Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Green Building?
Green building is an approach to construction that can be applied to public and commercial buildings as well as the houses we live in. It guides every step of design and construction, from choosing a building site to installing a heating system. Green building is alternately described as "sustainable" building, and ultimately this may be a more accurate way of looking at it. Green buildings are as varied as the people who live in them. There is no single template for a green house. But even though green houses may look different from the outside, their designs are based on four broad principles: Energy Efficiency, Conservation of Resources, Healthier Indoor Air Quality and Environmental Responsibility.
2. Do green houses cost more to build than regular houses?
Green is often less expensive when all things are considered. Sustainable building often seems more expensive than conventional building. Many of the building materials that make houses more durable and easier to heat and cool aren't cheap. But savings can come in other ways. Spending more money for durable materials is cheaper in the long run because they won't have to be replaced as often. Similarly, upgrading to more energy efficient features may add to the construction costs initially, but could drastically reduce the costs of heating and cooling the home. Considering life-cycle costs, rather than focusing solely on initial costs, can yield some surprising results.
3. What makes our homes "green"?
In partnership with Redding Electric Utility's Earth Advantage program, our homes are designed in order to use energy more wisely, provide healthier indoor air and conserve natural resources. Upon completion, our homes are tested to assure that they exceed the energy efficiency standards for new construction by at least 20%. For more information on Earth Advantage Homes, click here.
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