sustainable design: what does it mean to be green?

A green home is a healthy home. A green home is heated and cooled as efficiently as possible. A green home is filled with natural light that warms as well as lights the house. A green home is built with rapidly renewable materials, materials with recycled content, healthy materials. A green home is powered and/or heated by renewable energy. A green home has a tight envelope limits air infiltration and is, perhaps mechanically ventilated. A green home is made of building materials salvaged, both from on site and other construction sites. A green home is made of durable materials that will last for years to come.


The point is, there are many ways to 'green' your home. There are many opportunities to save money, energy costs and conserve water by choosing products that are as efficient as possible. There is no one definition for a green home. Many existing homes can be greened simply by reusing what is there. Planning an addition? Consider reusing existing concrete foundation walls or slabs on grade. This will not only save time and money but reusing existing building materials already on site conserves energy since the product doesn't have to be shipped to the site.

A+E Architects, Inc.
15 Cape Lane
Brewster, MA 02631
508.896.0051
www.capecoddesigner.com