I have fun with these... enjoy.
Myth 1 Green building is too expensive.
This is a very common misunderstanding. It's been debunked many times in the past. Part of the reason that the myth exists is because many of the green projects that get attention are very high-end. But the fact is there are plenty of strategies for inexpensive green building, from right-sizing the structure to optimal value engineering to reducing waste, and others.
Myth 2 Green building is all about material selection.
Green building is about a lot more than materials. For instanc, on the most important things I do is suggest to my clients that they are a very important part of the overall system. In the past, people equated green building with using "green materials" such as those with high recycled content, low embodied energy, no VOCs, etc. While that is an important part of constructing a green building, it is still a small part of the big picture. For instance, site selection and energy performance are very important as well. People are beginning to gain a greater understanding that green building is a systems approach to the entire construction process.
Myth 3: Green building products don't work as well.
Low-flow toilets and fiberglass insulation are typical products that continue to get a bad rap. However, new green products work as well if not better than traditional products.
Myth 4: Green Products are hard to find.
Some green products are not manufactured nationwide and can be hard to purchase in some parts of the country. However, the number of green products and systems that are available continues to grow exponentially to the point where there are literally hundreds-if not thousands-of mainstream green products.
Myth 5: Green homes are "weird" or "ugly."
Today's green homes are virtually indistinguishable from "typical" homes. And if you do want to go with solar power you can integrate PV [photovoltaic] panels that are attractive and effective.
Myth 6: Building a green home is too complicated.
Actually, green homes are well constructed homes. If your buider is't using these techniques then he (or she) isn't using sound principles behid the decision making.
Myth 7: To get into green building, you have to sign up for some sort of program or third-party certification.
While programs such as the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED and the American Lung Association's Healthy House are great exposure and furthering the green movement, builders don't have to get involved with them to build green. They supplying templates and roadmaps, but green building is really about one project at a time and a builder's will to make a better choice.
Myth 8: It's an all-or-nothing proposition.
Some say that there is often a tendency to separate construction professionals into two groups: good guys (those who build only green) and bad guys (those who don't build green at all). There are plenty of people employing green technologies and techniques who may not even know it.
I sumarized this information from an article by Rob Fanjoy found on HGTV.com
Rob Fanjoy is the former editor of Smart HomeOwner magazine and former senior editor of Professional Builder. He lives in Ypsilanti, Mich., where he is using green techniques and materials to remodel his home.
http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_4953809,00.html
