Residential Green Building

The home is where the heart is.

Although the proverb has probably been in use since time immemorial, it has been attributed to Pliny the Elder (A.D. 23-79).  The first recorded
use in the USA was in an 1870 volume of plays, Davey Crockett and
Other Plays by J.J. McCloskey, in which he wrote "Well, home, they say,
is where the heart is."
 
In 1995, the folk trio, Peter, Paul and Mary, released the song, Home is Where the Heart Is, on their LifeLines Album.

        Home is where the heart is,  No matter how the heart lives
    Inside your heart where love is,  That's where you've got to make
                                     yourself.  At home.

In the context of the green building movement, this proverb and metaphor can be considered literal.  The home can, indeed, be considered the "heart"
of our lives.  We spend at least a third of our lives in our dwellings.  And if you’ve been a stay-at-home parent or have worked from home, more than
two-thirds.  Our homes are the center
of family life, rest and companionship.
 
The residence is also the focal point
for sustainability and economic, human and environmental health.
 
Performance green dwellings are vital
in supporting human health and the creation of a sustainable, equitable society.  When our dwelling is comfortable and healthy, we are more apt to feel comfortable and be healthy. When we are confident that our dwelling is durable, resource efficient and has clean indoor air, we have the sense of wellbeing.

Green homes are also smart bottom-line investments.  According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, green homes can substantially lower utility bills, and may qualify for advantageous financing, lower insurance rates and government incentives. 
 
It is the USGBC South Florida Chapter's goal to help transform the way we approach the design, construction, renovation, maintenance and operation of residences throughout Florida.

Consider our nonprofit organization the source for credible information to help you learn about and ultimately create performance sustainable dwellings.  For further information on this important subject, access the information found at the links below or contact the Chapter’s Residential Green Building Advocate, Gary Shlifer, LEED AP+ Homes.