What is Green Design?

Green design is an approach that makes occupant health and comfort a priority by incorporating materials that enhance indoor air and light quality.  We must think about the environment as a whole, too.  It is important to tread lightly on the planet by using renewable, recycled and recyclable products and by using less of our natural resources. With careful planning you can have a beautiful interior that is more efficient too.  That means lower utility bills!

Is Green Design more expensive than conventional design?

In most cases, it is not more expensive. New products are constantly being introduced into the market that are attractive, perform well, and are created in a sound way. With the latest surge in the green market, these products are priced competitively. In some cases, the first-costs associated with a green technology may cost a bit more, but that cost difference is easily made up for in just a few months with utility bills that are drastically reduced.

What affects my indoor air quality? 

Just like lead paint and asbestos insulation of years ago, science has discovered numerous toxic chemicals in interior furnishings that are commonly used today. 

Numerous scientific studies have proven that our indoor air quality is 2-5 times worse than our outdoors! This indoor smog is created by toxic organic compounds found in our furniture, paint, carpet, cabinetry and even some cleaning supplies. The most prevalent of these compounds are called VOCs, short for volatile organic compounds. VOCs combine with nitrogen (which is naturally present in our air) and sunlight to create toxic gases which remain in our homes. These toxic gases go unnoticed, but are proven to cause numerous health problems, including respiratory, neurological and immunological diseases. But we don’t have to use products with VOCs!

Read the article "Green Momentum" written by Jennifer Griffith, LEED® AP, Green Design Specialist for ASF Millworks and Design Inc. which was published in the National Association of Home Builders newsletter CG Report.