When
Supply House Times published its first issue, green was a color, not a movement. Not even Kermit the Frog was on the scene yet to tell us that being green isn’t always easy.
Looking ahead to the next 50 years, being green will not only get easier, it will be all that we know. Regardless of how one might feel about predictions of climate change and global warming, one prediction is certain: Sustainable homes and buildings are the present and the future, just one of 50 green building trends we expect to see before Supply House Times celebrates its 100th birthday in 2058.
1. Green is here to stay. It’s not a fad and it’s not going away. The business and investment opportunities, coupled with healthier living and a healthier planet, will only grow. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reports that sustainable homes will represent 5-10% of all housing starts by 2010.
2. Sustainable green.
That’s not a redundancy. Sustainable green means products and performance that meet the expectations of building owners and consumers, as well as installers and technicians. This includes issues of affordability, performance and labor requirements to meet the growing market. The first 1.6-gpf toilets, rushed to market under legislative timing, are a good example of green that was not sustainable.
3. Increased awareness that SUVs aren’t the culprit.
Green living is often associated with trading SUVs for hybrids, but homes — and especially buildings — impact the environment far more than what we drive. The EPA reports that energy use by buildings and plants accounts for nearly half of all U.S. energy consumption.
4. Green from green.
Jeffrey Immelt, GE chairman and CEO, hasn’t committed his corporation to sustainability just to be a nice guy. He believes it’s the right thing to do for shareholders as well as the earth. Innovators in the building industry will be similarly rewarded.
5. Less green to go green.
As innovations are pioneered, prices for sustainable technologies are already coming down and will continue to do so, saving not only on operating costs, but initial purchase and installation costs as well.
6. Eco-Moms (and Eco-Dads, Eco-Kids, etc.).
A recent New York Times article profiled groups of “Eco-Moms” who support each other in finding ways to live more sustainable, yet realistic lives. Whether driven by climate change concerns, rising utility bills or even religious conviction, demand will grow for building professionals to provide solutions that work for this generation and those to follow.
7. Not so big houses.
As many Hollywood stars are finding, it’s hard to ask others to be green while living in 10,000+-sq.-ft. homes.
8. Trusted sources to guard against greenwashing. Greenwashing is the term for products that are over-hyped, yet under-deliver on true sustainability. Look for third parties such as the EPA with its WaterSense and EnergyStar programs to gain prominence in analyzing and certifying green claims. Independent scientific testing will be used to verify marketing claims and solidify the trust of specifiers, installers and homeowners.
9. National, non-competing standards.
This may be a wish as much as a prognostication. Although regional issues such as droughts may be the impetus for change, manufacturers will need national standards in order to innovate and deliver new technologies efficiently, rather than by state or even by county.
10. General acceptance of high-efficiency flushers.
While the general public — and more than a few plumbers — are still wary of toilets that use less water, California’s new law mandating HETs by 2010 will likely be followed across the country as trust builds in the proven performance.
11. Less water, same experience.
Faucets and showerheads that use up to 40% less water than code are here today, with engineered solutions that meet the definition of sustainability by being enjoyable and satisfying to use.
12. Greywater reclamation.
Greywater reclamation systems can reuse water from sinks, washing machines, showers and bathtubs to flush toilets and irrigate landscaping.
13. Runoff Reduction.
Paved surfaces in cities and suburbs mean rainwater sweeps up everything from oil to pesticides to animal waste for a polluted mix that eventually ends up in streams and rivers. Look for more porous alternative paving materials, as well as a concentrated effort to build more green space into new communities.
14. Reusable rainwater.
Related to runoff reduction is capturing and reusing rainwater, through specially designed roofing and paving. Contractors will be in the forefront of systems to move water from collecting cisterns to where it’s needed in homes and buildings.
15. Right-sizing for high-efficiency comfort.
Heating and cooling systems use the most energy in homes and buildings. Systems can’t deliver on promised efficiencies if they aren’t properly sized.
16. Simpler “plug and play” installation.
Newer technology won’t be widely accepted in a tight labor market that limits the time available to train installers and technicians. Manufacturers are pioneering more “plug and play” solutions that make it easier for installers and technicians to master complex systems.
17. Smarter hot water. Water heating accounts for the second largest energy use in homes. Tankless water heaters are the standard in most of the world, except the U.S., yet the operating costs are 25-40% less than conventional tank water heaters. Tankless water heaters have the added advantage of being small enough to be installed near the point of use, reducing waste while waiting for hot water.
18. Here comes the sun no. 1.
Prices and complexity of solar thermal technologies will come down, making it easier to integrate solar water heating. Passive systems can be designed for water to flow naturally from the collection tank to point of use, although pump systems mechanically delivering water are still the most popular in North America.
19. Here comes the sun no. 2.
More homes and buildings will be built to make the most of existing light through placement of high R-value windows and skylights to reduce reliance on electrical power.
20. Mold-resistant products.
Products engineered to resist mold will improve health and indoor air quality.
21. Hydronic comfort.
The Hydronic Heating Association notes that any given volume of water holds almost 3,500 times as much heat as the same amount of air, for the same temperature rise. Water-based heating and cooling systems also contribute to improved indoor air quality, as particulates and allergens are not blown through the home or building.
22. Fewer VOCs.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in paint, wallcoverings, floor coverings, cabinets and furniture can trigger breathing issues, allergies and worse. Early replacement options left a lot to be desired in performance, but newer technologies are hard to distinguish from the original products.
23. Fresh air, clean air.
Energy-recovering ventilators and whole-house air cleaners will be as desirable as Sub-Zero refrigerators when Eco-Moms shop for new homes.
24. Planning for building orientation.
One of the showhouses at this year’s International Builders’ Show was built to take advantage of the natural cross-currents from a nearby body of water to help keep the home cool and comfortable.
