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Green Building Program Unveiled in St. Louis
 The Home Builders Association of Greater St. Louis has unveiled a new voluntary residential green building program designed to offer builders information on green products and building practices appropriate for the area’s geography and climate.
The association’s Green Building Initiative™ – St. Louis was adapted from NAHB’s Model Green Home Building Guidelines, which were developed by a group of about 60 builders, environmentalists, government agencies and product manufacturers.
"This innovative program is the first of its kind in the St. Louis area," said Patrick Sullivan, executive vice president of the home builders association. "We are excited about the opportunity to provide our members with the necessary tools to build and market green homes to their consumers."
 Owners of green homes can reap various benefits, including utility savings, improved indoor air quality and less overall maintenance. The voluntary guidelines can be tailored to the needs of interested home buyers during the building process. Green building practices examine the potential to save energy and reduce waste, both during and after construction.
Although there is no one-size-fits-all approach to green building, the voluntary green building guidelines in St. Louis include the following:
- Minimize Solar Heat Gain. Position the structure so the longest walls and most of the windows face north and south. Infrequently used rooms, such as storage spaces and service areas, should be on the west side to act as buffers from the sun.
- Maximize Natural Light and Ventilation. Ensure that most rooms have windows on two walls and position windows for cross ventilation.
- Create a Cool Shell. Use light colored surfaces for walls and roofing and choose metal, concrete or wood roofing, which absorb less heat than asphalt shingles.
- Ensure Efficient Heating and Cooling. Install a programmable thermostat and put ceiling fans in major rooms.
- Use Efficient Appliances and Lights. Use Energy Star®–rated appliances and install task lighting to reduce the need for lighting an entire room.
- Choose "Green" Materials. Use renewable and sustainable lumber for framing, doors and flooring; materials with recycled content in carpet, insulation, siding, roofing, flooring, countertop and outdoor decking; and non-chemical, bio-based cleaning products.
The St. Louis initiative will provide technical and marketing expertise to help local builders utilize the voluntary national guidelines and support the construction of green-built homes across the area. The association is also working with representatives from Laclede Gas to implement a third-party verification process to ensure that homes constructed as part of the program adhere to the NAHB guidelines.
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