|
 Michael Richards is the President of the Home Builders Association of Central New Mexico. (www.hbacnm.com) With interest in reducing energy use in the built environment coming from policy makers, home buyers, and the building community, home builders associations are beginning to encourage and support sustainable practices. Mr. Richards was kind enough to share his insights on the effectiveness of building codes, the costs and history of green building, and the many resources available to contractors, homeowners and others.
e-FFICIENCY NEWS: Green building is not a new concept. Yet some of our readers may not be familiar with the concept, practices or benefits. Can you give us a practical explanation of green building?
Richards: You’re right; green building has been around for as long as people have been building homes. We define green building as a systemic approach to construction that reduces construction waste, saves water and energy, and creates a healthy environment to live in.
The Home Builders Association of Central New Mexico’s (HBA of CNM) green building program uses a national set of guidelines which require that builders pay attention to sustainability and efficiency through every step of the construction process. There are many components that must be considered when building a green home; the lot that is chosen and the impact of construction, the design of the home and mechanical systems, the materials used, the way the home is insulated, and the overall performance and health of the home, are important. Here in New Mexico we really focus on water efficiency because of our climate, and our requirements for green building reflect that.
e-FFICIENCY NEWS: What about the costs to both homeowners and builders?
Richards: I’ve heard figures from 3-20% average added cost, but it all depends on how green you want to go, and the kind of homes that you are using as a comparison. So much of green building is not about expensive technologies, but about thoughtful design and good workmanship. For instance, designing a home so that most of the dimensions are in two foot increments reduces labor and waste because lumber is sold in two foot increments.
Things like Energy Star lighting and appliances and upgraded insulation do add to the cost of the home upfront. Take into account the energy savings, water savings, reduction in maintenance, and even medical savings for avoided allergies and illness with improved indoor air quality, as well as any available rebates and tax credits, and the added expenses start to dwindle.
For a builder, the first couple of homes built in a new way will take a little extra time and some trial and error. Once you get the hang of it, people are saving money with reduced waste and better use of materials. Builders also save money over the long run because the increased durability of the homes means fewer callbacks by unhappy home owners.
e-FFICIENCY NEWS: As someone who has over 15 years experience in the construction industry, as well as previous business experience, can you tell us why historically there has been reluctance on the part of home builders to embrace energy efficiency and green building practices?
Richards: As a builder, I know that it takes a tremendous effort to change the way you do things. You need to get everyone on the same page: the framers, the painters, the landscapers, and your suppliers. Like I mentioned earlier, you have to learn some things with trial and error, which is expensive for a builder. Both builders and home buyers want to stay in their comfort zones, even if it means uncomfortable homes. For the builder to take the leap, the buyer needs to really want it.
Because green building has skirted the mainstream for so long, it makes it even more amazing to see the amount of momentum behind it now. Big builders, not just high-end niche-market builders, are catching on and the public is learning to demand green.
e-FFICIENCY NEWS: Energy codes provide a basic way to build energy efficiency measures into our building stock. A building designed and constructed for efficiency will provide lower energy bills and more comfort for consumers. Our research has shown that if the latest codes were adopted in all states, cumulative savings through 2020 would be roughly $7 billion. Considering the apparent benefits to consumers, business and our nation’s energy security, why aren’t stronger codes and green building standard practices being implemented across the industry?
Richards: Our organization strongly supports building to the highest energy-efficiency standards that we can. The HBA of Central New Mexico has been involved in the City of Albuquerque’s Green Ribbon Task Force which is looking at ways to promote and facilitate green building in the Albuquerque area through rewriting the building code. Code changes can have their drawbacks: they often happen slowly and the green building industry is making rapid innovations. Fortunately, our local efforts are driven by the strong leadership and vision of Mayor Martin Chavez who has organized the effort around the goal of achieving an efficient building code correctly. Building industry stakeholders, green building experts and community leaders sit at the table together and a real consensus is beginning to emerge.
A large part of the success of these efforts depends heavily on an increase in consumer education. Demand is always what really drives the building industry. When consumers start to ask questions and demand a better product, the market will respond.
e-FFICIENCY NEWS:I would consider the Home Builders Association of Central New Mexico a progressive organization, from your involvement in public education and outreach campaigns like the Power is in Your Hands 6 Degree Challenge to the Build Green New Mexico Program. What other types of initiatives, both on the city and
state levels, legislative and/or educational, are you currently involved in?
Richards: The HBA of CNM is fortunate to have a forward-thinking membership and staff. We have taken a proactive approach, and we are helping to determine the direction of residential construction in our area. As I mentioned, we sit on Mayor Martin Chavez’s Green Ribbon Task Force, which is working on ways to meet the Mayor’s goal of carbon neutrality. We have worked with Legislators at the State level who have incorporated Build Green NM into a Sustainable Building Tax Credit, which rewards energy- efficient homes with a substantial tax credit.
Build Green NM provides educational programs for building professionals that range in topic from lighting to concrete. Build Green has also been involved in events like Earth Day celebrations and Home Shows, educating the public as to the benefits of green building.
e-FFICIENCY NEWS: How does a builder or contractor educate him/herself about green building? Are there specific classes or a certification process? Are home builder organizations doing anything to educate consumers?
Richards: Local green building programs, where available, are an excellent way to begin learning about green building. The NAHB Research Center has provided a great set of guidelines that introduce key green building concepts to builders. Working with these guidelines, numerous local HBAs have started green building programs across the country. Most of these programs will offer classes or workshops where you can work through the building process and get questions answered before they come up in the field. Certification that includes Third-Party Testing is a great way to see how well a home is performing, and how it stacks up to other homes in your area. Certification is also a great marketing tool. A builder can quantify efforts at making a home green, some of which may never have come to the home owner’s attention.
e-FFICIENCY NEWS: Considering the rising price of energy and an increased focus on the environment, how are these issues impacting the built environment and how is your industry responding?
Richards: It has been incredible to see the amount of interest and energy that is gathering behind green building in the construction industry and in the public. The HBA of CNM has had a green building program of one kind or another for the last 12 years, and just recently Build Green has generated more interest and membership than ever before. Builders are joining because it is a wise business decision, not just because they are after a niche-market. I think that much of our industry has been poised and ready for this change, and those who weren’t are now working hard to catch up.
|
