Energy, Green Building News You Can Use: Building Safety Month 2010

May 3, 2010

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –The International Code Council Foundation is providing weekly tips and links during Building Safety Month 2010, as resources for consumers to save money and prevent disasters. The first week of Building Safety Month, May 1-8, is dedicated to energy efficiency and green building.

“In addition to the environmental benefits of green building and energy efficiency, there are financial benefits such as less expensive utility bills,” said Rick Weiland, International Code Council Foundation Board of Governors President and CEO of the International Code Council. “It’s important for consumers to remember that a home doesn’t have to simply be green or not green – there are many levels in between. You are not only investing in protecting your family but also investing to protect the environment. Do what makes the most sense for your budget and your lifestyle.” Weiland added that many communities are now using codes as a tool to promote construction of more efficient buildings, such as the International Energy Conservation Code and the International Green Construction Code.

According to Jack Armstrong, Leader Construction Markets for Building Safety Month sponsor BASF, “If everyone took the simple, low-cost action of adding insulation or air sealing, we could greatly reduce our ecological footprint and save money at the same time. We urge everyone from homeowners to office building owners to do their part in reducing our nation’s energy consumption.”

Whether you’re building from scratch or just looking to remodel and increase the energy efficiency of your home, there are a number of things you can do to make your home greener:

Energy Saving Tips:

• Reduce your energy bills and save money by turning off lights and unplugging unused appliances will add up to savings.
• A small investment in a programmable thermostat can save homeowners up to $180 annually in energy costs.
• Start planning now for long-term investments that will reduce energy consumption and save even more dollars in the long run.

Green Building Tips:

• Building green means living better and simple changes are all it takes to become more environmentally friendly.
• Select a building site that is best for you and the environment. Position your home on the lot with consideration to the amount of energy it will consume.
• Use eco-friendly adhesives, sealants, paints, coating and carpeting that emit low levels of volatile organic compounds.
• Clean your house with environmentally friendly cleaning products.
• Take used batteries, fluorescent bulbs, unwanted chemicals and paints to recycling or hazardous waste collection facilities.

For More Energy and Green Tips Visit:

• Building Safety Month
• BASF - The Chemical Company
• International Code Council
• International Code Council Foundation
• The American Institute for Architects
• The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
• U.S. Green Building Council’s Green Home Guide

First observed in 1980 as Building Safety Week, Building Safety Month is sponsored by the International Code Council Foundation, The International Code Council Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the mission to promote public awareness of ideas‚ methods and technologies that encourage the construction of safe, durable and sustainable buildings and homes, reducing the devastating effects of building damages due to natural disasters and other tragedies.