Planet Green
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Steve Thomas is the host of Planet Green's Renovation Nation, a program that focuses on making green renovations to homes across the country. In his regular column on PlanetGreen.com, Steve goes behind the scenes of the show and offers additional tips and insight on green renovation.
In Tuscon, we looked at how expensive it is to go green. If you're trying to get the most LEED points in the United States, you may have to shell out a few bucks. However, you always have green options, no matter your budget.
If you have a flat roof and you live in the city, then I'd look seriously at putting plants on the roof, either a dedicated green roof or do it in trays. It's beautiful; it cuts down the temperature just by the virtue of the plants being there, and if you have access to the roof , your roof becomes a green space.
However, the building options that are the greenest overall are the options that are the longest-lived and usually the most expensive. Enviro-shape and metal roofs cost more than your standard asphalt-shingle roof. But we all have to work within our budgets, and we have to make trade-offs accordingly.
If you can't afford the greenest roof on the market, here's a tip for you. Use the opportunity of a new roof, to put extra insulation in the roof deck. The next time that you do have to re-roof your home, I'd suggest adding an unbroken layer of foam insulation to your roof. This might be the greenest option of all. It saves energy, fuel, and, therefore, carbon.
Don't miss the Greenest House in America Episode of Renovation Nation.
More on Green Roofs
Raise the White (Light Reflecting) Roof—Fight Global Warming
Renovation Nation Episode: Chicago, Green Roof
Build a Greener Roof
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