There are many good reasons to build and remodel green.  The most common reasons are improved indoor air quality, energy efficiency, natural resource conservation, and tax breaks.

Improved Indoor Air Quality:
Indoor air quality is directly related to VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that are released into the air during or after construction.  VOCs are commonly found in products with high levels of solvents (i.e. Paints & Adhesives).  These emissions affect both the construction crew as well as the homeowner.  In fact, VOCs may continue to release harmful particulates long after the home is complete.  In order to avoid health problems, such as asthma and other respiratory diseases associated with high levels of VOCs, look for products that are solvent free or contain minimal VOCs.  More information on health concerns related to poor indoor air quality can be found in the Health & Safety section of our website.

Health and environmental concerns have increased VOC awareness across the world as well as the United States.  Many states have set forth VOC limitations in consumer products (16oz or less) including adhesives and caulks and sealants.  States that currently have VOC regulations are: California, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, DC, Michigan and New Hampshire.  In addition, many other states across the US are in the process of setting VOC restrictions, so be sure to keep an eye out for your state passing legislation on VOCs.

Below is a guideline for states with consumer product (16oz or less) VOC restrictions:

Energy Efficiency:
As energy costs continue to rise, it is increasingly important to make sure your home is as efficient as possible.  Many green building techniques can help you increase the efficiency of your home and help you save money. 

You can stop unwanted air from entering your home by purchasing energy efficient doors and windows (such as Energy Star).  These products help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer by allowing heating and cooling appliances to work properly.  However, if the doors and windows are not installed properly, you may not be preventing air infiltration, thus making your heating and cooling appliances work twice as hard.  To ensure your doors and windows are at maximum performance, seal cracks and gaps with caulk (link to caulks).

For more energy saving tips visit Energy Star.

Conservation of Natural Resources:
Green building isn’t just about what comes out of the product (toxic emissions), but also what goes into the products, such as salvaged materials, pre or post-consumer recycled content, or agricultural waste.  Resource conservation also covers products that reduce material use, products that have low maintenance requirements, certified wood products and rapidly renewable resources.

When looking for green building products, it is important to look for products that help us conserve our natural resources – reusing and recycling, as well as being conscious about the sources from which our product are made.  For example, look for wood products that are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, which is a third-party certification promoting responsible forest management.  In addition, look for products that are packaged in recycled materials, meaning the packaging was likely diverted from landfills.  Lastly, look for products that are durable and provide low maintenance solutions, as they will require less frequent replacement over their lifetime.

Tax Breaks
Under the Energy Policy Act, in 2006 & 2007 consumers can receive federal tax credits for making energy-efficient upgrades to their homes.  Here is a breakdown of the credits you can receive under this act:

• You can get a one-time tax credit of up to $500 for projects that involve the home's shell -- insulation, windows, sealing -- or its home heating and cooling equipment.
• Eligible projects include new windows (10% of the cost, up to a credit of $200), central air conditioners (up to $300 of the full purchase price), hot-water boilers (up to $150 of the full purchase price) and pigmented metal roofs (10% of the cost, up to $500).
• You also can get a one-time tax credit for the cost of installing an alternative energy system. For installing a photovoltaic system (which produces electricity) or a solar water heating system, you'll receive a credit for 30% the cost of the system, with a maximum of $2,000.

All of these projects must meet specific criteria.
And they must be put in place during 2006 or 2007.