Have you noticed the increased attention in Green? Actually, the term Green is going away, so we are hearing Sustainable, Durable, Eco Friendly. The terms being used change everyday.
The attention has increased in these topics along with increased desire for Home Owners and Consumers to learn about them. Just like many other things, often times we go to the internet to learn about them. You can search Sustainable Building Design and you get 1.1 Million results.
Out of those 1.1 M results, how many of them are from YOUR area? Not searching local could potentially make you hanging your Benjamins out to dry.
This is something that we as consumers really need to start thinking about. Is the article relating to cost? How about a construction technique?
The way I'll explain it all is this, for example:
You are reading an article on Windows. It is jam packed with EXCELLENT information! However, the article is regarding a line of windows some primarily in the Northern parts of the United States. Did you know that the windows sold up North are different than the ones sold down here in Houston and other Southern States?
The Low E coating is on a completely different window facing that ALLOWS the Heat to enter the home to help warm it up during the Winter. Where down in Houston we look at the Low E coating AND the Solar Heat Guard Rating to NOT ALLOW the heat through, that would be AWFUL during the summer.
Well, this article has nothing to do with windows. It has to do with this. If the point of reading the article is to know what questions to ask a local contractor and preparing yourself for a LARGE investment such as new windows, you may be getting the completely wrong information depending what area you reside.
This goes with so many topics in the Sustainable and Green Building world. Another one for example is Green Roofs. They are excellent in many parts of the world, but down South in a Hot and Humid Climate? Not so much. It can be quite the opposite if it is not designed properly because we have SO much Humidity and Rain down here. It could potentially cause quite a mold and mildew problem in the Home/Building.
So if you are searching the internet for information on Sustainable Building Practices, make sure you search local. Here are a couple of things to consider trying when doing an internet search:
- Windows for example: Try searching- 'Energy Efficient Windows Houston' or 'Double Pane Window Ratings Houston'
- Check out the International Energy Code Council Climate Zone Map to find out what your climate is considered. Click to your State and find out the Details. Houston for example is Hot and Humid. We have to worry about potential mold and mildew, Solar Heat Gain, etc.
- If you are reading some fantastic information on products not in your area, contact the person writing and find out if they know an expert closer to you.
- Use some other .gov or .org sites to assist in finding a local expert. For example, Department of Energy, Energy Star, US Green Building Council or your local Builders Association.
Retrofitting your home or building New can be an enormous investment, just make sure that you have the right information before making your decisions. Improper Building Techniques for your area can make the entire 'Home System' FAIL in the future. Sustainable Homes are TRULY Regional for the benefit and comfort of the Homeowner.
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