To Bluestem Construction, green building is simple – reduce or eliminate the negative impacts to our environment that come from building and living in our homes. There is no perfect solution, particularly in remodeling, but we strive to find the best practice available.
Green building can come in any style and suit any taste – it is simply an approach to building that considers environmental factors in the planning and decision-making.
So what factors should we consider?
Reduce Energy Use
This is the first place we make improvements. It is direct (reducing greenhouse gases) and has the biggest possibility for quick payback to the homeowner, in financial savings and increased comfort. Starting with the design, we examine how much room to add (if we are planning an addition), and how we can maximize natural lighting and reduce heating and cooling demand. As we plan the build, we will examine what building systems deliver the best energy performance and what technology makes sense for lighting, heating and cooling. As we source materials we strive to find materials with low manufacturing and transport energy footprints. Through better building science, improved technology and careful sourcing of materials we can dramatically reduce both the daily energy use and the energy it takes to produce your home.Recycle, re-use, reduce waste
Remodeling is the best recycling a homeowner can do. By re-using an existing home, in an existing neighborhood, we reduce the need to take up new land, build new roads, and create new municipal facilities and infrastructure. We always look for items that are easily salvageable. Some fixtures, doors and windows can be donated. Some structural elements, such as lumber or steel can be kept for a second purpose. Concrete rubble is easily recycled. Metals are taken for recycling. We avoid throwing away cardboard shipping boxes. Cardboard often gets a second use as floor protection, before being recycled. Any homeowner can choose to go further. Talk to us about how to salvage more of the building materials taken from your home.Build for longevity
Our homes should not be a disposable commodity. Buildings that are built to last save resources. Well-designed spaces meet occupants’ living needs for years. Quality materials with timeless appeal hold up and do not need to be replaced as often. Good detailing helps ensure that the home will remain structurally sound decade after decade.Material choice
Choosing “green” materials is probably the most complicated part of the green building equation. For example:- Sustainably harvested timber that is shipped from across the globe offsets good forestry practice with extra energy use.
- High efficiency insulation products may come from petroleum.
- Sheet goods that use small trees instead of old growth may use many different chemicals in the adhesives.
