DC Exhibit: Greening Your Home

Ever wonder how you can save some money on your energy bill and live in a house that's good for you and the environment?  You can get some good tips at the Green House: New Directions in Sustainable Architecture & Design exhibit at the National Building Museum till June 3, 2007.

The exhibit features a full scale replica of a prefabricated green house, The Glidehouse designed by architect Michelle Kaufmann.  You can walk through the house to see what it would be like to live in a green house.  Walk on the bamboo flooring and take a look at the energy-smart kitchen appliances, tankless water heater and fluorescent lighting. 

A full-scale replica of a portion of the prefabricated Glidehouse,
as installed in the exhibition The Green House.
Photo by Hoachlander Davis Photography

As you continue through the exhibit you will learn about the five green principles for creating a sustainable home. 

1. Optimize use of the sun.
Unlike fossil fuels, the sun’s energy supply will last for billions of years.
- Consider using solar panels, instead of coal, natural gas or other fossil fuels. 
- Plant shade trees and shrubs around the house for shade in the summer and sun in the winter.

2. Improve indoor air quality.
Indoor air quality can be worse than outdoor air quality. 
”Pollutants range from toxins, such as asbestos and formaldehyde found in building materials, to allergens such as mold, mildew, fungus, bacteria, and dust mites.”
- Select ventilation systems that remove dirt, dust, moisture, humidity, and pollutants.
- Turn on the exhaust fan over your stove to remove gases like carbon monoxide.  Bathroom fans can help remove water vapors that cause molds.

3. Use land responsibly.
If you are looking for a house, consider buying a smaller house near public transportation and community services.   In your garden, try to use organic pesticides, composts and native plants that don’t require a lot of water.

4. Build high performance, moisture resistant homes.
Use durable and energy-efficient materials in your house to “reduce drafts, balance room temperatures, control moisture, and save on heating and cooling costs. Seal any gaps or cracks where moisture can get in and heat or cooling can leak out.”

5. Use Earth's natural resources wisely.
Since earth’s resources are finite, try to buy materials that are renewable, reusable and durable.

To learn more about these principles and get more tips, visit
http://www.nbm.org/Exhibits/greenHouse2/principles/principles.html.

The exhibit also showcases contemporary green homes from different regions and climates around the world, including the city, suburb, waterside, forest & mountain, tropics and desert.
You will find photos, descriptions and models of some of these homes. 

The exhibit website provides 19 ways to go green.

Green living doesn't have to be complicated; below are some simple tips to help you live more sustainably.

1. Conserve energy by purchasing major appliances with an Energy Star rating, and by adding timers and automated thermostats to control usage. Also, consider switching to fluorescent light bulbs and adding more natural lighting with additional windows or skylights.
2. Repair leaky fixtures and install low-flow showerheads and faucets.
3. Use water-based paints, finishes and sealants.  Some milk-based paints are available, also.
4. Look for wall coverings that are made of paper or natural fiber, rather than synthetic materials, and printed with natural inks.
5. Choose carpeting, rugs, window treatments and other textiles made from natural fibers, such as cotton or wool, which are untreated and free of toxins, such as pesticides or chemical cleaners.
6. Ask for flooring products made from rapidly renewable resources, such as bamboo or linoleum.
7. Select solid woods, when possible, for furniture or cabinetry, rather than pressed woods or composites that may contain formaldehyde or other chemicals that may be toxic.
8. Reuse materials, such as brick, stone, glass, tile or metal, in new and interesting ways. Old wood also can be safely treated and used for accents.
9. Consider the “lifecycle” of furnishings and accessories before purchasing:  Are they made of materials that can be reused or recycled when the item eventually wears out or is not longer needed?
10. Recycle packing and shipping materials from any newly purchased items, and safely dispose of paint cans and other containers whose contents could potentially contaminate the ground or water supply.
11. Install lights with sensors that turn on when they detect movement and automatically turn off after a few minutes.
12. Do not let the water run when brushing your teeth or washing your face.
13. If every household in the US replaced 1 roll of 1000 sheet bathroom tissues with 100% recyclable rolls, we could save 373,000 trees, 1.48 million cubic feet of landfill space, and 155 million gallons of water.
14. Scrape – don’t rinse! When using a dishwasher, pre-rinsing is no longer necessary with today's technology and detergents. You may be using more water to pre-rinse than the dishwasher uses for a full wash cycle.
15. Check your refrigerator’s seal by closing the door with a lit flashlight inside. If you see light seeping out, the door should be adjusted or the seal replaced to stop energy leaks.
16. Buy locally produced products and materials whenever possible to reduce additional energy use and pollution associated with transportation.
17. Eliminate waste by choosing products that are biodegradable or recyclable.
18. Look for reclaimed wood products salvaged from older structures and certified wood harvested from sustainably managed forests.
19. Hang damp laundry on an outdoor clothesline or indoor drying rack instead of using an electric dryer. 

“19 Ways to Go Green" was produced in collaboration with the ASID Foundation of the American Society of Interior Designers.

About the National Building Museum
Cost: Free (Suggested donation: $5)
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm. The Museum is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Directions: The National Building Museum is located at 401 F Street NW, between 4th and 5th Streets, across the street from the Judiciary Square Metro (Red Line).
For more information: Call (202) 272-2448.
Website: http://www.nbm.org
History: “The Museum occupies one of Washington's most spectacular structures, designed in 1881 by civil engineer and U.S. Army General Montgomery C. Meigs and completed in 1887. The building, which originally housed the Pension Bureau and was later occupied by many government agencies, is widely recognized as a marvel of engineering. An ingenious system of windows, vents, and open archways allows the Great Hall to function as a reservoir of light and air. The impressive Italian Renaissance design, with a central fountain and eight colossal Corinthian columns - among the tallest interior columns in the world - has also made the Great Hall a sought-after spot for gala events, including many Presidential Inaugural Balls, from 1885 to the present day.”