greenliving
from location, size and building design,
to water and energy efficiency, indoor
air quality and the types of materials
used (non-toxic). Depending on how
many criteria are met, a home can be
classified as a LEED Certified, Silver,
Gold, or Platinum. In addition, Duke
Energy, in particular, has a program
called Home Energy House Call, which
provides a detailed analysis of the home
and the most effective steps that resi-
dents can take to reduce their energy
demand.
“[The analysis] helps customers un-
derstand how they use energy and gives
Easing Into the
specific suggestions on lifestyle changes
that can make a big difference with little
Green Movement at
inconvenience,” says Steve Brash, man-
ager of external communications-public
affairs for Duke Energy. “Customers can
Home
also take advantage of incentives we
provide for high-efficiency heating and
by beth davis
cooling systems, compact fluorescent
lighting and Energy Star
®
appliances.”
T
he green building movement is
more durable than a standard home. Many utility companies, as well as
in full swing in Cincinnati, with
Benefits of a LEED home include lower local and state government and other
a local chapter of the U.S. Green
energy and water bills; reduced green- entities often offer rebates, tax breaks
Building Council (USGBC) in motion
house gas emissions; and less exposure and other incentives for adding eco-
and the recent launch of the City Green
to mold, mildew and other indoor tox- friendly elements to your home. Con-
Initiative by City Hall. Examples of green
ins. sumers can visit the USGBC’s website
construction are everywhere—from
Many people, however, own or for information to help you find resourc-
banks, schools and offices to the Great
purchase older homes that often are not es in your area.
American Ball Park, home of the Cincin-
built to green standards. Implementing
nati Reds.
these green building strategies into an making little Changes that
Residential builders are also leaning
existing home can be an affordable way go a long way
toward green, encouraging homebuyers
to make your home a healthier, more The USGBC says there are many afford-
to build green homes or remodel exist-
energy-efficient place to be. Better yet, able things that you can do at home to
ing ones. According to the USGBC, a
you can implement these projects little save our planet as well as your pocket
green home uses less energy, water and
by little over time. book. Luke Schelly, owner of LJS De-
natural resources; creates less waste; and
So, you might be wondering, how signs in Cincinnati, says that insulation,
is healthier for its occupants. Addition-
do you know how green your home is orientation toward light, air circulation,
ally, folks who want to go the extra mile
and how you can wring the most green energy-efficient appliances and light-
can pursue Leadership in Energy and
from your hard-earned cash (not to men- ing are all considered when greening a
Environmental Design (LEED) certifica-
tion your time and effort)? home. “Going green is a lot easier, and
tion, which is a voluntary rating system
more affordable, than we might think,”
developed by the USGBC that promotes is Your home a green home?
he says. “Simple changes can make a
the design and construction of high-per- The USGBC uses the LEED for Homes
big difference to energy use, the envi-
formance green homes. LEED provides rating system in determining if a home
ronment and the utility bill. Changing
standards when building or buying a is truly green. For a home to earn LEED
the furnace filter monthly and waiting
house, helping us determine what’s certification, it must be newly built or
until later in the evening to run the dish-
really green. LEED homes are generally substantially gutted and renovated and
washer can have a positive effect.” Not
safter, healthier, more comfortable and meet a minimum number of criteria,
everyone can afford extensive renova-
“simple changes can make a big difference to energy use,
the environment, and the utility bill.” - luke shelly, lJs designs, Cincinnati
24
Greater Cincinnati Edition / nacincin.com
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