- Why Build Green

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LOCAL HOME BUILDERS LAUNCH NEW GREEN BUILDING PROGRAM
Aims to Build More Energy-Efficient and Environmentally-Friendly Homes in Houston

HOUSTON (December 2005) — The Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA) is unveiling a new, locally-relevant green building program called the GHBA Green Building Initiative™. This program is designed to help bring more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly homes to the Houston area by providing a baseline for practical green building approaches for local builders.

"As a builder in Houston for 25 years, I've noticed the increased demand for more green building options and I salute the Greater Houston Builders Association for taking on this important issue to develop a structured program and guidelines for area home builders and developers," said Brian Binash, chair of the Green Building Sub-Committee of the Greater Houston Builders Association.

"Until recently, green building has remained the domain of a relatively small number of niche builders," said Toy Wood, executive vice president and CEO of the Greater Houston Builders Association. "We are proud to introduce the GHBA Green Building Initiative. This comprehensive green building program will help more home owners throughout Houston enjoy the numerous benefits of green built homes."

BENEFITS OF GREEN HOMES
While green is at the core of green building, the construction trend goes beyond just saving the environment. Owners of green homes reap various benefits that include utility savings, improved indoor air quality and less overall maintenance. Not surprisingly, green homes also have less negative impact on the environment by saving energy and reducing waste, particularly during construction.

"With energy costs continuing to rise, who wouldn't want to save money on monthly utility bills," said Wood. "Plus when you factor in improved indoor air quality, you really begin to see the true value of a green home."

THE GUIDELINES
Although there is no one-size-fits-all approach to green building, the GHBA Green Building Initiative guidelines will be based on fundamental green building principles including:

Minimize Solar Heat Gain

Position the structure so the longest walls and most of the windows face north and 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, 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

The GHBA Green Building Initiative will provide technical expertise to help local builders use the guidelines and will collaborate with the Greater Houston Builders Association to encourage the construction of green built homes across Houston.

For more information on the GHBA Green Building Initiative, visit www.ghba.org, or call (281) 970-8970.