Big Discussion: Bigger homes not always 'greener'

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On August 30, 2001, The New York Times ran an article, “Muscle Houses Trying to Live Lean,” about huge homes that are being built with eco-friendly materials. “As trend-conscious architects and their clients start to think green, dedicated environmentalists are left to ponder the pros and cons of the 5,000-square-foot-plus home with a conservation agenda,” states the article’s author, Julie V. Iovine. “These jolly green giants are live-in contradictions, touting the latest energy efficient accessories like photovoltaic roof tiles while admitting indulgences like climate-controlled wine cellars and motorcade-size garages.” The article goes on to ask, “Who’s to dictate what the right shade of green is? One or two green-tinged measures make most homeowners feel as if they’re doing their part.”

The article prompted a grand electronic debate within the Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology’s Greenbuilding discussion group (www.crest.org/discussion/greenbuilding). We’ve excerpted some of the more thought-provoking comments below.

“To the extent that the publication of a story on 12,000-square-foot ‘green’ homes reinforces the image in people’s minds that ‘green’ is only for wealthy folks, I firmly believe that such architecture does more harm than good. To the extent that such oversized trophy homes legitimize material and energy profligacy, either by making a 3,000 square-foot-home seem reasonable by comparison, or because some may come to believe that as long as someone certifies this project as ‘green,’ size doesn’t matter, such building does more harm than good.”

“Since time immemorial societies have emulated their wealthiest members. Kings and big businessmen have set trends in fashion, vacation destinations, popular music and art, and, of course, architecture, to name just a few things. So instead of bemoaning the fact that the super-rich want to build green attributes into homes that are too big to be considered eco-friendly, we can celebrate the fact that they are getting interested in green building. These folks will help make green building desirable to everyone else.’’