Why Build Green?
The built environment has a vast impact on the natural environment, human health, and the economy. By adopting green building strategies, we can maximize both economic and environmental performance. Green construction methods can be integrated into buildings at any stage, from design and construction, to renovation and deconstruction. However, the most significant benefits can be obtained if the design and construction team takes an integrated approach from the earliest stages of a building project.
Ram Khalsa has implemented green building practices for over 30 years, as he often seeks to achieve ecological and aesthetic harmony between a structure and its surrounding natural and built environment. Ram designs and constructs homes (such as this one shown here) that use energy, water, and materials more efficiently, reducing impact on the environment, and promoting a healthy indoor atmosphere for your family. The appearance and style of sustainable buildings is not necessarily distinguishable from their less sustainable counterparts.
Environmental benefits:
· Enhance and protect biodiversity and ecosystems 
· Improve air and water quality
· Reduce waste streams
· Conserve and restore natural resources
Economic benefits:
· Reduce operating costs
· Create, expand, and shape markets for green product and services
· Improve occupant productivity
· Optimize life-cycle economic performance
Social benefits:
· Enhance occupant comfort and health
· Heighten aesthetic qualities
· Minimize strain on local infrastructure
· Improve overall quality of life
Going Solar...
Saline lap pool is heated by solar panels located on roof,
collecting heat for all domestic hot water use.
Although many people think that green building and green home improvement primarily benefit the environment, there are numerous benefits for the homeowner, for the planet, and good for the economy.
Solar Panels, also known as photovoltaic, can save homeowners lots of money by harnessing the natural and abundant solar energy from the from the sun, which is a sensible choice especially here in Arizona.
Solar Energy Systems Tax credits are available for qualified solar water heating and photovoltaic systems. The credits are available for systems "placed in service" from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2016. The tax credit is for 30% of the cost of the system. This credit is not limited to the $500 home improvement cap.
Green home building and remodeling projects are good for people because they result in healthier and more comfortable homes. They produce less pollution, protecting the air we breathe and the water we drink. As a result, green improvements help reduce the chance of contracting diseases caused by pollution, such as lung cancer and asthma.
Green home improvement can result in a much less resource-intensive lifestyle. Easing our demand for critical resources ensures future generations a chance to meet their needs and live a good life as well. Green home improvement is also good for workers in factories that produce building products, as well as those who install them, because it relies on materials that are made without toxic chemicals.
Green building is good for the economy, too. On a personal level, green improvements can help homeowners lower their gas and electric bills, saving substantial amounts of money. Energy conservation and renewable energy measures provide a hedge against inflation caused by rising fuel prices. Some improvements, like water-efficient showerheads and toilets, help us reduce our water and sewer bills as well. All these economic benefits help make our lives more affordable. As energy and water costs rise, green home improvements also increase the value and appeal of our homes.
Greening your home offers important benefits:
- Protecting your family’s health and safety by limiting toxic substances in your home
- Reducing your energy costs and use of natural resources
- Increasing your home’s value with improvements that command higher selling prices
- Choosing the rights materials and products for remodeling or building a new home
Green building can significantly increase your home’s market value, as many green building materials are more durable, fire-resistant, and weather-resistant than conventional materials. Durability results in longer service, lower maintenance costs, and less frequent replacement compared to conventional building materials. You save money and time as a result. Some of these products may even qualify you for lower home insurance rates.
