BUILDING GREEN

Monday, March 2, 2009

Excellent progress on green home

I am thrilled to report that our "green" house is totally closed in and being heated with the geo-thermal system. All of our outside windows and doors are installed, and the interior trim and doors are now being put into place.

The recycled cement siding has been placed on the exterior walls and the metal roof is in place. The foundation for the portions of the roof that will be planted is also done. The actual plants will be placed on those roofing areas in the spring. The 10,000 gallon cistern is buried and will take the roof water and distribute it to the gardens and the toilets as "gray water."

The next phase of the construction will entail finishing the interior. This includes painting, laying the recycled oak floor in some areas and cork in other areas, installing the cabinetry and all the hardware.

We are using all local subcontractors and buying locally whenever possible. This way we are saving fuel.

Every day there are more decisions to make. Always we take the "green route" by trying to find an environmentally friendly solution. It has been informative and exciting to realize how many products are now available that meet the "green" test. While often the product might be slightlymore expensive in the beginning, the payback will quickly make it more economical.

Carolyn Holleran

No comments: