosystem and wildlife as a whole.
2) Insulation: Look for insulation with high recycled content and minimal or no use of formaldahyde. Cotton & cellulose insulation are very high in recycled content (90+%), very safe to handle and do not use formaldahyde. However, they do use some fire retardents (the MSDS sheets & companies indicate they are safe and no special handling is required other than a dust mask). Rockwool (Mineral Wool) has a significant amount of recycled content (40+%) but does use some formaldahyde. However, one of the companies (Roxul) that make this product indicate that there are very minimal volatile gases that come off the finished product since it is "cured" at the factory. To back this up they have received the "greenseal" approval rating for indoor air quality. In addition, Roxul has a good environmental history and has been working for the past 6 years to track and reduce use of chemicals and greenhouse gases throughout their company (specific details and tracking information is available on their website). If you want to stick with fiberglass look to Johns Manville, although they dont have the best environmental track record, they do offer a product with 20% recycled content and no formaldahyde binders.
3) Insulation: Insulate your house well to reduce the amount of energy you need to heat. If possible install R-40 in the ceilings and R-20 in the walls. While it may be more expensive up front the benefits will last for as long as you own the house. As utility rates continue to rise the additional insulation will more than pay for itself.
4) Daylighting: daylighting is important to consider as a way to reduce energy use of lighting.
5) Lights: Use compact fluorescent bulbs. Although these bulbs cost more they last significantly longer and use much less energy. A typical 60 watt fluorescent will put out the same light as a 60 watt standard buld but only uses 16 watts of power to do it (instead of 60). Those bulbs should not be thrown away with normal garbage: they should be collected separatly. LED's are also coming into the spotlight. These last significantly longer and typically use less energy than even the fluorescents but are more expensive.
6) Windows:
