March 2008

Wood floors, especially those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, are a greener choice than carpeting, which is treated with a variety of chemicals that can emit harmful fumes.

Fifteen years ago, three of Andrew Pace’s Safe Building Solutions employees were admitted to the hospital due to inhalation problems after working on a job site.

"When you have a problem like that and your own employees are starting to suffer, you have to wonder what’s happening to the occupants of the home," Pace says.

That incident triggered an epiphany for Pace, the company’s founder. The next big thing the company needed to tackle was green building. "Our mission would be to supply the highest quality products that are the least harmful to the environment," Pace says.

Pace’s company was far ahead of the curve, but these days green building is really booming: The value of green building construction was expected to exceed $12 billion in 2007, according to the U.S. Green Building Council, citing McGraw-Hill Construction Analytics.

Want to go green? Check out the top 10 ways local experts say homeowners can incorporate green aspects into their home, and maybe, save a little green along the way.

1. A model idea

This is an easy one — which is less wasteful? Building an entirely new home or remodeling an existing one? If you guessed the latter option, you’re right. "Even a total remodel of a home will save a large percentage of raw materials," Pace points out. With the current housing market, more homeowners than ever are opting to remodel.

2. Pick a color, any color

No one likes the smell of stinky paint — not to mention, paint fumes are harmful to our health. Regular paint contains volatile organic compounds — known as VOCs — or toxic compounds that can be released into the air for years after application. So opt for a natural, toxin-free, zero VOC, or low VOC paint.

Energy Star-qualified appliances reduce energy and water use, which save consumers money on their energy costs.

Pace recommends AFM Safecoat paint, a toxin-free and doctor-recommended paint. "This company has been working with chemically sensitive individuals for 20, 30 years now," he says.

3. Magic carpet ride

Quite possibly one of the worst offenders in building materials is carpet, according to Pace: "Ninety-nine percent of all carpet sold is very dangerous to the occupants."

Carpeting is treated with a variety of chemicals, which can emit harmful fumes.

Sue Loomans, special projects coordinator at the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance, recommends the Web site www.greenfloors.com or the brand Nature’s Carpet, made entirely from wool, a renewable resource. Or try the ultra-fashionable FLOR brand, modular carpet squares made out of nylon, hemp, wool and partially recycled materials — plus it’s low-VOC.

4. Warming trend

"Harness the sun’s power to heat your water," says Loomans. She recommends Hot Water Products, a company that peddles the Eagle Sun Solar Hot Water System. The company claims it’s the only household appliance that will pay for itself several times during its useful life.

Try radiant heating, which not only leaves floors (and toes) toasty, but is far more energy efficient than a standard vent heating system.

"As soon as the (vent) heat turns off, it’s cold again. Radiant heat heats the floor on up. It’s much more comfortable, and your feet don’t get cold," says Pace.

5. Put this on paper

Ever wonder what happens to that old decommissioned traffic light, windshield or plate glass window? Why, some of those items are used to make lovely Vetrazzo recycled-glass countertops. Not only is the glass 100 percent recycled, these countertops are oh-so-chic.

Paper might not seem like the most durable material for a kitchen countertop, but Richlite’s countertops are durable, stain-resistant and sanitary. These countertops are made from recycled paper and pulp derived from certified managed forests in North America.

6. Wood you rather?

If you opt to purchase wood, make sure it’s certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. This certification means that the timber has been harvested in a way that protects the forest in the long run and doesn’t significantly contribute to deforestation.

One company that’s FSC-certified is EcoTimber Flooring. This hardwood flooring is also manufactured with finishes that won’t "off-gas harmful chemicals."

7. Star of the show

Both Loomans and Pace agree on Energy Star-qualified products’ inherent benefits.

"These units will cost more; there’s no doubt about it. But they pay for themselves in what they save you in energy costs," says Pace. He says Bosch, Wolf and Sub-Zero are dependable brands.

GE’s Energy Star appliances are also quite impressive: refrigerators are at least 15 percent more efficient than non-Energy Star models; dishwashers have a large capacity to reduce energy and water usage; and GE’s frontload washers exceed the U.S. Department of Energy’s standards by up to 60 percent.

8. Windows of the world

Windows are probably the most ubiquitous energy-efficient update that comes to the minds of homeowners. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends, "If you’re constructing a new home or doing some major remodeling, you should also take advantage of the opportunity to incorporate your window design and selection as an integral part of your whole-house design — an approach for building an energy-efficient home."

Of course, if you’re just installing new windows for energy efficiency, that works too. And FYI: Certain windows are also Energy Star-qualified.

9. Go With the flow

One of the easiest ways to be green and reduce water usage in your household is a new shower head and this option is relatively inexpensive. Plus you save on your water bill. "A simple low-flow shower head can save 30–70 percent on water when showering," says Pace.

10. Think before you buy

As the saying goes, "I learned at my mother’s knee if you buy cheap, you buy twice." This is a no-brainer: if at all possible, avoid purchasing a lower-quality item; it’s more likely to wear out sooner than a higher-quality one (within reason). Become a more vigilant consumer for your home.

"I’m a big believer if you’re going to buy something substantial, buy something that’s going to last a long time. You’ve now saved one more thing from being tossed in a landfill," says Pace.