First Green Residential Remodeling Guidelines
Words: Bronzella Cleveland
MarchApril 2008
Industry News
Nation’s First Green Residential Remodeling Guidelines Available
The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Foundation and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) have launched the nation’s first green residential remodeling guidelines. The so-called REGREEN Guidelines are designed to provide professionals and homeowners with resources and tools to “green” their home remodeling projects.
“Green homes are fundamental to leading healthier, more sustainable lives,” said Victoria Schomer, ASID, LEED AP, interior designer and principal of Green Built Environments. Schomer was on the team to develop and write the REGREEN program.
According to the two organizations, the U.S. residential remodeling market tops $200 billion per year, and is projected to nearly double within five years because of our housing stock. The median age of U.S. housing stock has topped 30 years, the groups continue, and homeowners are increasingly considering family health and well-being, skyrocketing energy costs, and the environment when planning home improvements.
The REGREEN guidelines – available at www.regreenprogram.org – are accompanied by case studies, and address the major elements of any green renovation project, including the site of the home, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. MD