House nearing end of
construction, last minute decisions, counting dollars, finishing details, and getting
ready for the final C.O, is stress to the extreme. Sound familiar? Multiply that stress by one hundred with the
builder having to submit the necessary particulars on a check-off application when
the house is being certified “green.” I
recently overheard a builder blurt out in frustration “there’s many shades of
green” when an explanation of what the criteria for landscape certification
meant and why his choices were unable to be used. While there are many green certification
programs, there is only one type of “green,” and that is following the selected
green organizations’ program criteria correctly. Green certification takes organization,
preparation, commitment, and knowledge of what benefits green certification
provides both the builder and his client. If proper steps are taken from beginning to
end, green certification doesn’t have to be an arduous ordeal.
Conversations about what is really green and the much easier greenwashing[1] takes place mainly among researchers, green certifiers, and environmental standards organizations such as United States Green Building Council, National Green Building Program, EPA’s Water Sense, Sustainable Sites, and their affiliate state organizations like Florida Green Build Council. In Florida, the University of Florida oversees the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program, while the St Johns River Water Management District and other districts’ green certification program, FloridaWater Star certifies new and renovated homes on best water-conserving principles. Home buyers trust the builder to provide correct information on the best products for their lifestyle and the right certification program. Builders, who don’t believe that green certification is beneficial to their clients, won’t be able to sell it to them. It will either result in greenwashing or a lost opportunity to provide a truly sustainable product.
Green building is not only about the construction process, inside and out, but includes the property; from the first site survey and shovel in the ground, to final grading and landscape and irrigation installation. For the best results and less stress, certifying the home and the landscape should be decided upon during the budget negotiations and before the construction begins, so that the application process can be completed successfully easier and within budget. Using a green-certified landscape architect or landscape designer from the beginning is a wise decision for the builder and the homeowner.
See the Vision House 2008's certified green landscape three years later.
Originally published in From The Ground Up, Building Inspirations Magazine, July 2013.
Teresa Watkins, horticulturist, landscape designer, and environmental consultant. Watkinsalso hosts of the award-winning gardening radio show “In Your Backyard” heard on www.My790am.com every Tuesday at 1:00pm. You can contact or send questions to Teresa at www.she-consulting.com.
Conversations about what is really green and the much easier greenwashing[1] takes place mainly among researchers, green certifiers, and environmental standards organizations such as United States Green Building Council, National Green Building Program, EPA’s Water Sense, Sustainable Sites, and their affiliate state organizations like Florida Green Build Council. In Florida, the University of Florida oversees the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program, while the St Johns River Water Management District and other districts’ green certification program, FloridaWater Star certifies new and renovated homes on best water-conserving principles. Home buyers trust the builder to provide correct information on the best products for their lifestyle and the right certification program. Builders, who don’t believe that green certification is beneficial to their clients, won’t be able to sell it to them. It will either result in greenwashing or a lost opportunity to provide a truly sustainable product.
Green building is not only about the construction process, inside and out, but includes the property; from the first site survey and shovel in the ground, to final grading and landscape and irrigation installation. For the best results and less stress, certifying the home and the landscape should be decided upon during the budget negotiations and before the construction begins, so that the application process can be completed successfully easier and within budget. Using a green-certified landscape architect or landscape designer from the beginning is a wise decision for the builder and the homeowner.
Confusion happens when
builders and homeowners don’t understand the numerous benefits and selling
points of a certified landscape and irrigation; and start cutting their
expenses at the cost of high maintenance and expensive water bills. Green certification means the best management
practices and certified products have been used and there will be financial
savings, lower maintenance, and a smart responsibility to the environment, in
their client’s future.
Gone are the days (or
at least they should be) where the homeowner is not given a choice on an
efficient irrigation system that will cost more upfront but will save the
homeowner thousands of dollars but are offered a more expensive energy-saving appliance
that will save them $120 a year over the lifetime of the product. With monthly water and irrigation bills of
$200 to $500 becoming commonplace nationwide, why wouldn’t a builder give their
clients the option of purchasing a water-efficient landscape and irrigation
package? Needlessly paying thousands of dollars over a five to ten year period
in water bills? Now that is torture to me.
Builders should partner
with certified landscape designers and landscape architects who will provide
timely advice and information on best management practices and green landscaping.
They will be able to explain how to use the eco-friendly principles to benefit
the builder and the homeowners. With current statutes like Florida-friendly landscaping,
green certification is only a prelude to future smart building practices in
Florida. Certified landscaping and irrigation will allow for more sustainable
growth, more satisfied clients, and help
the builder to be on the best sellers’ list for years to come.
See the Vision House 2008's certified green landscape three years later.
Originally published in From The Ground Up, Building Inspirations Magazine, July 2013.
Teresa Watkins, horticulturist, landscape designer, and environmental consultant. Watkinsalso hosts of the award-winning gardening radio show “In Your Backyard” heard on www.My790am.com every Tuesday at 1:00pm. You can contact or send questions to Teresa at www.she-consulting.com.
[1] A superficial or insincere display of concern for the
environment that is shown by an organization. www.WordReference.com
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