Saving energy, protecting environment rising in importance

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http://www.herald-dispatch.com/life/x988037722/Saving-energy-protecting-environment-rising-in-importance

Saving energy, protecting environment rising in importance

Jun 07, 2008 @ 10:50 PM
By JEAN M
For The Herald-Dispatch

Green is a new catchphrase and trend in the construction industry. The word relates to our working and living spaces and all those important E words -- environment, energy and efficiency are all terms that drive contractors who repair, build and renovate our homes today.

Folks are concerned with a healthier environment in which to work and raise their families. Energy is so expensive that cost-saving strategies are a universal concern whether you are building a new house or renovating a standing structure. Efficiency in how our furnaces, appliances, windows, doors and more operate is high on our list of home priorities.

There are many environmental issues a person might address when building a house. Just one of those issues is placement of a house on a lot. Simply taking full advantage of how the sunlight hits a house or how trees might shade it can have a major impact on interior temperatures. Even an already standing house can be landscaped to take advantage of shade and sun.

Water-saving kitchen and bathroom fixtures will not only impact water bills but also conserve water for our communities. Using renewable products to build homes, such as bamboo flooring, can help save natural resources and be just as economical to purchase.

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