Green Built Michigan Signs 100th Builder Member

Green Built Michigan reached a milestone this week when it announced the signing of its 100th builder member.  The program is designed to bring more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly homes to Michigan by providing a baseline for practical green building approaches for local builders.  The statewide initiative has already certified 85 homes under the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines.

“To have 100 builders on board is a great achievement, but more importantly it’s a testament to the changing culture of sustainable construction across the state of Michigan,” said Chris Hall, executive director of Green Built Michigan.  “With the support of numerous partner organizations, we’re excited to see builders implementing sustainable practices and leveraging the latest green technologies and products to build better homes.”

BENEFITS OF GREEN HOMES

In addition to their environmental benefits, green homes also offer cost savings, through reduced utility bills and less overall maintenance.

“With energy costs continuing to rise, everyone wants to save money on monthly utility bills,” said Hall.  “When you factor in improved indoor air quality and reduced environmental impact, you really begin to see the value of a green home.”

Third-party verification by a qualified rater is required for all homes certified through the Michigan program. “In order to be Green Built Michigan certified, the home must perform,” said Hall. “Homeowners can trust a home bearing the Green Built Michigan stamp of approval.”

GREEN BUILT MICHIGAN GUIDELINES

Although there is no single approach to green building, the Green Built Michigan guidelines are based on fundamental green building principles, including:

Minimize Solar Heat Gain

• Position the structure so the longest walls and most of the windows face south
• Position infrequently used rooms, such as storage spaces and service areas, on the west side to act as buffers from the sun

Maximize Natural Light and Ventilation

• Ensure that most rooms have windows on two walls
• Position windows for cross ventilation

Create a Cool Shell

• Consider light colored surfaces for walls and roofing
• Choose metal, concrete or wood roofing, all of which absorb less heat than asphalt shingles

Improve Home Performance and Reduce Utility Costs

• Build each home to meet the standards of the Energy Star® for New Homes program

Ensure Efficient Heating and Cooling

• Select right sized heating and cooling equipment
• Install a programmable thermostat
• Install ceiling fans in major rooms

Use Efficient Appliances and Lights

• Use Energy Star® rated appliances
• Install task lighting to reduce the need to light whole rooms

Choose “Green” Materials

• Consider renewable and sustainable lumber for framing, doors and flooring
• Consider materials with recycled content (i.e. fly ash, slag, carpet, insulation, siding, roofing, flooring, countertops, outdoor decking)
• Use non-chemical, bio-based cleaning products

Green Built Michigan provides technical expertise to help members implement sustainable construction practices and collaborates with the Michigan Association of Home Builders (MAHB) and other local home builder associations across the state to encourage the construction of green built homes in Michigan.