Green Design

I recently heard a green focused interior designer talk about undertaking an environmentally based renovation. Her planning points and choice of materials were well covered. E.g. SFC lumber, low VOC paint, no formaldehyde furniture etc. These are all important considerations.

However, a total project that is sustainable must incorporate LEED based principles that go beyond just material selection:
Plan using the 4 R’s – the real work is to take inventory of what can be reused, modified or given away, and make only changes that are sustainable.
What to do about the waste on the tear out? Call the dumpster and have it go to Michigan? Or, do you plan for an on-site sorting, with the materials going to the local recycling centre – metals, drywall, wood, packaging, appliances etc.
What energy savings devises or methods does the contractor employ? E.g. modern tools, sealing up cracks and openings to cut heat loss when under construction, insulating areas that are not planned – because it is the right thing to do.
Does the contractor plan carefully for material usage so that there is minimal waste and minimal property damage?
Are you saving any money and time by the selections you make – long term energy use, your maintenance time?


Remember that a sustainable project has 5 steps:
Energy Audit
Building inspection
Planning / design
Doing the construction.
Collecting the rebates.