Here are the basic principles involved in green home building. Basic principles address the installation of energy efficient heating and cooling systems, electrical and plumbing systems, along with the latest architectural techniques. Global climate change is a growing concern. Home builders have begun to address the problems caused by global climate change. These principles should serve as simple guidelines to follow when planning construction or remodeling projects.

At this point in the development of the technology, the promising heating and cooling systems are solar, variable speed heat pumps, and wind power. Current federal tax law provides tax credits for the installation of energy efficient equipment and construction material. All beneficial tax provisions should be used. All home builders should constantly monitor federal and state tax laws. Appropriate use of state and federal tax provisions make the installation of energy efficient equipment and designs cost effective.

For electric supply wind turbine power and photovoltaic solar cell panels are the most promising technologies currently being used. Photovoltaic cells are combined in arrays. They are attached to the house roof. Also mounted on the roof, wind turbines continue to improve in design and function. Both wind and solar systems interface with the electrical grid. Any excess energy produced by your solar and wind systems will be sold back to your utility company. Everyone should get into the habit of only using low energy LED and compact fluorescent lights.

It is important to consume less water. Plumbing systems must minimize water use. Using rainwater is a very simple way of achieving this. Toilets, dish washers, and cloth washers can all run fine with rainwater. It is very easy to collect rainwater. It can save a lot of water. It encourages sustainability. Water heating is an expensive function. Water heating costs can be reduced by using solar panels to heat water. You will use less water in your bath room by installing low flow shower heads, toilets and faucets.

Another resource to be sustain is wood. The home design should endeavor to reduce the amount of wood used while simultaneously maximizing insulation. The goal is to wrap the home in a tight thermal seal. Structured insulated panels, which are a prefabricated wall unit consisting of insulating foam sandwiched between two pieces of wallboard, promote a high level of insulation. Structured insulated panels will reduce the amount of wood used in constructing the home and at the same time provide an increase coverage of insulation.

Architectural issues must be addressed appropriately. Site orientation is critical to alternative energy systems. Window design and placement is very important. Since a lot of equipment is placed on the roof, proper roof design must be considered.

As you can see, insulation is a crucial element in attaining the level of energy efficiency you are seeking. The objective is to have the home tightly wrapped in a thermal envelope. Two types of materials are used to obtain the tight seal necessary: structured insulated panels and open cell spray foam. The foam must be sprayed into all open wall cavities. Roof decks and band joists must be filled with foam also. Every tiny gaps and slit left over from framing must be sealed. The other material is structured insulated panels. Structured insulated panels are two pieces of plywood with four to six inches of foam sandwich between. Both materials will render the complete thermal seal for the entire home that you require.

As you can easily see, the principal of green home building will help you choose the building contractor who will implement these green techniques in their craft. Remember the best methods that have given us the environmentally friendly home. Use wind turbines, photovoltaic solar heat panels, variable speed heat pumps. Work with those architects who follow the right philosophy in their work.

Thomas Bleier is a professional carpenter and green building enthusiast. In a addition to writing about green home building, Thomas also covers urban gardening, permaculture, and clean energy.