Stepping Lightly with Green Design

If you would like to incorporate green building ideas into your kitchen or bathroom remodeling project we can help you get started. It is helpful to think of green building as the convergence of three fundamental objectives:

1. Conserve natural resources
2. Increase energy efficiency
3. Improve indoor air quality

Natural Resource Conservation
Conventional building practices result in the consumption and often the wasteful use of large quantities of wood, paper, metals, water and other natural resources that lead un-necessarily to their scarcity or depletion. Douglah Designs has an expanded range of green building materials to select from. Choose from cabinets made with certified wood from sustainable sources, durable countertops containing recycled glass tile, renewable fiber or recycled paper, new hardwood floors with reclaimed wood or water-efficient plumbing fixtures. These are just some of the beautiful options you can incorporate in your remodeling project.

Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is the cornerstone of any green building project. Generation and use of energy are major contributors to air pollution and global climate change. Improving energy efficiency and using renewable energy sources are effective ways to improve air quality and reduce the impacts on global warming. Energy efficiency is also an economically effective choice for consumers. The kitchen is often the room of the house that consumes the most energy. So a thoughtfully planned kitchen can help residents lower utility expenses and enjoy benefits year after year.

Here are some of the steps you can take to help increase energy efficiency in your home: You can start by sealing air leaks, weather stripping, adding insulation in the walls and ceiling, insulating water pipes, incorporating passive solar design where possible and installing double glazed/low-E windows, upgrade to high efficiency kitchen appliances and light fixtures. Other choices/upgrades include installing an on demand, tankless water heater or solar water heater, photovoltaic panels, and purchasing “green power” generated by renewable sources such as wind power.

Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality can be caused by inadequate ventilation or improper air balance, build up of dust, moisture and mold as well as off gassing chemicals from many building materials found in the home. Fireplaces and gas appliances can also contribute to poor indoor air quality.

One of the most common indoor air pollutants is formaldehyde, which can be found in many building materials made from particleboard held together by formaldehyde-based glues. Many paints and floor finishes also contain unhealthy volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The building industry has responded to these indoor air pollution problems by developing alternative paint, finish and adhesive products. Douglah Designs has an expanded range of building materials that use solvent-free adhesives as well as paints/varnishes that don’t utilize volatile compounds.

Green Design is Douglah Design's way to help protect our environment and your health. We will work to incorporate as many environmentally friendly products into your new kitchen or bath as possible. Saving the environment never looked so good!