Typical building construction, use, demolition, and manufacturing of building materials, contribute significantly to environmental problems. In the United States, buildings account for:¹

30% of raw materials use

30% of waste output (equal to 136 million tons annually)

12% of potable water consumption

A 2,400 sq. ft wood frame home requires the equivalent of clear cutting 1.5 acres of forest

The simplest way to reduce the materials used to build a home, the land it occupies, and the energy required to operate it, is to minimize its size. The popular “Not So Big House”² ideas promoted by Sarah Susanka substitute quality for quantity, encouraging exquisite, personalized interiors and efficient use of space. Other approaches to consider:

Reducing jobsite waste, salvaging and reusing building materials, are obvious ways to save resources. Optimizing building dimensions, use of advanced framing techniques, and combining material functions will also reduce material use.

Recycled products, products derived from agricultural waste, and rapidly renewable products such as cork or bamboo are generally less resource and energy intensive to produce. However, transportation energy, durability, maintenance, and health and environmental hazards are also part of the equation.

Using wood that comes from well-managed forests helps promote their sustainability. An FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) stamp ensures that boards meet certification requirements.

Products or strategies that save water and/or minimize stormwater runoff (e.g., porous paving and green roofs), pollution, toxic pesticides, or ozone depleting substances, will all benefit the environment.

(Shelterworks Ltd. is a local manufacturer offering a sustainable building product (ICF) that conserves natural resources and reduces jobsite waste while providing excellent insulation and indoor air quality. Check it out!)

Conservation of natural resources doesn’t always save money, at least not yet. However, concerted efforts to conserve will assist in preserving natural habitats and watersheds, protect air and water quality, and reduce solid waste and greenhouse gas emissions; all necessary for our sustainability!

CRG encourages conservation during all phases of a project, and will help each client weigh the tradeoffs and decide what options are best suited to their situation.



¹ Green Building Resource Center, gobalgreen.org
² Susanka, Sarah The Not So Big House. Taunton Press, Inc. 1998