northwest indiana green building alliance

NWI Green Building Alliance



Who We Are:Builders, developers, subcontractors, material suppliers and industry representatives, architects, real estate professionals, energy auditors, appraisers, conservationists, & preservationists

What We Are:An alliance created to promote and educate building professionals and the public about high performance housing and to encourage a greener, healthier, more sustainable living experience in Northwest Indiana

Northwest Indiana Green Building Alliance


Mission Statement:The NWI Green Building Alliance is being formed for the purpose of educating the Northwest Indiana region about the importance of high-performance built environments, it’s inherent value in our lives, and encouraging a greener, healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.

Membership Scope:Under the charter of the Home Builders Association of Northwest Indiana, through the National Association of Home Builders, representation covers Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton, and Jasper Counties.



Did You Know?

Since 2008, NWI area builders and developers have:

Built over 72 homes under NAHB Green Building Standards, as of Sept. 21, 2010.

Energy-Star rated over 450 homes Developed two NAHB Green-Certified

neighborhoods Held an annual Living Green exposition Held a Parade of Homes showcasing all that is

good about Green Won national awards for their efforts

Impact of Buildings in U.S.A.

In the United States alone, buildings account for:

• 72% of electricity consumption,• 39% of energy use,• 38% of all carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions,• 40% of raw materials use,• 30% of waste output (136 million tons annually), • 14% of potable water consumption.

EPA calculates the amount of salvageable structural lumber disposed of annually

1 Billion board feet of structural lumber

3-5 pounds per square foot

$250-$1000 plus disposal cost

62,000 average American homes could be built from it

Goals of Green Building

Low Impact Minimal impact on natural environment

Efficient Reduced Energy usage and Water usage

Healthy Protect occupant health and increase productivity

Minimize waste Designed and constructed in a manner that

minimizes waste, pollution, and environmental degradation


What Makes a Home Green Site Design and Development Lot Design, Preparation, and

Development Resource Efficiency Energy Efficiency Water Efficiency Indoor Environmental Quality Operation, Maintenance, and Building

Owner Education


More than Energy Efficiency Holistic approach

Building Science Looks at a bigger picture Considers cause and effect of inputs

Healthy Homes 4 of 10 children in North America will develop

respiratory disorders and ADD symptoms that are caused by environmental elements

Only 2 harmful environmental elements are found in greater concentration outside the home.

Spend 90% of time indoors


Minimize Environmental Impact Landfills Pacific Ocean Garbage Island Carbon Footprint Wasted Materials Land Use

Over 1 Billion people without access to water


Who Says It’s Green?Beware of ‘Green Washing’ – unsubstantiated claims

Third-Party Verification Blower Door Testing and other analytical tools

Certification Programs Department of Energy

Energy Star Builders Challenge Water Sense

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center’s ANSI approved National Green Building Standard

United States Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Homes (LEED-H)

Environments for Living, Green Globes, etc.


Blower Door Test

Depressurizes a house to find out how much air a home is leaking. Infrared cameras will show the hidden leakage.


What your energy is used for:


Conservation vs. Efficiency

Energy Conservation Energy Efficiency

Turn off the lights Install CFL bulbs

Turn off the DVD player Purchase an Energy Star-rated DVD player

Caulk the windows Purchase (and properly install) Energy Star-rated windows

Turn up the thermostat in summer

Install a programmable thermostat

Wash clothes in cold water Purchase an Energy Star-qualified washer

Turn down thermostat on water heater to 120 F

Replace water heater if over 15 years old

Install weather stripping around doors

Install insulated door

Change furnace filter monthly Install energy-efficient furnace

Information courtesy of Stephanie Johnson, Jasper County REMC


Website:www.NWIGreenBuildingAlliance.com

Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/nwigreenbuildingalliance

Email:[email protected]


http://www.nwigreenbuildingalliance.com/

http://www.facebook.com/nwigreenbuildingalliance

http://www.facebook.com/nwigreenbuildingalliance

northwest indiana green building alliance

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