The obvious answer is added costs. All of us are required to build to the BC Building Code, a region-specific version of the National Building Code. After 2009, for example, we are all required to install new windows that have low-E argon gas in the airspace. So, all new homes will have to be built green, to a degree. This is a good thing, but needless to say, it’s much more expensive.
When doing the rounds of home/design shows, I responded to the big ads: “get $150 rebate for each window you order.” But, it turns out, those are for current homeowners who replace existing windows, not for new home construction. Same with highly-efficient furnaces and hot-water heaters – grants and rebates are only available for renovations to existing homes. This is patently unfair, of course. Why not encourage homeowners to build as green as possible? A later post will cover the few grants available.
The developers of multi-family projects can install one geothermal field for their whole development. The individual home-builder absorbs that whole cost (about $22,000). Economies of scale at each stage (design and execution) make the added cost to each unit far more affordable.
Our current project will be what some developers call “deep green.” We will be going as far beyond the building code as we can afford. It’s that critical balance that we will have to achieve. Value vs. Cost. Stay tuned…
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I think there’s a balance between the cost of building green and the inclusion of luxuries, though. For example, if one wants to sacrifice expensive environmentally friendly tile for re-used hardwood, the cost will go down, but the appearance may not be as appealing, (even though I love the appearance of re-used hardwood). Or for another example: neglecting to put doors on cupboards. They are still just as functional as if they do have doors, eliminate unneeded materials, but no one wants to see the clutter in the dish cupboard. Take Ian’s place in Chetwynd. Very inexpensive (although time consuming as well), but he sacrificed a few luxuries and waited for the appropriate used materials to become available, rather than immediately buying the products at elevated prices. That’s the problem with stores like “Greenworks” in Vancouver. They produce so called “green” building supplies, but charge the regular price, plus a premium because they’re labelled as green. Herein lies the problem as I see it. Very, very few people can afford to build a house in this manner, and so the idea won’t take off as it needs to to reverse building trends. Changing the building code is a start, but will take a long time, as it would be impossible to change all aspects of it right away.
I could talk about this all day though…