Green Building means making homes that improve the health and economic vitality of people and protect the environment.  It's about making our homes and workplaces healthier, more comfortable, more durable, safer and more affordable.

Our homes aren't just a place to live.  They provide a place of shelter and safety, a social haven, and a financial foundation for our families.  To make our buildings work for the present and into the future, we have to consider economics, social issues, and the environment.  This is termed as Sustainable Development.

To meet the various guidlines behind Green Building, we must look at all the functions of our homes and explore how to make them work well together.  Green Building focuses on these key areas:

• Energy
• Air
• Water
• Materials
• Site Integration

Asbestos Prevention and Healthy Tips for the Home
Provided By: Mesothelioma Center & Asbestos.com  

The road to owning a home is a wonderful experience, but  one that requires new responsibilities. Homes that are newly purchased may  require additional remodeling or repairs.

Potential  home buyers or those remodeling older homes should be aware homes  built before 1980 maintain the chance of containing asbestos. Asbestos is a  fibrous mineral that was used in construction applications for the greater part  of the 20th century.

This does not mean you should be afraid because asbestos  exposure is easily prevented by taking simple precautions. It should be noted  that most asbestos will not pose a threat to your health and safety. Many  eco-friendly green insulation options exist which not only provide a safe  alternative to asbestos, but can even reduce annual energy costs.

When asbestos deteriorates and  its fibers become airborne, it has the potential of causing severe lung  ailments such as mesothelioma,  pneumoconiosis, pleural disease and asbestosis. Physician diagnosis has been a  difficult task because mesothelioma symptoms are so similar to other, less serious conditions.  The negligence involved with the  asbestos scandal has been one of greed and dishonesty. Manufacturers of  asbestos were aware of its toxic qualities, but repressed this information from  the public. It is tough to accurately gauge mesothelioma statistics because many cases go unreported.

If you locate any suspected asbestos,  leave it alone. If you are having home renovations, performed, do not panic.  In most cases, the best action is no action in regards to asbestos. These  inspectors will assess the situation and oversee the work of all contractors  involved and determine whether suspicious materials are present.

However, if removal is necessary, it must be performed by a  licensed abatement contractor who is trained and licensed to deal with  hazardous materials and removal projects.

With increasing technology and public initiatives, green  alternatives exist which allow for an asbestos free environment. These healthy  insulation alternatives include cotton fiber, lcynene and cellulose. According  to studies performed by manufacturers, the use of cotton fiber can reduce  annual energy costs by 25 percent! These options will provide a safe and  healthy home, free of any damaging materials.

Recently, congress passed the American Recovery and  Reinvestment Act into law. Included in this act were extensions to the tax  incentives placed for energy efficiency in 2005, as well as new credits for  homeowners who remodel or build using eco-sustainable methods. Some of the  measures that are eligible for tax credits include added insulation to walls,  ceilings, or other part of the building envelope that meets the 2009 IECC  specifications, sealing cracks in the building shell and ducts to reduce heat  loss. Storm doors paired with U-factored rated wood doors are also eligible. 

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For more information on asbestos and mesothelioma, log on to: www.asbestos.com or call 1-800-asbestos