Building Green
![Building Green (Herndon Construction Inc.)](http://herndonconstruction.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Building-Green-Herndon-Construction-Inc..png)
What is a Green Home?
A green home is built or renovated using a holistic approach to design that reduces energy consumption, neutralizes the negative impact buildings have on the environment, and provides a healthier indoor atmosphere for your family. Looking at a green home side-by-side with a standard built home, you probably couldn’t tell which one was green because “green” is not a style, like “Contemporary” or “Craftsman.”
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Use Less Energy, Pay Less For Utilities
Thoughtful green home innovations include environmentally-friendly insulations, an orientation towards light, emphasis on air circulation, and the use of energy efficient appliances and lighting. Green homeowners use less energy and pay less for utilities, enjoy a healthy indoor atmosphere and a satisfaction that comes from knowing they’re helping the environment.
Specific Strategies Typically Used in Green Homes
![Icon – Thermally Efficient Roofs, Walls, and Windows](http://herndonconstruction.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Icon-Thermally-Efficient-Roofs-Walls-and-Windows.png)
Thermally efficient roofs, walls, and windows that reduce heating loads and enhance thermal comfort.
![Icon – Building Shape and Orientation](http://herndonconstruction.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Icon-Building-Shape-and-Orientation.png)
Building shape and orientation, thermal mass, and daylighting strategies that reduce cooling loads.
![Icon – Significantly Smaller HVAC Systems](http://herndonconstruction.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Icon-Significantly-Smaller-HVAC-Systems.png)
Significantly smaller HVAC systems and efficient electrical lighting strategies that capitalize on daylighting.
![Icon – Water Efficient Supply](http://herndonconstruction.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Icon-Water-Efficient-Supply.png)
Water efficient supply and waste fixtures.
![Icon – Adaptable Interior Design](http://herndonconstruction.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Icon-Adaptable-Interior-Design.png)
Adaptable interior designs, providing visual access to the outdoors, and access to daylight.
![Icon – Interior Finishes](http://herndonconstruction.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Icon-Interior-Finishes.png)
Interior finishes and installation methods that have lower VOC emissions.
![Icon – Landscaping Strategies](http://herndonconstruction.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Icon-Landscaping-Strategies.png)
Landscaping strategies that require little or no irrigation, permit groundwater replenishment, and provide on-site stormwater management.
![Icon – Siting to Minimize Stress](http://herndonconstruction.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Icon-Siting-to-Minimize-Stress.png)
Siting to minimize stress on natural systems either by building on previously contaminated sites or avoiding ecologically sensitive areas.
Did You Know?
- The average heating and air ductwork has a 30% loss of rated air flow (research by TX/OK utilities, cities and universities).
- Random air leakage can cause up to 40% of a homes energy loss.
- Windows can be as much as 46% of a homes energy loss.
- According to U.S Department of Energy installing Low E windows instead of double pane clear can reduce a 5 ton cooling load to 3.5 tons.
- Most windows are not installed properly.