Thursday, June 14, 2007

Reader Comments

at 6/19/2007 7:11:32 PM, Jonathan King said:
Many are discussing this issue and many are scrambling to insure they are compliant and do not miss the window of opportunity. I suspect it will take a while for the grain to be harvested from the shuck, but for now at least everybody is thinking about it and starting to recognize the value in it. I actually wonder if all the hype isn't a rapid way to force the formulation of some governing body. I agree sustainability is the key but I also challenge us as a society to contemplate our expectations... how important is a perfect lawn or a high-gloss lacquer finish? Thanks for so boldly bringing the topic to the viral world of blogging.

at 6/20/2007 3:04:48 PM, Rick Wildrick said:
Well, I will agree on one point, there are waaay too many programs offering 'GREEN' certification. It is however very easy to take shots at a program or building philosophy without offering anything constructive to the debate. How would you define 'sustainable'? And what is it about all of the green programs that you find so objectionable? All of the programs that I have reviewed (and that is most of the offerings) all try to achieve the same objectives; increased energy efficiency, reduced impacts on renewable and non-renewable resource and home that are more comfortable to live in while being healthier living environments, that happen to have a longer lifespans due to more durable materials. And before you discount my rant, I am a pioneer 'GREEN' builder, having constructed over 700 homes to extremely high standards. Our nation is on the verge of a very uncertain energy future and ANY move to decrease the energy consumed by the homes we build, whether during the course of construction or after occupancy will help mitigate impending energy shortages and are a sound business plan for all homebuilders, no matter what program standards they are building to.

at 6/27/2007 1:18:07 PM, George Merritt said:
As I see it there are just too many labels being placed on to many subjects. It is like lawyers running to an accident. I mean lets use some common sense. For instance if you build with 2X4''s instead of 2X6''s you are unable to get a decent R value unless of course you spray in 2X4''s and even then it is less than 2X6''s even though the cost is double and at times more. In other words use 2X6''s with r-19 and you give a customer some value for a fair cost. Or concrete with foam instead of block...Excuse me, it seems "Green" is used as a political term to drive whatever agenda whatever group is trying to drive. Thanks and you all have a good day.

at 1/18/2008 7:51:30 AM, Industry professional said:
Lets face it, all advocate groups lobby their agenda. In this case, the problem is the green concept is decentralized - which opens it up to interpretation. If you are an energy conscience shopper, R value, SEER Rating and Air infiltration are your hot buttons, but if you are a tree hugger, you care about what forest the wood came from, and whether it was delivered with a hybrid delivery vehicle. Until the term "green" is universally defined, we all will run around creating our own definitions.

at 1/23/2008 7:56:47 PM, Martin Breth said:
I agree with everything Mr. Wildrick typed. There are to many certifications that opens the door to frauds. I wouldn't want to see the government get involved because then we would only have minimum standards, like the FHA standards. Those stadards are unacceptable to more than 75% of home buyers. Green certifications should be left up to the National Association of Home Builders. Reputable Builder Members and Associate Members all know what is "green" and what is "sustainable". Even the not so reputable members know when they are not using green products or building practices. So, let them police themselves and keep all the advocates, environmentalists and the government out of it. Mabe then the cost of being green will become affordable.

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