Frequently Asked Questions
Why Green Building?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), buildings in the United States consume more than 30% of the country’s total energy and 60% of the electricity annually. 5 billion gallons of potable water are used to flush toilets daily. A typical North American commercial construction project generates as much as 2.5 pounds of solid waste per square foot of floor space. Buildings are a major source of the pollutants that cause outdoor and indoor air quality problems and contribute to climate change. Green building practices can substantially reduce the negative environmental impacts associated with these buildings.
By practicing green building or sustainable building we use energy, water, and other resources wisely so that present and future generations can live well while minimizing our impact on the environment.
A Green Building project is one that considers all of the costs inherent in a building's impact on the local, regional, and global environment. In this way the "life cycle costs" (those costs associated with the manufacture, operation, maintenance, and disposal) of the products and systems used are considered. It is a holistic approach to design and construction. Green Building design tries to balance environmental responsibility, resource efficiency, occupant comfort and well-being, and community sensitivity.
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How do we make our homes healthier?
The average North American spends at least 90% of their lives indoors. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that "indoor air pollution in residences, offices, schools, and other buildings is widely recognized as one of the most serious potential environmental risks to human health" and is, in fact, many times more of a health threat than outdoor air pollution. There are five categories of indoor air pollutants: volatile organic compounds (VOCs), toxic by-products of combustion, pesticides, electro-magnetic field pollution, and naturally occurring pollutants.
A healthy home is designed to nurture those who live inside while also protecting to natural world beyond the walls. It strives for toxin-free living that eliminates indoor air quality problems. Overall, a healthy home promotes well-being for all.
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What are VOCs?
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gasses that are emitted from certain solids and liquids. These gasses come from chemicals that will easily evaporate at room temperature. The term “organic” simply means that a compound includes carbon. Thousands of products emit VOCs. Examples of products that emit VOCs include: paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids, graphics and craft material including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solution. Chemicals that may be found in these many products that will emit VOCs are:
• Benzene
• Toluene
• Methylene
• Chloride
• Formaldehyde
• Xylene
• Ethylene glycol
• Texanol
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Why should I be concerned about VOCs?
VOCs are commonly used in many different household products and building supplies. Professional installers and do-it-yourselfers are exposed to various toxic ingredients through respiratory and skin exposure. Effects of toxic off gassing of hazardous coating materials also has effects on building occupants, lasting long after the project is complete. Chemical sensitivities, allergies, and respiratory diseases continue to rise as "Sick Building Syndrome" is now a proven reality.
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What is FSC?
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international organization that certifies forest managers based on an agreed set of standards. These standards are based upon sustainable harvest requirements. Please visit the FSC web site at www.fsc.org to learn more.
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What is LEED?
LEED stands for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System. LEED assists building owners and operators in sustainable designing, constructing and operating a buildings performance. They pride themselves in taking a “whole-building” approach by focusing performance in five key areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.
This rating system was started by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The USGBC is a non-profit organization that focuses on promoting buildings that are environmentally responsible.
“The U.S. Green Building Council's core purpose is to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life.”
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Solid Wood vs. Engineered Wood flooring
Engineered Wood Boards
Engineered flooring has all the benefits of laminated flooring—including superior stability and easy installation—and the look of solid wood. In engineered flooring, a surface layer of high-quality hardwood is bonded to two wood sub-layers. Cross-ply construction makes the product more stable than solid wood.
Engineered flooring can be nailed down like solid flooring, glued directly to concrete, or "floated" (gluing the planks to each other and not to the sub floor). Because they are refinished, these products do not have to be sanded and finished on the jobsite, and are relatively easy and inexpensive to install.
Some engineered flooring have the most durable available finishes available, making engineered flooring ideal for demanding commercial as well as residential applications.
For radiant heat flooring, floating engineered floors are the best option.
Solid Wood Boards
Solid hardwood floor is composed of one material throughout the piece. For example: a plank of solid Brazilian Cherry flooring is solid Cherry from top to bottom. Solid wood boards come in random lengths with tongue-and-groove edges for nailing and/or gluing. Labor and installation costs for solid wood flooring may be higher than engineered flooring since it requires more effort to install.
Solid wood flooring sometimes comes unfinished, you may use varnish, oil, or wax to obtain the finished look you desire. Pre-finished wood flooring is also available, just as with engineered boards. Unfinished wood is generally less expensive, but you must apply a finish and regularly reapply a varnish or waxing.
Solid wood boards are more prone to expansion and contraction than engineered wood. When installing solid wood flooring it is necessary to leave room at the edges of the floor in order for the wood to expand and contract.
Generally speaking, solid hardwood floors and radiant heat flooring don’t match.
Price-wise, solid floor is typically a little less expensive than similar width engineered floor.
As with any wood product, solid hardwood and engineered floors are not designed for wet areas such as bathroom floors. All wooden floors can suffer from water damage. Kitchens, in general, are a good place to install both flooring types provided the floors are well maintained and protected from prolonged moisture exposure.
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Alternative Building Center, LLC
Showroom Hours
Monday Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Physical Address:
4 West Fourth Street
Eureka, Ca 95501
(Just past the new CO-OP)
Telephone:
707-445-green (4733)
Fax:
707-445-4222
E-mail
info@abcgreenbuilding.com
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