Why is green construction important from the perspective of the BIA?

The Building Industry is experiencing a change in how business is done today and how this industry will be doing business in the future. The BIA takes a leadership role in advocating for the industry to enhance the quality of life for the people of Hawai`i. This is our mission and we are doing everything we can to bring the industry in-line with what is being asked by the market we serve.

 We have come full circle and are going back to the roots of building like it was done by first generation builders. They were truly Green Builders and today we are going back to the practice of masters.

·         We are conscientiously conserving the use of materials and the result is less waste going to the dump and lower cost for less materials.

·         We are paying attention to how we position windows for natural lighting, for the reduction of heat gain, and to take advantage of our wonderful trade winds. We are maximizing natural ventilation by using insulation and radiant barriers to reduce the use of air conditioning. We lessen the need for lighting when the sun is out.

·         We are reusing construction debris like concrete, wood, glass, and steel to lessen the amount of construction waste we create and the resources to mine more ore and we now growing forests to create more trees.

·         We are paying attention to what we are buying, how we are buying and how we storing these materials so as not to create toxic air, or damage inventory before needed creating waste.

·         We are now learning to conserve our resources, reuse our materials, and take responsibility for how we build responsibly because we care about our environment and it is the right thing to do.

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By Karen T. Nakamura

How does the design of the home impact how we live?

By: Ka`iulani K. Sodaro, AICP

Our homes, the most intimate of spaces in which we spend time, are more than places of sanctuary, retreat, and safety. They are spaces that reflect our values and priorities as individuals, families, and communities. A shared value and priority for us all is protecting the unique place we all call home – Hawai`i.

The New Hawaiian Home rises to this challenge: to move homeownership to a greener, more sustainable lifestyle thereby protecting the precious island environment we all share.

Through the design process, sustainable living can be translated into design elements that shape our behavior inside our homes as well as how we operate them.

For example, integrating the surrounding outdoor environment of the site with the home’s interior living spaces can create inviting gathering spaces. Providing for ample daylighting, increased natural ventilation and multiple access points to the yard creates a sense of openness and connectedness to our environment and neighbors. Further, “living outdoors” reduces the energy/electricity demands of “living indoors” by reducing the need for lighting and air-conditioning. Outside dining patio areas, open room views, and generous fenestration of rooms reinforce the connectedness of living beyond four walls.

In effort to reduce operating costs and the home’s energy load, the incorporation of Energy Star appliances, attic insulation and solar ventilation fans, solar hot water heating, and solar photovoltaic panels are all additional ways to design for a low energy impact home.

Lastly, a key sustainable design element is productive landscaping. Shade and fruit trees, raised and vertical garden beds, an aquaponic system, composting area, rainwater harvesting barrels, and plants with cultural use and value are all examples of living a sustainable lifestyle.

The New Hawaiian Home is striving to demonstrate that our homes can be places where we live responsibly and provide for a more sustainable future for our families, communities, and ultimately our Hawai`i.

Ka`iulani K. Sodaro, AICP
Sustainability Manager
Facilities Development & Support Division
Kamehameha Schools

New Hawaiian Home - view from street

Rendering of view from the street, image courtesy of Jeff Brink Inc.

New Hawaiian Home - Landscape Plan

Conceptual landscape plan for the New Hawaiian Home, courtesy of PBR Hawaii & Associates, Inc.