Cob Cottage
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ECOLOGICAL CONSULTING

Jeff Gold, president of Ecological Consulting, has over thirty years experience in sustainable living, alternative energy and green construction.

Whether your project involves green renovations to an existing home or construction of a new residential or commercial green building, Jeff can assist you with:

• Consultation
• Specification of green materials
• Sourcing of green materials
• Green contractors & designers
• Construction management
  
  

  Cob Honey House

  What is green building?
  

  
  Green Building is a whole-building and systems approach to design and construction that employs building techniques which minimize environmental impacts and reduce the energy consumption of buildings while contributing to the health and productivity of its occupants.
  

  
  Straw Bale Shed

  Why build green?
  

  
  Constructing a green building provides environmental benefits now and into the future by reducing the need for resources and energy and blazing a path toward sustainability. The overall design utilizes fewer of the limited resources available on Earth.
  
  There are also economic benefits involved with constructing a green building. While the initial costs vary, the overall savings from conserving resources such as water and energy are quite significant.
  
  With the call for more environmentally preferable products, creating an environmentally friendly building is a highly marketable idea. The LEED Green Building Rating System(TM) recognizes buildings that demonstrate an overall excellence in environmental qualities and performance.
  
  Green buildings use materials with low or no toxic ingredients or off-gassing. They feature abundant natural lighting and superior ventilation. Indoor air quality is better and the occupants are healthier.

  Features of a Green Building:
  

  WATER

  • Water efficient landscaping
  • Low-flow plumbing fixtures
  • Composting toilets
  • Use of recycled water for landscaping
  • Onsite storm water management
  • Green, living roof
  ENERGY
  • Energy efficient appliances
  • Superior insulation
  • Solar hot water
  • Photovoltaic and wind powersystems
  • Solar south orientation for passive heat gain
  • Sunspaces and greenhouses as heat collectors
  MATERIALS
  • Recycled materials
  • Materials with recycled content
  • Low or no toxins produced during manufacturing
  • Low or no toxins emitted when installed
  • Low embodied energy
  • Locally produced
  • Sustainably harvested
  • Can be recycled at end of useful life
  • Recycle construction wastes
  • Life cycle cost analysis
  SITE LOCATION
  • No building on wetlands or productive farmland
  • Build close to public transportation
  • Minimize environmental impacts of construction
  • In harmony with climate and local weather conditions
  • Respect for wildlife habitat and biodiversity
  OCCUPANT HEALTH
  • Use materials with low or no VOCs
  • Minimize use of toxic materials
  • Natural light and adequate ventilation
  • Opening windows and skylights
  • Easy access to parks, trails and natural areas
  • Environmentally friendly cleaning products
  DESIGN
  • Regional and local climate, topography and cultural factors considered in building location and design
  • Building is designed around the needs of the occupants
  • Contractors and subtrades are involved in the design process
  • Develop green criteria at the start of project
  LANDSCAPING
  • Recycled water and stored storm water for irrigation
  • Native plants
  • Low maintenance plantings
  • Edible landscaping
  • Windbreaks on the north and west
  • Trees, bushes, vines for seasonal shade
  
  

  
  Straw Bale House

  GREEN BUILDING RESOURCES

  
  Canada Green Building Councilwww.gabc.org
  
  Sustainable Building Information Systemwww.sbis.info/
  
  Athena Sustainable Materials Institutewww.athenamsi.ca
  
  Ecological Building Networkwww.ecobuildnetwork.org
  
  Building Green www.buildingGreen.com
  
  Build Smart www.gvrd.bc.ca/BuildSmart
  
  Green Builder www.greenbuilder.com
  
  Straw Bale & Natural Building www.strawhomes.com
  
  Straw Bale House Plans & Resourceswww.balewatch.com
  
  Centre for Sustainable Energy & Renewable Technology www.crest.org
  
  Natural Life Network www.naturallifenetwork.com
  
  Natural Home & Gardenwww.naturalhomemagazine.com
  
  Green Home Buildingwww.greenhomebuilding.com
  
  Whole Village Sustainable Communitywww.wholevillage.org
  
  

  ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

  
  Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Centerwww.maacenter.org
  Information on the dangers of asbestos exposure, plus treatments.