Luxury Home Magazine

PacificLuxuryLiving.com | 47 Luxury Home Services REND BUILDERS, LLC 808.879.0033 | trend@maui.net trendbuilders.com Build Green, Save Green By Glenda Anderson, CEO/Master Designer, Details International, Inc. Building a new home presents an opportunity to express your concern for the environment. So if you’re building in a warmer climate where cooling is paramount, orient the house relative to sun direction. Put more windows on the north and minimize the west. Consider tree placement or lattice-type structures for additional shade. Eco-savvy builders may suggest heavy insulation with a heat-reflecting barrier, roof ridge venting, and ventilating skylights (some even have mini-blinds controlled by heat sensors). Select light-colored roofing and siding materials to reflect light. The interior should maximize airflow and include fans to facilitate air movement. Appliances generate heat (requiring more A/C), so install a magnetic-induction cooktop that doesn’t retain heat like electric and gas. A convection oven reduces cooking temperature and time. New “speed ovens” combine convection, microwave and additional technologies. Use LED lighting where possible. Regarding electronic devices, ask your supplier/installer how to deal with generated heat and “phantom energy loss.” It’s never been easier to make an environmental statement and reduce energy costs. So build green and live the good life. Goes Green ~ Eco Column