Overview

Utilizing environmentally sound building practices for us is more than following a trend, it’s a core value.  When God created the earth, God called it “very good” and then promptly placed humankind as its stewards.  Today, as we continue to learn of mounting environmental effects from decades and centuries of industrialization, this stewardship and care for God’s creation is more important than ever.

We enthusiastically encourage our Covenant Partners to implement green building techniques, using their best judgment for specific applications.  Not only do building methods vary widely from one part of the country to another, cost and benefit calculations must also play a role as we strive to continue to keep our homes affordable. 

Nevertheless, building green and cost efficiency are not necessarily in opposition; in fact, they often work together.  Extending the life of a home through our Greater Blessing program keeps materials out of landfills and minimizes the consumption of new materials.  In addition, the cost savings from higher efficiency water heaters, wall and ceiling insulation, doors and windows, etc. can result in considerable cost savings over time while conserving the earth’s energy resources.  Since those who most need energy efficiency are those least likely to have it, our ministry can play an important and much-needed role. 

Resources

There is a good deal of information on this topic available today that you can find through a simple internet search or at your local library.  Here are a few of our favorites:

www.elevators.com/green-building-glossary

This handy link was sent to us by a group of elementary school students who were studying green building and came across the work of The Fuller Center. They decided to return the favor and share this useful glossary.

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www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/green_building

Simple, easy to understand, and yet comprehensive, this site provides useful articles, diagrams, and videos for both renovation and new building projects.

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www.usgbc.org

The U.S. Green Building Council, of which The Fuller Center is a member, offers workshops and online training courses as well as information regarding its LEED rating systems.

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eeba.org

The Energy and Environmental Building Association provides education and resources to transform residential design to deliver energy efficient and environmentally responsible homes and communities.

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southface.org

Southface promotes sustainable homes, workplaces and communities through education, research, advocacy and technical research.