Okay, there is a wealth of information on the www so maybe I'm just an idiot.  We plan to build a new home (hopefully this year), in southern Kentucky.  We want to utilize as much as possible, anything & everything to go green.  Sustainable environmentally friendly living is the goal.  I hear there is even a tax break to do such things as solar, wind & geothermal power.  I hear there are also grants and special loans to study these options and effectiveness of each and every one.  Where do I get started?  Do I just look for a builder?  And how do I know that all materials used are "green".  I'm overwhelmed & this is over my head.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  

Thanks,

Going Green 

Going Green  This site is a great place to start. Check out all the forums for info on renewable energy sources. Personally, I would focus on solar as a potential source of energy. And I think polyurethane structural insulating panels are the best thing to use for your exterior walls and roof. I’ve always thought that conservation was the first step in going green, you know, reduce the demand. By building an energy efficient house, you would be able to downsize some of the mechanical needs. Orient the house to take advantage of the sun. Windbreaks on the north side helps. First thing I think you need is a plan. Do you have one? My business does floorplans and elevations for timber frames and structural panel houses every day. We would be happy to help you get a plan together that utilizes the sun and is pretty environmentally friendly. We are in the process of erecting a timber frame and SIP house in central Missouri right now. If you'd want to follow it step-by-step go to: LINK

Cathy, Jody,

I agree with Lockard that the first thing that you need is a plan, but I'd start at the plan-of-action stage rather than the house-plan stage.  You will be swamped with information and details when you get into building.  That means that you first need to learn the basics of what's involved and why each different feature matters.  Builidng Sciences has a series of buildings and for each they discuss why they included what they did.  These are not house plans, but cut aways, schematics, and a discussion on the structure. 

Recognize that each different climate has its own requirements -- what works in New Orleans would not be good in Maine. 

Look at this one for a location similar to yours.
LINK

This one is for a more humid location, but it gets into solar hot water and photo voltaic.
LINK
They do have one SIP profile -- seach on SIPs in the search block.

Once you read into what the other styles of construction need to do in order to achieve an airtight building, you'll better appreciate what a SIP structure does.  And, either way, you'll need to consider the foundation, basement/crawl-space, and HVAC -- all of which are discussed in those profiles.

Good luck.
Larry

Another good source is LINK which is now shipping their "green guidelines" to help get you started.

There are also books out their, such as "Green Products Guide" and others, which tell you which product and materials have achieved a green rating.

Remember, green is not as simple as pick and run, you get involved in product A versus Product B and both appear to be available to you, but at what cost??? If Product B has to ship acroos the country, or even 3-4 states, does that constitue still being green?? or is it just slightly less green than product A? It's not just manufacturing, it also reusing some materials, recycling of in-house products, energy costs to mfg...and a whole bunch more!!

Is Green right?? Sure it is, but take the time to determine what works with what, what provides what for how much, where can you use "regular" products, and where do you really want to put your "green" money!

Not so simple anymore, but it only takes time to evaluate all points!! I imagine you'll do fine!!

Cathy and Jody,
I am from Murray KY, and have been designing and building energy efficient and 'green' homes here in western KY for about 25 years now.
If you have questions or ideas about your new home, and need a sounding board, contact me. I am always interested in seeing more 'good' homes get built here in the bluegrass.
Wes Shelby
Design Systems Group
Murray KY
1-877-659-1950
[email protected]