Green Living

Michigan embarks on a statewide promotion of the so-called “green building” or “green construction” which advocates the use of energy-saving and environmental friendly practices in place of conventional urban planning, construction method and materials used. Green building enables natural preservation of both the structure and the environment. The result is an earth-friendly place befitting a naturally green lifestyle.

In homes and buildings, green living is made possible with innovative design as can be seen in the following:

• Inclusion of natural vegetation spots such as roof top gardens, pocket gardens and eco-friendly lawns in highly urbanized areas and high-rise neighborhoods to increase oxygen supply, improve air quality and counteract ultra-violet ray intrusion.
• Use of solar panels, reflective roofs, natural light-trapping doors and windows made from recycled materials in home and building designs.
• Installation of energy-saving dimmable lighting (fluorescent against incandescent lamps), based on the study that improving energy efficiency in establishments like hotels and restaurants can translate to as much as $1.5 billion savings a year in the United States energy demand.
• Preference for “organic” construction materials like natural wood, bamboo and recycled tiles, natural fiber textiles, low or non-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and use of non-synthetic furnishing materials (agricultural by-products), among others.
• Opting for energy-efficient appliances (those in the list of Energy Star, the US environmental protection agency) and water-saving fixtures.
• Designs that takes advantage of natural energy sources apart from the sun like installation of wind mills, hydro-electric mini-plants and river or lake systems to power the fuel needs of an entire community, a building complex or a home.