Energy Efficient Building Business
By Eric Hammer
While there are any number of builders in this country, there
are significantly fewer home builders who know how to build an
energy efficient building. Putting up an energy efficient building
requires many of the same skills as putting up a traditional
building --you just have to understand which kinds of materials
to use to maximize the energy efficiency of the building you
are putting up.
For example, you might need to use Styrofoam in the insulation
of the building because it is more energy efficient. Those who
wish to create truly green homes often use old tires as the basis
for the insulation of a home because they are actually quite
good at insulating and they are also a menace to the environment
if not recycled.
The important thing when creating an energy efficient building
is to learn as well how to minimize energy usage inside the home.
So for example, picking which direction the picture windows should
face could help to keep the home cooler in the summer. You will
also need to learn about types of paint so that for example when
you build in sunny climates you would paint the roof white so
that it will reflect more of the sun's rays, keeping the interior
cool.
How Much Can You Make?
According to Payscale.com, the average salary for a home builder
in general is between $51,145 and $70,000 per year. Since working
in the business of making an energy efficient building is a somewhat
more specialized subset of that business, you can expect your
skills to command a premium from those who want a green home
or building.
Ways to Make More | Related Opportunities
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Remember that in addition to building new homes from scratch,
you could also work on creating an energy efficient building
from a traditional building - i.e. remodeling. In all cases,
you'll want to gain some experience working with an existing
builder who understands how to make a home or office more energy
efficient so that you can see firsthand what's involved.
Remember as well that hand in hand with creating an energy
efficient building, you need to be someone who understands how
to use as much recycled material as possible. While this is not
an absolute requirement, most people interested in an energy
efficient building want it for more than just the money saving
ability that it can give because the electric bill is lower.
Most of your customers will also be environmentally conscious
types of people who want to do good for the planet.
Qualifications / Requirements
Depending on which aspects of building homes and office buildings
that energy efficient you wish to work in, you may need to take
some courses or earn a degree in architecture and or engineering.
In most cases however, much of the knowledge you'll need for
this emerging field is gained through on the job experience working
with an energy efficient builder.
First Steps
Start by looking for work in the construction industry, specifically
with a construction crew that specializes in putting up energy
efficient buildings. Be sure to speak with the engineers and
architects who designed the energy efficient building and to
learn from them what it takes to create such a building. Then,
go to school and get certified as a builder in your city.
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