Cob Cottage
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ECOLOGICAL CONSULTING ORGANIZATION

Jeff Gold, president of ECO, has over thirty years experience in sustainable living, alternative energy and green construction.

Whether your project involves green renovations to an existing home or construction of a new residential or commercial green building, Jeff can assist you with:

  • Consultation
  • Specification of green materials
  • Sourcing of green materials
  • Green contractors & designers
  • Construction management

    Cob Honey House

    What is green building?


    Green Building is a whole-building and systems approach to design and construction that employs building techniques which minimize environmental impacts and reduce the energy consumption of buildings while contributing to the health and productivity of its occupants.


    Straw Bale Shed

    Why build green?


    Constructing a green building provides environmental benefits now and into the future by reducing the need for resources and energy and blazing a path toward sustainability. The overall design utilizes fewer of the limited resources available on Earth.

    There are also economic benefits involved with constructing a green building. While the initial costs vary, the overall savings from conserving resources such as water and energy are quite significant.

    With the call for more environmentally preferable products, creating an environmentally friendly building is a highly marketable idea. The LEED Green Building Rating System(TM) recognizes buildings that demonstrate an overall excellence in environmental qualities and performance.

    Green buildings use materials with low or no toxic ingredients or off-gassing. They feature abundant natural lighting and superior ventilation. Indoor air quality is better and the occupants are healthier.

    Features of a Green Building:

    WATER

    • Water efficient landscaping
    • Low-flow plumbing fixtures
    • Composting toilets
    • Use of recycled water for landscaping
    • Onsite storm water management
    • Green, living roof
    ENERGY
    • Energy efficient appliances
    • Superior insulation
    • Solar hot water
    • Photovoltaic and wind powersystems
    • Solar south orientation for passive heat gain
    • Sunspaces and greenhouses as heat collectors
    MATERIALS
    • Recycled materials
    • Materials with recycled content
    • Low or no toxins produced during manufacturing
    • Low or no toxins emitted when installed
    • Low embodied energy
    • Locally produced
    • Sustainably harvested
    • Can be recycled at end of useful life
    • Recycle construction wastes
    • Life cycle cost analysis
    SITE LOCATION
    • No building on wetlands or productive farmland
    • Build close to public transportation
    • Minimize environmental impacts of construction
    • In harmony with climate and local weather conditions
    • Respect for wildlife habitat and biodiversity
    OCCUPANT HEALTH
    • Use materials with low or no VOCs
    • Minimize use of toxic materials
    • Natural light and adequate ventilation
    • Opening windows and skylights
    • Easy access to parks, trails and natural areas
    • Environmentally friendly cleaning products
    DESIGN
    • Regional and local climate, topography and cultural factors considered in building location and design
    • Building is designed around the needs of the occupants
    • Contractors and subtrades are involved in the design process
    • Develop green criteria at the start of project
    LANDSCAPING
    • Recycled water and stored storm water for irrigation
    • Native plants
    • Low maintenance plantings
    • Edible landscaping
    • Windbreaks on the north and west
    • Trees, bushes, vines for seasonal shade


    Straw Bale House

    GREEN BUILDING RESOURCES


    Canada Green Building Council www.gabc.org

    International Institute for a Sustainable Built Environment www.greenbuilding.ca

    Sustainable Building Information System www.sbis.info/

    Athena Sustainable Materials Institute www.athenamsi.ca

    Ecological Building Network www.ecobuildnetwork.org

    Building Green www.buildingGreen.com

    Build Smart www.gvrd.bc.ca/BuildSmart

    Green Builder www.greenbuilder.com

    Straw Bale & Natural Building www.strawhomes.com

    Straw Bale House Plans & Resources www.balewatch.com

    Centre for Sustainable Energy & Renewable Technology www.crest.org

    Natural Life Network www.naturallifenetwork.com

    Natural Home & Garden www.naturalhomemagazine.com

    Green Home Building www.greenhomebuilding.com

    Whole Village Sustainable Community www.wholevillage.org