So you’ve finally decided to build that addition, or maybe a completely new home. You’ve heard all about the new green building products , but is it possible to build a room completely green? The seed has been planted; let’s see if it can be nurtured to grow up into your new addition.
Begin with the foundation . Choose products such as concrete with coal fly ash, a waste product that has been put to useful purpose, eliminating landfill waste. Choose biodegradable, non-petroleum alternatives to traditional concrete form release agents which are high in VOCs and which seep into the soil.
Walls can be built with steel construction, or out of Enviro Board . Enviro Board, a product made out of completely recyclable agricultural waste products, can be used for interior or exterior walls, roofs, ceilings, or insulation.
Standard fiberglass insulation is full of harmful particles. Inno-Therm is made from recycled cotton and denim and contains no melamine or phenolic resins typically found in fiberglass insulation. Another option is Cocoon insulation which is made out of 80% recovered, post-consumer paper fiber.
Safecoat Paints are one line of paints and primers that completely eliminate harmful heavy metals and formaldehyde preservatives found in typical paint.
There are many green flooring options including linoleum, cement, bamboo, wood, and natural stone. Choose low-energy lighting fixtures, and make the most of whatever natural lighting you have through a skylight ...
Read the full article in the CalFinder Remodeling and Home Solar Power Magazine
