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“GREEN LIVING” MEETS DESIGN
Environmental issues have been a concern for many decades, but in recent
years that concern about keeping our environment healthy is showing
itself in the home building and interior design business. “Green Living”
takes our personal health and the health of the planet into account.
Just a few years ago environmentally friendly design was a novelty, and
somewhat of a luxury, but today the concern is deeper than product cost.
According to a report by McGraw Hill Construction and the National
Association of Home Builders, the number of green U.S. homebuilders
reached 20% last year, and is predicted to reach 30% in this year. By
next year it is predicted that more builders will be producing green
homes than not, so that by 2010, up to 10% of housing starts will be
green homes.
This trend toward building with the conservation of energy and the
environment in mind is dramatically illustrated in New York City’s
Solaire project. The Solaire is the first of eight high-rise buildings
to be constructed in Battery Park, and it is proof that high-density
housing can be easy on the environment.
As the first green residential high-rise, families with allergies and
respiratory problems are responding positively to the state-of-the-art
air filtration system that has earned Solaire international attention,
as well as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design)
certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Solaire is the first multifamily residential building to have an on-site
wastewater treatment system that recycles water from toilets, sinks and
showers, as well as capturing storm water. As a result, water
consumption is half the consumption of a similarly sized high-rise.
The exterior of the 27-story building is equipped with solar panels,
energy efficient windows, lighting and appliances, resulting in a 35%
reduction in energy consumption. To further protect interior air
quality, all walls are painted with a Sherman-Williams product that
emits no VOCs (volatile organic compound).
Solaire was fully occupied within six months of completion, with rents
about 5% higher than comparable apartments. More construction is
underway.
As Erie homeowners, we may not be able to adopt all of the cost saving
initiatives of the Solaire, but many small steps can yield environmental
bonuses. From an interior design aspect the first step is to recommend
low odor, low, or no VOC paint to improve air quality.
Switch to non-toxic household cleaners and consider free- standing air
filters. If allergies are a problem, you might eliminate plush carpeting
in favor of wood. Small area rugs can washed regularly to eliminate
germs and mites. Choose natural textiles such as organic cotton, hemp,
or linen that avoid chemical, in favor of natural dyes.
Conserve energy by using compact fluorescent lighting and conserve heat
by adding cellular shades, blinds and draperies to your windows. Don’t
forget good quality foam insulation, be sure to recycle paper and
plastic, and insulate the hot water tank.
Small investments can have healthful and money saving pay-offs. Don’t
you feel healthier and richer already?
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