There seem to be so many different definitions and standards defining what makes a "green home" that I wonder what ThaiVisa members consider green, and if they were going to build their ultimate green home what would they include?
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What Is Your Idea Of A "green" Home?
Started by thailandlover, 2009-10-27 13:19
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28 replies to this topic
#2
Senior Member Posted 2009-10-27 13:40:36
My criteria would be:
1) Climatic-response design and layout. like orientation and shading 2) Small footprint and sealed surfaces or compensation with green roofs or permeable paving 3) Low energy-comsumption for cooling: natural ventilation, insulated space where A/C is needed 4) Use of environment-frendly and local materials for building and furniture 5) Fair salaries for the craftsmen, fair working hours #3
Scuba Guru Posted 2009-10-27 17:11:19
The ouside of the house painted green is the only green house I understand. The rest is a crock of horse s#^t
The way CO2 has been turned into a poison and a pollutant will go down in history as the biggest con ever in the history of the world. Without CO2 there would be no life on this planet. Plants breathe the stuff. If you are growing things and want to improve production then you add more CO2. I had a friend back in the UK who grew a certain crop. By adding CO2 to the growing room he improved his production by 70%. Look at the plants and fauna that thrive right beside the roads. According to the looneys they should all be dead and the place a desert! This whole manmade global warming thing is also totally ficticious! The world has not warmed at all for over a decade and has over the last few years actually cooled but that does not stop our great leaders and the tree hugging nutters from telling you different. I don't do green and never will! What i do do is care for the enviroment and the seas. A totally different story altogether! #4
Senior Member Posted 2009-10-28 07:29:17
There seem to be so many different definitions and standards defining what makes a "green home" that I wonder what ThaiVisa members consider green, and if they were going to build their ultimate green home what would they include? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In my opinion, a "green home" is a dwelling which has as many environmentally friendly and energy-efficient atributes as is reasonable and affordable. There's little point in installing an entire PV-Collector (Photovoltaic) roof, since the ROI (Return On Investment) period would be well over 30 years; hence making this option not worthwhile from an efficiency point-of-view. However; things such as Solar Hot Water, are affordable and easy to install and will save the home-owner between 25%~35% on his monthly powerbill, whilst reducing some 2 Tonnes of CO2/annum. Proper thermal insulation in walls and ceilings are an absolute must and the placing of 'shade-trees' is always very beneficial. A simple and inexpensive Undergrond-Cooling System (if you have enough space under your garden) is a cert' - and re-cycling all the water used in the household (except the toilet, of course) for use of garden-irrigaton, only makes perfect sense. Recycling your household refuse can produce great compost for your garden, whereas separating your tins, card-board, plastic etc. items can be of great benefit to the old chap, or lady, who are scufling through your street, looking for these items to make their meagre living from. You know; this entire matter is very much up to the individual's phylosophy-of-life: If you're a "Waste-Not-Want-Not" type of person; if you find it "fun" to work with nature, whilst getting a financial gain at the same time, then you think like me. Curently there is a rather unique villa project under construction, where an admirable number of eco-attributes are being implemented in the design of the homes, named The Winery Villas, located on a beautiful hillside, with sweeping views oiver a sprawling green valley, just ouside of Pattaya-City. There's actually a list of Green Attributes on their web-site; just PM me if you would like the website address. Edited by jaapfries, 2009-10-28 07:40:07. #5
Senior Member Posted 2009-10-28 17:58:50
http://lauriebaker.net/work/work/baker-on-...chitecture.html Laurie Baker Architect
Depends on which hemisphere you live in to a large extent, but Laurie Baker's principals for architecture in the tropics - designing using natural air flow for cooling is a very good start. And it's a much healthier, and much more a pleasant living environment than energy guzzling, germ infested air con units. Imagination is what seems to be lacking and prejudice the main impediment to a healthier, more ecologically sustainable way of living. #6
Senior Member Posted 2009-10-29 08:43:36
A green home to me is an earth house.
They have many advantages. They have natrural insulation, storm proof winds and rain cannot destroy them, they cannot burn down,the plants growing on them helps prevent flooding by absorbing the rain instead of flowing it away. Materials are easy to get and inexpensive. Disadvantages are there will likely be some curved walls due to structure strength needs. #7
Senior Member Posted 2009-10-29 18:18:25
A green home to me is an earth house. They have many advantages. They have natrural insulation, storm proof winds and rain cannot destroy them, they cannot burn down,the plants growing on them helps prevent flooding by absorbing the rain instead of flowing it away. Materials are easy to get and inexpensive. Disadvantages are there will likely be some curved walls due to structure strength needs. forgot one thing a very small footprint on the globe. #8
Senior Member Posted 2009-10-30 07:50:52
A green home to me in terms of the 'tropics or tropical' climate would be like the ancient Polynesians -
live outside in the jungle/forest with a simple Fale/Hale like grass structure, hunt wild pigs, raise cows/fowls, fish as needed, build water wells and irrigation for vegetation, dig a UMU, and bathe in the river/ocean. #9
Advanced Member Posted 2009-10-30 13:49:31
Easy paint your house green.
The total energy costs of everybody reading this is higher than you can save Pieter  (Owner of Green Energy Software co. Ltd) #10
Mistress Whiplash Posted 2009-10-30 14:30:14
http://lauriebaker.net/work/work/baker-on-...chitecture.html Laurie Baker Architect Depends on which hemisphere you live in to a large extent, but Laurie Baker's principals for architecture in the tropics - designing using natural air flow for cooling is a very good start. And it's a much healthier, and much more a pleasant living environment than energy guzzling, germ infested air con units. Imagination is what seems to be lacking and prejudice the main impediment to a healthier, more ecologically sustainable way of living. Great link wilsongbrown, I've never heard of her but she sounds like she's got the right approach for the tropics For me, a green home here in thailand would be one that relies on environmentally friendly materials, tries to use water wisely, ie water storage for gray water, etc, utilizes natural energy; solar, wind. and most importantly, the residents attempt to compost and recycle as much as possible. #11
Super Member Posted 2009-10-30 15:49:00
Here's a video of a house on Samui.
btw it is for sale if you like it pm me. #12
Platinum Member Posted 2009-10-31 10:36:44
Double the cost of a regular house and you have a green house.
#13
Platinum Member Posted 2009-10-31 15:53:16
Thanks thailandlover this is something I have been thinking about in the past few days, so will comment here rather than waste a little bit of server space creating a new thread.
 > 5) Fair salaries for the craftsmen, fair working hours Fair Trade - but not green. > Solar Hot Water, are affordable.... ....25%~35% on his monthly powerbill > .....and the placing of 'shade-trees' is always very beneficial. Depending on the location of the house and the mind set of those inside: Out here in the rural wilds we only heat water for tea/coffee etc. However I want solar hot water for washing clothes and dishes - the 'however' to that is that I would like to see saving in the amount of washing liquids and powders used - but getting that message across to the Thai mindset (never accept new ideas) will I feel be difficult. Quote ...and re-cycling all the water used in the household (except the toilet, of course) for use of garden-irrigaton, Quote Recycling your household refuse can produce great compost for your garden, whereas separating your tins, card-board, plastic etc. items can be of great benefit to the old chap, or lady, who are scufling through your street, looking for these items to make their meagre living from. Quote There's actually a list of Green Attributes on their web-site; just PM me if you would like the website address. wilsongbrown said: And it's a much healthier, and much more a pleasant living environment than energy guzzling, germ infested air con units. Now for what some will consider non-green, I gather and burn wood for cooking. I see this as a green solution compared to using the large bottle gas cylinder we have, that will never be replaced within my lifespan. But I do encourage new tree and branch growth and don't consider the particles released into the air bad when compared to the Chinese coal fired power stations. The other big change I have adopted on a personal level is learning to ride a motorbike, most of the world's developing nations rely on two wheels to move everything. Going from someone that shared in the amusement of those emailed images with multiple people, hens, pigs, huge fish and wardrobes transported by motorbike to someone that understands the needs I think I am a greener and wiser person for it. #14
Super Member Posted 2009-10-31 16:17:32
How about a traditional Thai house built of wood, elevated about eight feet off the ground? A few modifications, like orientation to capture prevailing winds, white roof to reflect heat and solar water heating and that should do the trick
#15
Titanium Member Posted 2009-11-01 01:19:38
Now for what some will consider non-green, I gather and burn wood for cooking. I see this as a green solution compared to using the large bottle gas cylinder we have, that will never be replaced within my lifespan. (1) But I do encourage new tree and branch growth and don't consider the particles released into the air bad when compared to the Chinese coal fired power stations. (2) The other big change I have adopted on a personal level is learning to ride a motorbike, most of the world's developing nations rely on two wheels to move everything. Going from someone that shared in the amusement of those emailed images with multiple people, hens, pigs, huge fish and wardrobes transported by motorbike to someone that understands the needs I think I am a greener and wiser person for it. 1. Coal fired power stations can produce a lot less polution than some idiot burning green wood in his back yard. Not to mention the un-green damage being done when chopping down trees for firewood. 2. So you'd rather have 1 million people each riding a motorcy than have them riding a bus? Not to mention that the majority of the world's developing nations rely on 2 stroke rahther than 4 stroke motorcy? #16
Senior Member Posted 2009-11-01 07:50:48
It would not be surprising if burning wood is worse for the environment than gas and I see no way this can be justified as being green. There are real green alternatives like using a solar cooker or changing to a raw food diet.
On a related note, it is apalling how some who use wood to warm their house point fingers at those making big log houses as being environmentally insensitive. Ironies like this is why there are so many green bashers. It is important to understand the life of the forest is the dead tree, not the live one. Burning them robs the forest of habitat and nourishment that is critical in newing the flora and fauna. #17
Member in Uranus Posted 2009-11-01 13:50:40
There seem to be so many different definitions and standards defining what makes a "green home" that I wonder what ThaiVisa members consider green, and if they were going to build their ultimate green home what would they include? A hole dug in the ground with your bare hands (no shovels or spade) after you had walked with no shoes to Thailand from your country of choice, anything else aint green. #18
Senior Member Posted 2009-11-01 14:12:24
The ouside of the house painted green is the only green house I understand. The rest is a crock of horse s#^t The way CO2 has been turned into a poison and a pollutant will go down in history as the biggest con ever in the history of the world. Burning coal and NG produces more than just CO2. NOx, SOx, lead, mercury, cadmium, etc. #19
Advanced Member Posted 2009-11-04 16:38:54
There seem to be so many different definitions and standards defining what makes a "green home" that I wonder what ThaiVisa members consider green, and if they were going to build their ultimate green home what would they include? I don't think a complete green house is within my capablities. However, I do hope to install a solar panel for general heating like for water heater and if the power generated is sufficient, drive my air-con. Can someone suggest where & who can I contact for such installation. #20
Senior Member Posted 2009-11-04 16:56:30
> 5) Fair salaries for the craftsmen, fair working hours Fair Trade - but not green. OK - "Fair Trade" is not "green" but sustainable. #21
Member Posted 2009-11-04 18:03:18
http://lauriebaker.net/work/work/baker-on-...chitecture.html Laurie Baker Architect Depends on which hemisphere you live in to a large extent, but Laurie Baker's principals for architecture in the tropics - designing using natural air flow for cooling is a very good start. And it's a much healthier, and much more a pleasant living environment than energy guzzling, germ infested air con units. Imagination is what seems to be lacking and prejudice the main impediment to a healthier, more ecologically sustainable way of living. Great link wilsongbrown, I've never heard of her but she sounds like she's got the right approach for the tropics For me, a green home here in thailand would be one that relies on environmentally friendly materials, tries to use water wisely, ie water storage for gray water, etc, utilizes natural energy; solar, wind. and most importantly, the residents attempt to compost and recycle as much as possible. Seems as though you didn't bother to follow the link to educate yourself on the great architect Laurie Baker who recently died - he was a man. #22
Platinum Member Posted 2009-11-05 15:06:44 PattayaParent said: 1. Coal fired power stations can produce a lot less polution than some idiot burning green wood in his back yard. Not to mention the un-green damage being done when chopping down trees for firewood. 2. So you'd rather have 1 million people each riding a motorcy than have them riding a bus? Not to mention that the majority of the world's developing nations rely on 2 stroke rahther than 4 stroke motorcy? No buses on regular routes in the countryside. A milion people wanting to go from/to the same place at the same time sounds like factory-city living, a Quaility Of Life choice that some have moved on from. Everyone craves indepentance, that's why they want personal television sets rather than watching the state provided news on mass screens, why they want motorbikes, cars and pickups. It would be better for the planet if we cut the world population by about 50% or more and uninvented international travel for the masses. Is your point about 2/4 stroke based on the oil burnt or the ease of repair and cheaper original build costs in terms of the machine and the green impact that building vs running a motorbike of 2/4 stroke design - I see there are arguements on both sides. Collecting dead wood from a forest floor for cooking vs open cast mining or deep pit mining - transporting coal, burning it, transporting the energy via milions of tonnes of plastic sheathed electric cable? Who's the idiot? Same with gas. canopy said: There are real green alternatives like using a solar cooker or changing to a raw food diet. Quote It is important to understand the life of the forest is the dead tree, not the live one. Burning them robs the forest of habitat and nourishment that is critical in newing the flora and fauna. It's nice eating a meal (meat, vegatables and spices) that I know has been grown, raised and killed within a 5km radius of my house. (No left overs - vegatable off cuts go to the pigs, meat to the dogs and rice scrappings to the chickens.) What was the enviromental impact of your last meal? #23
Member Posted 2009-11-06 22:47:46
Read Plan B by Lester Brown for some thoughts on sustainable living. Also, watch 'The Garbage Warrior', which focuses explicitly on the building of sustainable living houses.
http://www.garbagewarrior.com/ http://www.amazon.com/Plan-Rescuing-Planet...e/dp/0393325237 #24
Star Member Posted 2009-11-07 10:33:53
http://lauriebaker.net/work/work/baker-on-...chitecture.html Laurie Baker Architect Depends on which hemisphere you live in to a large extent, but Laurie Baker's principals for architecture in the tropics - designing using natural air flow for cooling is a very good start. And it's a much healthier, and much more a pleasant living environment than energy guzzling, germ infested air con units. Imagination is what seems to be lacking and prejudice the main impediment to a healthier, more ecologically sustainable way of living. #25
Super Member Posted 2009-11-09 12:04:37
It would not be surprising if burning wood is worse for the environment than gas and I see no way this can be justified as being green. There are real green alternatives like using a solar cooker or changing to a raw food diet. Your bias about biomass is understandable though misguided. Biomass is a 100% solar solution, except without any exotic technology or nasty chemicals associated with production of solar panels. Solar cookers are great, but what do you do when you have a holiday meal to prepare and it is raining? If you have a little bit of land area, burning biomass is extremely green, both literally and figuratively. Any issues you report with unburned tars and ash from traditional wood burning are easily dealt with using a gasifier. A simple downdraft gassifier is a device so simple that any Thai welder can build one using scrap parts if he understands some basic physics. Gasification technology has been around for over a century, people have just forgotten about it because natural gas and liquid fuels have been ubiquitous. Several NGOs are building small, coffee can style gassifier stoves for cooking in rural villages in India and Africa. They are extremely clean, and are being produced at costs less than $25. You can even build wood gassifiers to run your car. Not nearly as convenient as pulling up to a filling station, but it is a proven technology in use on internal combustion engines for over 80 years. In the end, the only truly green solutions are ones that don't use products of the industrial economy, and the only realistic low tech solutions except for wind or microhydro (which are intermittent) are all biomass based. Either oils, alcohols, or buring biomass directly. All of these can be produced on farm in a closed cycle, with the ash being mixed with compost and returned to the land. The only way to get more green than burning biomass is to go back to nomadic tribes wandering in a forest. That hasn't worked for over 5000 years though, and I don't expect it to start now. BTW, I have a simple definition of a green home that works in every culture. It is any home that can constructed, maintained, and lived in without any inputs from the industrial economy and where all wastes are recycled to the local environment. It's very hard to do that 100% today, but we can get pretty close. Edited by gregb, 2009-11-09 12:14:52. |
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