ecomii - a better way
March 18, 2010  |  Login
Green Buildings Are Fragile and Require More Maintenance
By Eric Corey Freed
 

Durability is an important part of green building. If you build something that’ll last, you’ll save materials, save energy, and save natural resources — and those are some of the core goals of a green building.

Some people assume that natural materials, because they’re soft, aren’t durable. Not only are many natural materials durable, but they wear better than most synthetic materials. Think of the old wooden floor in your grandparents’ house, worn with age. This natural wear adds character to buildings and shows the life inside. Other materials, such as natural linoleum, actually become stronger over time.

The exteriors of green buildings often use natural materials in an exposed and unfinished way. Natural materials have a patina (natural aging) to them. This is the reason that copper turns green and cedar shingles turn gray. This natural aging adds to the character of buildings, while also saving money on maintenance.

If you paint something outside, you’ll have to repaint it every few years. But if you finish natural materials with a light stain or natural oils, you can let them age naturally with little maintenance.

 
 

Recent Message Board Posts

 

 
 
ecomii featured poll

Are vitamins and supplements effective?

 

 

Are vitamins and supplements effective?
 
the ecomii eight
1 Winter Squash   5 Pistachio Stuffing
2 Chestnuts   6 Cap & Trade
3 Carbon Footprint   7 Pecan Pie
4 Supplements   8 Natural Health
 
ecomii resources
 
ecomii Tips Newsletter 

Sign up today to receive a weekly tip for living greener

 
Get in Touch

Got suggestions? Want to write for us? See something we could improve? Let us know!