Going Green in Arlington

What is a Green Home?

A green home is a healthy, comfortable, cost efficient home that reduces energy and water usage and protects the environment. Components of a green home may include:

• Specific construction practices to minimize and recycle construction waste;
• Careful insulation practices;
• Nontoxic interior finishes (low VOC paint, sealants, and carpeting);
• Components made from renewable resources (such as cork or bamboo floors, wheatboard cabinetry);
• Recycled content components (such as recycled glass tiles, recycled-content countertops);
• Energy efficient appliances (Energy Star rated refrigerator, dishwasher, water heater, etc.);
• Photovoltaic (solar) panels;
• Water efficient appliances and landscape irrigation (front loading clothes washers and moisture sensing irrigation systems);
• Stormwater collection (rainbarrels or larger cisterns);
• Careful placement of shade trees;
• Careful placement of windows to maximize interior light and ventilation.

The list is endless and allows you to use your imagination and creativity in constructing a green home.

The Arlington County website has a great wealth of information for homeowners that are looking to go green. the have also published a 44 page document / Directory of Green Building Services.