Green Building 101
FAQ
You have questions? We have low-VOC, energy-efficient answers. If your question isn’t answered below, you can submit questions here.
Where can I find green building products?
As green building becomes more popular more and more sources for green building products are becoming available. On line directories are the most readily available sources. Some recommended sites would be.
What type of qualifications makes a building green?
A green building should be healthy for the environment and the people who occupy it. There are to major authorities who have developed guide lines for the green building process. The National Association of Home Building (NAHB) has divided the green construction process into eight categories.
- Lot design, preparation, and development
- Resource efficiency
- Energy efficiency
- Water efficiency
- Indoor environmental quality
- Operation, maintenance and homeowner education
- Global impact
- Site planning and land development
GreenSeries® caulks, sealants and adhesives directly impact two of these categories, energy efficiency and global impact.
The US Green Building Council has also developed the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system. More information regarding the LEED rating system for commercial and residential building can be found on at www.greenbuildingcouncil.com.
What does VOC mean?
VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compound. VOCs are any organic compound that readily evaporates into the atmosphere at room temperature.
- VOCs contribute to smog and certain health problems
- VOCs often have noticeable odors examples include gasoline, lighter fluid, caulks, sealants and adhesives.
- VOC regulations do no effect non ozone depleting solvents. This is why there are still solvent based VOC compliant products available to the regulated markets..
- California was the first state to implement VOC regulations in 1986. Since then many other states have also imposed their own VOC regulation.
How can I locate a green builder in my area?
Many green builders are listed with their local home builders associations and can be found on the internet. 2 popular associations are:
- NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) www.nari.org
- NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) www.nahb.org
How much more will I have to pay to use green sealants and adhesives?
The average cost should not exceed more than 10% to 15% of a typical non VOC compliant or non green sealant and adhesive normally used on a home. By properly sealing around windows, doors and HVAC ducts this extra cost will quickly be realized in savings on heating and cooling costs.
What makes a building green?
Also known as sustainable building, green building is the design, construction / renovation, operation or reuse of a structure in a ecological and resource efficient manner. Green buildings are designed to reduce the overall environmental impact and improve occupant health and productivity.
What is a “LEED”?
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System® is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. USGBC's members, representing every sector of the building industry, developed and continue to refine LEED. For more information visit the U.S.Green Building Council web site at www.usgbc.org
How can I determine if a material is green or not?
Most products designed for green building will have an independent certification seal such as Energy Star or GreenGuard, others my state on the product label or technical data sheets. Products such as paints, coatings, sealants and adhesives typically list the amount of VOC (volatile organic compound) used. Products containing less than < 2% by weight can be considered “green”.
Is there a difference in performance of green sealants and adhesives vs. conventional solvent based sealants and adhesives?
There are some limitations in the application temperatures and inclement weather conditions for green sealants and adhesives, however performance is not affected. As a matter of fact, many green adhesives are stronger and easier to use than the conventional non green adhesives available.
Why Should I care about green building?
There are many reasons for green building to consider, lower operating costs over the life of the building is one. Studies also reveal that buildings constructed with green building practices can reduce the rate of respiratory disease, allergy, asthma and sick building symptoms improving occupant health. Green building also helps reduce air pollution and reduces landfill waste.