Green Building

Tools

By Brenda Bassett

Story Published: Nov 15, 2009 at 6:29 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 15, 2009 at 6:29 PM MST

BILLINGS - The energy-efficient lifestyle is taking on a whole new look with smarter technology and better options for builders. In KULR-8's continuing look at green homes, we look into how utilizing the land for green building can increase your quality of life.

Going green seems to be the wave of the future. Contractors are always looking for new ways to build affordable, quality and sustainable homes, which will substantially reduce environmental impacts and save money.

Certified Green Professional and Graduate Builder, Greg McCall of McCall Homes says it's a structure that works together. "The thing that's really important is not one single component, but it's a mixture of all these things, products, how they're put together. What materials we're able to save by utilizing smarter techniques of new construction and building."

According to the Environmental Defense Fund, homes account for one fifth of U.S. global warming pollution. Energy conservation is at the core of reducing the emission of green house gases and saving money. McCall said a common misconception with green building is that it's always more expensive, but more money up-front means more savings later.

"It was going to save them money on energy every single month when they paid their bills, so there really wasn't even a break even point. It was going to be the day they moved in they were going to be saving money," said McCall.

Green builders, like McCall have adapted by using advances in technology. The equipment they use helps them know how many materials they'll need, essentially reducing waste and increasing production time. McCall said properly utilizing the land for green homes could increase your quality of life by building up communities instead of spreading them outward.

"To not be insulated away from each other, but to be a part of community again, and ultimately the lifestyle changes because people are excited about being neighbors again."

So when building, green builders say functionality, style and affordability can walk hand in hand with an eco-friendly lifestyle.

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