5 Reasons to Go for Green Building

Going green is becoming a new way of life. The whole world seems to be more conscious about being less harmful to the environment, and it's no different in the Philippines.

When Filipinos talk about "going green," they usually mean recycling, choosing organic food, or using less electricity or fuel. It's time to add green building to that list.

Green building means using materials that are produced sustainably, aren't made with chemicals that harm the environment, and degrade less over time, resulting in less waste in the long run. Building your dream home with green materials has a bigger payoff than you might think, benefiting both you and the environment. Here are five reasons to go for green building:

1. Green materials reduce your carbon footprint.

Using traditionally sourced materials like steel, concrete, and virgin lumber requires lots of fuel and resources. Green materials are produced more efficiently, require fewer natural resources, result in less waste in the long run, and are produced locally, which minimizes the resources needed for transporting them.

2. Going green may lower your electricity bill.

Being a tropical country, the Philippines experiences sweltering heat, especially during peak summer months. A well-constructed green home can regulate the temperature and moisture within the home, which may mean you rely less on artificial cooling devices like air-conditioners when the temperature rises.

3. Green materials are a cost-effective investment.

Reclaimed lumber, galvanized iron, and fiber cement boards are green materials that degrade slowly, so you won't have to worry about constant repairs or renovations, saving you money over time.

4. They're intelligently made.

Green materials are backed by research and testing to ensure their durability. In the same way that knowing what goes in your food can give you peace of mind, using green building materials from a trusted source can reduce your concerns about safety and assure you that your home is sturdy enough to withstand the elements as well as the test of time.

5. You can do it yourself.

Going green can be a DIY project. Start off with small changes, like replacing traditional incandescent lights with LED bulbs that consume less energy and last longer. Go to antique stores or Facebook groups selling good-quality secondhand pieces instead of buying brand new plastic or leather furniture. Consider environmentally friendly options when making home repairs, like fiber cement boards for your roof's eaves.

There are few companies that support green building and manufacture products that are environmentally friendly. One brand committed to green building is HardieFlex^®.

Take HardieFlex^® Eaves fiber cement boards, for example. When correctly installed, these eco-friendly boards reduce the heat load inside a house or building and assist in regulating temperature, moisture, and air, resulting in better ventilation. You can thus make the better choice for both your home and Mother Earth. 

HardieFlex^® Eaves are resistant* to impact and also to fire, mold, and moisture damage. They also come with a 10-year warranty, so you won't have to worry about them once they're installed in your homes. All you have to do is to look for the green stripes and back branding on the board to know that you're getting the real deal.

© Copyright James Hardie Philippines, Inc. 2018

® and ™ denote a trademark owned by James Hardie Technology Limited. Additional installation information, warranties, and warnings are available on www.jameshardie.com.ph.

*When installed and maintained correctly and to the extent set out in James Hardie's published literature current at the time of installation