Viviane Schmidt Mumm is a LEED* Certified, Green Associate
I have completed special training in selecting installation methods, materials and finishes, appliances and design options that increase energy efficiency, reduce or eliminate waste and non-recyclable elements and create a healthier, non-toxic home environment or work space.
Top 4 Myths About Green Building
1. Green Buildings are just a fad and don’t really make a difference in a home
FALSE: On average, we spend about 90 percent of our time indoors. Indoor pollutants can be up to 100 times that in the outdoors. Certified Green building materials are formaldehyde free and don’t off-gas, thus creating a much healthier environment, which is especially important for children and people with respiratory issues or allergies.
2. Green Building materials are much more expensive than non-green materials
FALSE: According to recent survey, the price difference is negligible, averaging a slight increase at about 2%. In addition, Green Buildings have a higher resale value and rent at about 6% more. Installation costs are balanced with savings in energy costs, etc, after occupancy.
3. Green features can still be added after construction
FALSE: Green Building Practices have the highest impact when integrated at the design stage, when life-cycle assessments of materials can be made and their sustainability considered. For example, is the material made from rapidly renewable resources such as cork or bamboo? Is it recyclable or biodegradable? Or is it a cradle-to-grave material that ends up in the landfill where it will sit for hundreds of years before it deteriorates?
4. Green Building Materials are hard to find
FALSE: More and more companies offer Green Building Materials as part of their product lines. Resilient Flooring, Carpet, Tiles, Fabrics, Paints, Countertops and many more products are quite readily available. Many examples can be seen online, at Vancouver-based http://www.greenworksbuildingsupply.com. As a LEED* Green Associate, I have a solid current understanding of Green Building principles and practices and can be of assistance in sourcing environmentally sound materials.
*Leadership In Energy And Environmental Design
Choosing certified, low VOC Fabrics, Carpets, Paints and Appliances are all part of "green" design.
