So you want to do your part in helping to make your environment greener. Where do you start?

If you're looking for a newly built home, there are lots of things to look for from the homebuilders you're considering, according to B.E.S.T. -- Building Environmental Science and Technology.

Green builders are those that use construction materials wisely, including recycled, renewable and reused resources to the max. Green homes are designed and constructed to ensure that they are healthy for their occupants, typically more comfortable and easier to inhabit due to lower operating and owning costs -- and are good for the planet, besides.

Dallas-based McGuyer Homebuilders is an example of a builder pledged to build all of it homes to green building standards. It plans to build 800 homes a year that conform to the Green Built North Texas standards set by the Homebuilders Association of Greater Dallas. So far all 101 members have signed on since the standards were introduced over a year ago.

Things to look for in a newly built green home would include things such as :

• More energy efficient water usage, with water efficient toilets and low-flow showers and faucets

• Mulched flower beds and drought-tolerant plants

• Better indoor air quality

• Higher R-Values (thicknesses) of the wall, ceiling floor insulation

• Mechanically controlled fresh air-intake systems and sealed ducts

• Energy Star® standards with windows made of low-e glass (low emissions) and passive solar features such as fewer windows on the east and west sides of the house

• Energy Star® appliances

• Durable external building materials that have at least a 25 year warranty with engineered lumber

• Homeowner education regarding maintenance and recycling locations

• Construction site recycling that protects trees and ensures worker debris is properly disposed of and recycled.

• More durable roof coverings, such as steel, fiber-cement and concrete tile in lighter colors that absorb less heat. Or asphalt shingles that integrate with solar roofing products.

Published: January 29, 2008

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