The goal of most “Green” projects is to reduce the impact on the environment.  Until recently, I was not aware of the difference that my choice in siding could make.  Please be aware that this is not an endorsement for all cementitious siding products.  This is only an evaluation of James Hardie Siding.  Be careful to examine any product that you install on a home and make sure that you fully understand the components used in manufacturing and finishing before you commit to using it.  Many products can appear the same at installation, but may disappoint down the road when their performance is sub-par.

There are several characteristics in the production of James Hardie siding that make it more environmentally friendly.

Regional Manufacturing:

There are ten (10) facilities that are used for manufacture throughout the United States.  This allows the facilities to minimize their impact on the environment by reducing the transportation required to bring raw materials into the plant and to transport the finished materials to the jobsite.  Local facilities also help to support the regional economy by drawing from raw material suppliers close to the plant.

Low Toxicity Raw Materials:

The products used in the manufacturing of James Hardie siding are wood pulp, cement, sand and water.  All of these products are low in toxicity and do not cause further damage to the environment.  The water used for production is recycled up to four (4) times.  As we have noted in earlier articles about Water Conservation, this valuable natural resource is slowly depleting.  Any manufacturing process that conserves water is a huge benefit to the environment.

Long Lasting Finished Product:

Because James Hardie siding is a durable and long lasting quality product, the resources required to maintain and repair it are few.  Many other products on the market may be used for the exterior of a home, but if they damage easily or deteriorate in a short time, then they must be replaced.  This excess energy and waste of resources is avoided with the use of James Hardie siding.

Low VOC Exterior Finish System:

In previous articles, we have talked about the benefits of low VOC paints and finish systems.  These reduce the Volatile Organic Compounds that are released into the air when a paint or finish is applied.  The ColorPlus system that is used in the manufacturing of James Hardie siding bakes on paint in the factory.  This eliminates the release of VOC’s from painting on the jobsite.  The quality 15-year finish on the product also means that less paint is needed in the future to maintain your home.

Quality Manufacturing:

The goal of any manufacturing process is to reduce wasted materials.  By making that a goal at James Hardie, the amount of material that must be discarded due to error is reduced.  This efficiency helps to reduce the energy and materials consumed in the manufacture of your siding.  Any reduction in energy is a plus for the “Green” side.

Conclusion:

Give careful thought to the products that you choose for your home.  If reducing environmental impact is a priority, consider adding James Hardie Siding to your equation.The manufacturing approach uses common sense ideas to decrease damage to the environment and reduce your carbon footprint.

Definition of Modular

Three "Green" Strengths of Modular Building

Controlled Environment

The great thing about Modular construction is that the wood is never wet.  Just like the finished cabinets in your kitchen, a modular home is dry from delivery to the factory until it is assembled on site, the wood never gets wet.  The assembly of modules takes place in controlled environments that are free from the effects of outside weather.  All modules are wrapped in plastic before transport and then once the modules are set, the roof is joined and covered to prevent the entrance of moisture.  Moisture has little chance to affect the house and no chance to promote the growth of mold.

Less Wasted Materials

• Modules can be constructed in sizes that allow for maximum use of dimensional lumber.  Studs are usually ordered in pre cut sizes on conventional jobs, but floor joists must be cut to fit.  With pre constructed modules, the dimensions of the module can be sized so that the floor joists do not have to be cut.

• In conventional framing, when the house is complete, the final scrap is thrown away because the expense of moving and storing it is too costly. On the contrary, small scrap that is generated at the factory during the production of modules can be stored and used for the next house.  This scrap goes beyond just wood materials.  Excess insulation, partial tubes of adhesive, caulking and other small items that would be thrown away on a conventional jobsite can be saved and reused.

Reduced Air Infiltration

Modular construction of walls and ceilings starts from the inside out.  Drywall is placed in position and then wall studs and ceiling joists are built on top.  This process allows for easy access to the exterior of the house.  Gaps in construction can be easily sealed to create a tighter exterior wall.  Ceiling systems can be insulated before roof rafters are installed which allows for full access to perimeter spaces.  In conventional framing, these areas are sealed as much as possible, but can never be accessed as well as in the modular method.

Conclusion

Limiting water usage will become increasingly more important as time progresses and our population continues to grow.  We do not give much thought to the water that we use for our gardens and beds, but as in California and other dry climates, the rationing of water may eventually become a necessity for all of us.  Rather than wait until the problem forces conservation techniques, why don’t we implement water saving principles now and maybe even prevent the need for rationing in the future.

One of the best solutions to limiting our garden and bed water usage is to introduce drought tolerance principles.  Drought tolerance involves more than just introducing drought tolerant plants into our existing environment.  The process as described in the book Gaia’s Garden - A guide to home-scale permaculture by Toby Hemenway (ChelseaGreen.com), is a 5 pronged approach to reducing water requirements and increasing the ability of a garden to sustain in dryer climates and seasons.

The 5 steps in this process are:

Here is a breakdown of these 5 steps for more clarity.

Soil Water Retention

Without good water retention in your soil, even the most drought resistant plants will perish.  Heavy clay soils with a thin layer of topsoil will not sustain plantings without supplemental irrigation.  However, soils that are prepared correctly can act as water reservoirs to sustain plant life during dry times.  1 foot of properly prepared soil will hold up to several inches of water.

Quality soil can be created relatively quickly with a technique called sheet mulching or over time by adding organic matter such as compost.  Either system produces soil that is multi-layered and deep with organic matter.  This enriched soil provides a prime system for holding water and capturing rain as it falls.

Micro Swales and Rain Gardens

Rain gardens and Micro Swales are both designed to help contain water in the soil.  Micro Swales in an “S” shape profile act almost as small terraces.  These profiles help to keep water from running off and allow it to soak into the soil.  Rain gardens are small micro detention areas that collect rain water from hillsides and roof systems.  Any system such as this encourages the water to remain on site instead of running off into the storm system.

Dense Planting Patterns and Shading

When planting patterns are dense, the soil is shaded and remains cooler.  Shaded soil will not be as exposed to the sun and to evaporation of water.  Heavy mulching of beds will also keep the soil shaded and will help to retain moisture for the plants.  As plants die or as leaves fall off, this material should be mulched right into the soil.  This added mulch will also provide additional shading and organic material.  Soils with more mulch and organic material are much better at tolerating heavy rains.  Self mulching in a continual pattern will also increase fertility in the soil.

Install Plants with Decreased Water Requirements

Only after a proper soil base has been established, should you introduce plants.  Using plants that require less water will help your gardens and beds maintain themselves without demanding near the water of a topsoil over clay system.  Contact your local landscaper or landscape architect for a listing of drought tolerant plants that will grow well in your area of the country and will create the look that you desire.   Please check out our references page for ideas.

Conclusion

Creating drought tolerance involves more than just the selection of plants.  It is a detailed process that begins with the quality soil.  Soil that is prepared and maintained properly is the foundation for good water retention and decreased water loss through evaporation.

Special Thanks to Acornlandscapes.com for guidance on this article