	Plant Milkweed to Help the Monarch Butterfly:Monarch butterfly populations are in steep decline. Planting milkweed, their sole food source, can help bring them back!
	Recycling Tip:Remove Plastic Wrap Labels Many companies are using shrink-wrap plastic labels on their plastic packaging. These labels must be removed before recycling!
	Human-Powered Clothes Washers The Yerigo Drumi and the Laundry POD are two small non-electric washing machines, perfect for off-grid,tiny homes, camping, RVs...anywhere!.
	Low Flow Showerhead Savings Calculator A new online tool from Angie's List makes it easy to see your savings in water and energy when you switch to low flow showerheads.
	Walk for Water 2016 Help those around the world without access to clean water...by walking! Learn more.
	Earth Hour 2016 Join millions around the world this Saturday March 19 from 8:30 to 9:30 pm local time. Lights Out!!
	Orison Plug-and-Play Home Battery: Orison has introduced a simple to use home battery system.
	Arcadia Power Clean Energy: Arcadia Power helps you lower your house, apartment, or business with clean energy in just 5 minutes.
	Niagara Conservation Toilet Tank Bag: An inexpensive, simple way to cut your home's water usage without replacing your toilets.
	Google's Project Sunroof: A new internet tool from Google helps homeowners decide whether solar power is right for their home.
	Composting in the City: A new book shows how to successfully compost in very limited spaces, and with little time!
	The 'Scenic Shores' Custom Home Update: Our Gen1 'Scenic Shores' Custom Home is complete! Its page is updated with lots of beautiful photos of the finished home.
	Solar Paper iPhone Charger:The new Solar Panel Charger by YOLK is the thinnest and fastest smartphone charger ever! As small as an iPhone 6, it will charge a phone in only 2.5 hours in the sun.
	Plant Milkweed to Help the Monarch Butterfly:Monarch butterfly populations are in steep decline. Planting milkweed, their sole food source, can help bring them back!
	Clover in the Lawn:Good or Bad?:Instead of fighting it, leaving clover be in your lawn might be the better idea.
	Portland Creating Energy by Flushing Toilets!: Portland is installing water turbines in its city water pipes, designed by Lucid Energy, to create energy by flushing toilets or turning on faucets.
	Invasive Species: Autumn Olive: The rapid spread of this invasive shrub is crowding out native plants around the country.
	The Tesla PowerWall Home Battery:Tesla is poised to revolutionize home energy just as they've revolutionized the automobile with their new PowerWall battery. PowerWall stores solar energy during the day for use at night.
	The Nerdalize eRadiator Home Server:The eRadiator from Nerdalizer offers cloud computing servers for commercial use, and places them in residential homes to offer free home heating.
	Spring Lawn Care and Snow Mold:Though it looks terrible, dealing with snow mold and other issues is simple with these spring lawncare tips.
	The Luci Inflatable Solar Lantern:MPOWERD's Luci inflatable solar lantern provides reliable light powered by the sun in a portable, inflatable package.
	Tesla Developing a Home Battery:Tesla has developed a home battery system that will begin production in the next few months capable of powering an entire residential home, charged with solar power.
	Rainforest Automation Energy Monitoring:Rainforest Automation energy monitoring products allow users to watch their energy usage in real time, as well as how much money it's costing them.
	The Problem With Plastic Microbeads in Cosmetics:Many cosmetic products contain tiny plastic microbeads. And that's a problem.
	Cree Connected Smart LED BulbCree enters the Smart Home market with their new $15 Connected smart LED light bulb.
	Make Sure Your Next Home is Energy-Efficient:There are some simple steps to take when searching for a new home to ensure it's energy-efficient.
	New Facebook Game 'PowerHouse':PowerHouse, an addictive new game app on Facebook, makes saving energy fun, and just may help you save more energy in the REAL world!
	Monster GreenPower Surge Protectors:Monster GreenPower surge protectors eliminate phantom load power use automatically.
	The 'Chamberland' Custom Home Renovation:Construction is well under way on this extensive home renovation designed by Gen1 Architectural Group of Holland, Michigan.
	Should Solar Panels Face West??Some energy experts are saying that solar panels should face westward rather than south....Why??
	New Vintage LED Light BulbsThese beautiful new LED bulbs recreate the warm glow of vintage incandescent bulbs while using only 5 watts of electricity.
	Renewable Wood EnergyBurning wood for heat can be an environmental mixed-bag, but is typically considered a renewable energy source.
	Kohler Whitehaven Self-Trimming Apron Front SinksThese highly-functional,durable, and beautiful farmhouse style sinks are made from at least 80 % recycled material, and are completely recyclable.
	Big New Climate Change AgreementThe U.S. and China have announced a major new agreement to slash the greenhouse gas emissions of both nations.
	Next Generation Cree LED Light BulbCree introduces its newest LED bulbs, which are super-efficient, long-lasting, affordable, and look just like traditional light bulbs, and are assembled in the USA.
	Stuff We Like: Dirtball Eco-Friendly ClothesDirtball has an entire line of clothes made entirely from 100% recycled materials, and it's all 100% Made in the USA.
	Solarade Portable USB Solar ChargerThis new solar charger is very small and very powerful, allowing you to charge any USB device from anywhere, using only the sun.
	LG Eco-Hybrid Heat Pump Clothes DryerThe new LG Eco-Hybrid Clothes Dryer incorporates heat pump technology to drastically reduce the energy required to dry your clothes!
	New Device Reduces Lawn Mower Pollution by 93%:Students at UC Riverside have created an inexpensive device that effectively reduces pollution by 93% in gas-fueled lawn mowers.
	The Hydros Smart Irrigation Controller:Reduce outdoor water usage by up to 60% with the Hydros Smart Irrigation Control System.
	The UrbMat by UrbnEarth:The UrbMat by UrbnEarth is an all-in-one garden system solution, perfect for first-time gardeners or those with limited gardening space.
	Bonide Garden Naturals:Bonide's Garden Naturals is a full line of natural, organic gardening products to help your garden grow and thrive.
	The Kerflight:The new Kerflight line of lamps,by design studio Graypants, uses recycled corrugated cardboard to create distinctive, reversible shades.
	Archimedes Liam F1 Small Wind Turbine:Archimedes introduces the Liam F1, a small wind turbine that is extremely efficient and virtually silent.
	Emerald Ash Borer:The Emerald Ash Borer is killing tens of millions of ash trees around the country. Find out what you can do to protect your ash trees.
	Energy Star Clothes Dryers:Starting with 2015 models, Energy Star will now certify clothes dryers. New models will be 20% more energy-efficient than the minimum energy standard.
	Dog Waste: Eco-Options:Searching for greener alternatives to throwing out dog waste with the trash.
	Cree T8 LED Linear Lamp The new Cree T8 LED Lamp easily replaces 4-foot fluorescent tube lamps. They are 30% more energy-efficient, and rated for 50,000 hours. Compatible with over 90% of existing ballasts.
	Stuff We Love: S'Well Bottle S'Well Bottles are a wonderful way to replace the throwaway plastic bottle. Insulated to keep liquids hot for 12 hours or cold for 24!!
	Pikolinos ShoesThis Spanish footwear company makes our favorite shoes; find out why!
	Green Gadgets and Other Cool Stuff Visit our newest page where we look at green products that may not be essential, but certainly are fun!
	SnapRay Guide Lights SnapRay Guide Lights provide safe, efficient LED lights wherever you have electrical outlets in your home,without batteries or wiring required.
	Spring Lawn Care and Snow Mold:Though it looks terrible, dealing with snow mold and other issues is simple with these spring lawncare tips.
	Envirolet Composting Toilet Systems Envirolet is an industry-leading manufacturer of composting toilet systems.
	Composting ToiletsComposting Toilets safely, effortlessly, and odorlessly turns our waste into compost without water.
	Electric Lawn Mowers:Mow 'greener' with an electric lawn mower. No exhaust, no pollution, no stink.
	Tesla Motors Tesla is leading the way into a greener, cleaner, electric vehicle future..
	Panasonic WhisperGreen Vent Fan The ultra-quiet WhisperGreen vent fan from Panasonic exceeds Energy Star requirements by 871%.
	SolarCity and Best Buy Team Up to Offer Solar Power to Consumers SolarCity and Best Buy announce an agreement to bring affordable solar power to millions of residential customers.
	Whirlpool Duet High Efficiency Washer Learn more about the Whirlpool Duet washer, which has many features to get your clothes clean while using much less water and energy.
	Flash-and-Batt Insulation Flash-and-Batt Insulation installation combines the best of batt and spray foam insulations into one.
	Philips SlimStyle LED Light Bulb Philips breaks the $10 price point for quality LED bulbs with the distinctive-looking, super-efficient SlimStyle.
	WakaWaka POWER Solar Smartphone Charger The WakaWaka POWER solar smartphone charger will charge smartphones and other devices in only two hours, as well as providing a bright light with 5 different light modes.
	New 100-Watt Equivalent LED BulbsThere are new LED light bulbs coming to market with a brightness equal to a 100 watt incandescent while using up to 80% less energy.
	Simple Winterizing Tips to Save EnergyThere are many simple, inexpensive things you can do to save energy and money this winter.
	Niagara Stealth Ultra High-Efficiency ToiletOur review finds out whether an ultra-efficient toilet is up to the task of real world usage.
	Armstrong Tin Look Ceiling TilesCreate the distinct, detailed look of a tin ceiling with these tiles made from 55% recycled material.
	Energy Star Modems and RoutersNew Energy Star standards for modems and routers aim to reduce energy usage by 25% or more.
	Green on the Go: Reducing Air Travel Air travel is a huge source of climate change gas emissions. Here are a few ways to reduce its impact.
	Green in the News A new Green Home Source page to keep you informed of up-to-date news on environmental issues.
	Big Eco Directory A large database of green blogs and sites around the web.
	Nest Protect Smart Smoke Detector The new Nest Protect smoke detector is a high-tech connected way to keep your family safe.
	CD and DVD Recycling Don't throw out those unwanted discs! There are ways to reuse or recycle them.
	Home Composting Products Make composting at home even easier and faster with these helpful composting products!
	High Sierra Low Flow Shower Head High Sierra low flow shower heads use only 1.5 gpm to save water and energy! All-metal construction and 100% made in the U.S.A.
	Smartphone Energy Usage Keeping your smartphone charged continually can use a great deal of energy. Smarter use of our devices can lower their energy consumption.
	Green on the Go! Our newest column looks at ways to keep your commitment to living a green lifestyle when you're not at home.
	Radiant Barrier Foil Radiant barrier foil is a highly-reflective material that works to block radiant energy from the roof from overheating attic spaces. The result is lower cooling costs.
	Halcyon Mini-Split Heating and Cooling Ductless mini-split systems are perfect for energy-efficient zone heating and cooling or for room additions.
	Steel Framing for Homes There are pros and cons to using steel (or other metal) framing for residential homes.
	Insulated Concrete Forms ICFs, a wall structure made from foam boards and steel-reinforced concrete, provide superior energy-efficiency, soundproofing, safety and strength to any green home.
	Vegetable Garden Basics Vegetable gardens are becoming more popular every year. Here are some garden basics for planning your very own vegetable garden!
	Hwam Freestanding Wood Fireplace Hwam makes a line of freestanding wood fireplaces that allow owners to have the functionality and beauty of an efficient wood fire anywhere.
	Haiku Ceiling Fan The Haiku ceiling fan, made from sustainable bamboo, is Energy Star-rated as the most energy-efficient fan on the market today.
	Stramfit CAFboard: Stramit's CAFboard offers superior wallboard performance in products made from sustainable, all-natural wheat straw.
	When to Replace an Old Refrigerator: Old fridges use much more energy than new more-efficient models, but when is the right time for replacement?
	2nd Chance Reclaimed Wood Company: 2nd Chance Wood Co. is a Michigan based company offering beautiful furniture, flooring, and other products made from wood salvaged from old structures.
	Geothermal Heating and Cooling: Geothermal energy uses the limitless supply of energy located just below our feet rather than polluting fossil fuels to heat and cool a home.
	Green Built Michigan: For Michigan homeowners looking to build green, the Green Build Michigan certification program is the official green building program of the Michigan Association of Home Builders.
	What are Green Building Blocks Anyway?: The Green Home Source Building Blocks were created to help homeowners make the best decisions to save the most amount of energy and money, no matter your budget.
	Green Building Blocks: Lowering Water Usage: Saving water in and around the home is a practical way to save money.
	Green Building Blocks:Moving Up the Wall: We continue to work our way up the Green Building Blocks wall, investigating even more ways to save energy and money.
	Green Building Blocks:Next Steps: Moving up the Green Building Blocks wall, these blocks offer signification energy savings and quicker payback to initial investments.
	Green Building Blocks:The Foundation: These are the building blocks that typically save the most energy and money with the least effort and investment.
	Rainwater Harvesting Systems: Store collected rainwater that falls on your homes' roof or other structure for use in outdoor irrigation. Save water, save money!
	Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs): SIPs are an extremely strong and energy-efficient wall system that can reduce a homes' energy use by up to 50% compared to stick-frame construction.
	Green Home Siting: Simply where and how a home is situated on its site can save a great deal of energy and money; best of all, it's free!
	Blower-Door Test: Conducting a blowerdoor test is one of the best ways a builder can discover whether unwanted air is leaking into a home.
	The Benefits of a Smaller Home: Simply shrinking the size of a home is the best, simplest way to lighten its environmental impacts.
	The Building Blocks of Green: Our Green Building Blocks system will help you plan to get the most 'green' out of your home, no matter how large or small your budget.
	Site Wind Analysis: Determining whether your location has adequate annual wind speeds is an important first step in installing residential wind power.
	Recycled Building Materials: Using recycled building materials in your new green home greatly reduces its environmental footprint.
	Small Wind Turbines: Create clean, green power right at home with a small wind turbine.
	Advantages of Wind Energy: Wind power created right at home has many advantages....and some disadvantages.
	Cost of Wind Energy: Want to get your feet wet and get into wind energy, but are curious about the costs? Find out here.
	Walk for Water Day: Help us supply fresh clean drinking water to all parts of the world during Walk For Water Day.
	Greywater Systems: Greywater is simply another name for wastewater generated by the home; activities like laundry, dishwashing, and washing.
	Low Flow Shower Heads: Bathing is a huge source of water usage in the home; switching to low flow showerheads can cut water usage in the shower by 50% or more.
	How Does Wind Energy Work?: If you have been thinking of moving to a wind energy, be sure to scan this informative article.
	Renewable Building Materials: Most rapidly renewable materials are biodegradable, often low in VOCs, and produced from agricultural crops.
	2x6 Stud Framing: Using 2x6 studs instead of the traditional 2x4's may be better for your green home, and help to make it more energy-efficient.
	Front Load Washer Reviews: Averaged over 400 loads, the energy and money saving potential is enormous for these hi-tech machines.
	Phantom Power Reduction: Electrical devices that use 'standby power' even when turned off can be responsible for up to 10% of a home's total electricity usage.
	LED Light Bulbs: With their superior efficiency and durability,LED/s are about to revolutionize the world of residential lighting.
	Philips L Prize LED Bulb: This is the first winner of the U.S. government's L Prize, with remarkable energy savings.
	CFL Lights - Part 2: Additional information on the CFL that you should be aware of before you switch.
	CFL Lights: Find out about CFL's in this very informative article and find out if they are for you.
	LED Christmas Lights: Check out these LED lights and make your White Christmas much more green and save greeen while you are at it.
	Ford Rouge Factory - Case Study: The living roof at Ford's Rouge Factory Complex is a 10.4 acre garden, planted with sedum.
	Faucet Aerator: This is a quick, simple way to save a significant amount of water, energy, and money in the home.
	Insulation R-Value: Insulation R-Value is a measurement of an insulation's thermal resistance.
	Evacuated Tube Solar Hot Water Collectors: Explore this simple and efficient way to obtain hot water.
	Window Insulation Film: Save up to $20 per window by installing this film over your windows.
	NAHB Green Buidling Standard: Established by the National Home Builders Association, be sure to check out this credible program.
	Green Electricity Suppliers: Renewable energy is quickly becoming a player in the energy supply industry.
	WaterSense: Find out what the WaterSense label is and why you should select WaterSense Labeled fixtures.
	Water Conservation Tips: There are many ways to save water around the house; most are inexpensive or free.
	Water Saving Toiets: Newer, efficient toilets with the WaterSense label are tested and certified to save money and water for consumers.
	Underfloor Insulation: While insulating walls, ceilings, and attic spaces seems like a no-brainer to most people. Another area to consider is the floor.
	Spray Foam Insulation Kits: Kits, such as those from Foam It Green, allow you to add beneficial spray foam insulation to your home by yourself.
	Cotton insulation: Cotton insulation is a high-quality sustainable insulation product made from post-industrial and post-consumer recycled cotton.
	LEED Certification: There are several levels of LEED certification for homes and any LEED home is guaranteed to be an efficient, green home.
	LEED For Homes Certification: LEED certification for a home is the gold standard in environmental design, but at what price?
	Attic Vents - An Overview: Attic vents are an important tool in managing air ventilation through a home's attic.
	Underfloor Heating Information: There are several installation options available for radiant floor heating.
	Energy Star Home Plans: Building a home that meets the Energy Star Rating is a coveted goal - Find out more here.
	Green Home Certification: Learn the steps necessary to achieve various certification levels for a new green home.
	Healthy Home: Creating a healthy home environment for your family entails many different steps.
	Photovoltaic Solar Panels - How They Work: This is how solar panels take the energy from the sun and convert it into usable electrical power for the home.
	Residential Solar Panels: Get free renewable electricity for your home using only the energy of the sun.
	Attic Ventilation: Proper attic ventilation is important in keeping your home comfortable and efficient.
	Home Durability: Keep your green home operating at top efficiency and with minimal maintenance by keeping it durable.
	Net Metering: Find out if your power company will allow you to tie into the power grid and save big.
	Energy Tax Credit - Roofing, Water Heaters, Doors and Windows: There are some great tax credit available for use of these popular construction items.
	Solar Energy Facts: Continuing advancements in solar energy technology is driving down costs and improving efficiencies.
	Energy Tax Credit 2011 Wind Generators: Use a wind generator is a great way to spin your meter backwards and get tax credits as well.
	Solar Hot Water Credit: Solar hot water is one of the most energy efficient systems available. Save even more with a tax credit.
	HVAC Tax Credit: Energy efficient HVAC systems installed during 2011 may qualify for a federal energy tax credit.
	Energy Tax Credit Insulation: Adding insulation to your existing primary residence in 2011 can qualify for up to a $500 tax credit from the Federal Government.
	Window Tax Credit: Replacing your aging windows with new Energy Star windows in 2011 can qualify you for a Tax Credit on your 2011 Federal Taxes.
	Energy Tax Credits: Thinking of Going Green? With these Federal and State tax credits, you may be able to justify upgrading before the credits expire.
	Federal Energy Tax Credit: The Federal government has tax credit programs available for many energy efficient products to make building green more affordable.
	Photovoltaic Shingles: Photovoltaic shingles are smaller solar collectors designed to blend in and look like traditional asphalt shingles, while providing energy for your home.
	Residential Solar Power: Residential solar power is a great way to reduce your home's reliance on polluting, nonrenewable energy sources like coal and oil.
	Brick Veneer: Brick Veneer is a natural product that is mined from the earth as clay, fired and provide a very durable product that used for a home's exterior and interior.
	Green House Plans: A green house plan from Green Home Source is designed to offer a beautiful house that is extremely energy efficient and environmentally sustainable.
	Engineered Wood Products: Engineered wood products offer greater strength and stability than solid wood, and can have a lower environmental impact as well.
	Energy Efficient Doors: Be sure to look for energy efficient doors that also use sustainable materials for your green home.
	Energy Efficient Windows: Energy efficient windows greatly reduce energy usage and costs, and are critical for any green home design.
	Doors and Windows: New Section started on energy efficient doors and windows. Great ideas on selecting the proper door and window elements.
	Radiant Floor Heating Installation: It's important to plan ahead before installing a radiant floor heating system, choosing the right type of system and the right flooring materials.
	Stucco Siding: Stucco has been used for building exteriors for centuries; it is extremely durable while also creating a beautiful exterior for your green home.
	Clay Roof Tiles: For thousands of years, clay roofing tiles have been a attractive and durable roofing material.
	Fiber Cement Siding: Made from all natural materials this is a great eco-friendly siding option for you to consider for your home.
	Building Envelope: The building envelope probably influences your home appearance and durability more than anything. Make the wise choice.
	Metal Roofing Materials: Metal roofs offer a more environmentally-friendly choice for a roofing material.
	Living Roofs: living roofs have several environmental benefits that make them an attractive choice for the ultimate in green home design.
	Asphalt Shingles: New And Exciting Products For Asphalt Shingles That Are Greener Than Ever.
	Green Roof Systems: Explore the Options of Greening Your Home From The Top Down.
	Roofing Systems - Types of Roofs: Explore This Section and Find Out How You Can Green-Up Your Roof.
	About Us: The Green Home Source Team. Our Experience, Our Passion and Our Goals.
	In-Floor Heating Options: Find Out What In-Floor Heating Options Are Available For Your Green Home Project.
	Radiant Heat Flooring: Get The Most Even And Comfortable Heat Available For Any Heating System Today.
	Electric Radiant Heat: An attractive option for those looking for radiant floor heating in new or existing homes.
	Residential HVAC Systems: Probably About The Most Significant System For Green Living and a Healthy Environment.
	LED Light Fixtures: Search For Energy Star Labeled LED Fixtures To Ensure The Best Customer Experience.
	Soy Foam Insulation: Explore The Green Virtues of Spray Foam Insulation With Its Great Insulation Values.
	Skylight Shades: Carefully Control The Amount of Light, Heat and Heat Loss Through Your Skylights.
	Roof Windows: Bring Cooling Ventilation and Exiting Capabilities Into Your Living Spaces.
	Skylight Windows: Skylights Are A Great Way To Bring Natural Lighting To Core Areas And Work Areas.
	Solar Tubes - Skylights: These Little Gems Can Bring a Incredible About Of Light Into Your Interior Spaces.
	How Does Passive Solar Work: Find Out What It Is And How You Can Design A Green Home Smartly And Passively.
	Clerestory Windows: These Are Great Elements To Provide Natural Lighting, Ventilation and Solar Gain To Living Spaces.
	Roof Overhangs: Proper Design of Roof Overhangs Is An Essential Design Element In Green Home Design.
	Cavity Wall Insulation: One of The Best Areas To Use Green Insulation. Find Out About Cavity Wall Insulations.
	Basement Insulation: Make Your Basement Comfortable and Energy Efficient With These Insulation Tips.
	Attic Insulation: What Insulations Should You Use In Your Attic. We Will Give You Direction Here.
	Spray Foam Insulation: Great R Value, Moisture Proof and Gap Filling, Eco-Friendly Insulation.
	Blown Cellulose Insulation: Healthy, Inexpensive and Highly Recycled Product. Great For Attics and Cavity Insulation.
	Rockwool Insulation: A Great Environmentally-Friendly Blown-In Insulation With High Recycled Content and Great R-Values.
	Batt Insulation: By Far The Popular Insulation Product Is Now Greener. Tune Into This Article To Find Out Why.
	House Insulation: Learn All About the Different Insulation Types For Homes, R-Values, Green Aspects And A Lot More.
	Ways To Conserve Water: Learn How To Save One Of Our Most Important Natural Resources With These Easy To Implement Tips.
	Save On Utility Bills: Find Out How To Reduce Your Utility Bills Dramatically - Possibly Down To Zero.
	Resource Efficiency: Learn How To Save Our Precious Natural Resources When Building Your Home With These Great Efficient Tips.
	Recycled Glass Countertops: These Are Some Of The Most Beautiful Countertops You Can Install, Plus They Are Very Eco-Friendly.
	Reclaimed Wood Flooring: If You Are Looking For a Green Alternative To Hardwood Flooring, Look Into This Product.
	Cork Flooring: Cork Is Rapidly Renewable, Recycled, Easy To Care For and Beautiful - Give Cork Flooring A Try.
	Concrete Countertops: Form These Counters In Virtually Any Shape, Color And Size And They Are Eco-Friendly.

Green Building Blocks: Pushing the Envelope

The Building Blocks of Green: Pushing the Envelope

To this point, most of our Green Building Blocks have dealt with construction techniques and products that are typically associated with traditional home building, only with a special focus on achieving a higher degree of efficiency and sustainability. But the state of green architecture is constantly moving forward, challenging old ideas and concepts with new ideas to attain ever-higher levels of energy savings and resource efficiency.

These newer, alternative forms of home construction are pushing the envelope in terms of how efficient a structure can be, and that is one reason why this particular building block is perched up at the top of our Green Building Block wall. Change comes at a price, and pushing the green home envelope isn't cheap. If you are designing a green home, you should first of all focus on the Building Blocks that rank lower on the wall; they'll set the foundation for efficiency and sustainability by being relatively easy to accomplish and less expensive.

21st Century Structural Systems

New homes are almost always built around a traditional stick-built frame. This frame is then covered and filled with insulating materials and wall coverings to close in the interior airspace. Done right, a stick-built home can be an incredibly efficient structure; done wrong, and issues like air and moisture infiltration can lead to higher energy costs and air quality issues.

Some green home builders are turning to newer, time-tested alternative structural systems that replace the stick-built frame and create an incredibly efficient and durable house.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

Foremost among these newer structural systems are SIPs, or Structural Insulated Panels. SIPs consist of an insulating foam core sandwiched between two facings of oriented strand board. Created to be an all-in-one wall or roofing product, SIPs have several distinct advantages over stick-built framing with traditional insulation and facing materials.

First among SIPs advantages is superior energy-efficiency. SIP homes use about half the energy of stick-built homes. A 50% reduction in heating and cooling costs translates to significant cost savings over the life of the home.

SIPs also provide superior protection against air infiltration. Due to the lack of gaps and thermal bridging associated with framed homes, SIPs are 15 times more airtight thanks to the continuous insulation of the SIPs' foam insulating core. SIPs' incredible performance allows a home to stay comfortable year-round with smaller HVAC systems, further driving down energy costs.

SIPs also allow for better control of air ventilation, letting the HVAC system filter indoor air allergens and pollutants, and dehumidifying incoming air. This reduces moisture and mold growth.

In addition to their energy-saving insulating qualities, SIP walls and ceilings are extremely strong structures, ideal for use in areas prone to high, damaging winds.

Other Types of Alternative Structural Systems

While SIPs are the most popular form of newer green structural systems, they're not alone. Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) are also becoming more prevalent as a replacement for stick-built framing and share many of SIPs' qualities.

Deeper Alternatives

Along with SIPs and ICFs, there are other alternative types of structural systems. For those looking to build a home as sustainably as possible using the most natural materials, straw bale and cordwood systems, along with others, offer a variety of home-building options for more adventurous homeowners.

To learn more about SIPs, read our article here.

To return to the Building Blocks of Green main page, click HERE.

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