Some of the Green Building
Benefits
- Buyer qualifies for an energy efficient mortgage, which can provide up to a 2% stretch on the loan to income ratio.
- LEED Project, Certification Energy star registration and NAHB Model Green gives an increased market appeal and higher future resale value.
- Superior comfort and indoor air quality provides ideal heat, fewer drafts, better humidity control and no airborne particles, germs or off-gassing.
- Lower operating costs - reduce electrical, heating, cooling and water costs by up to 50%.
- Reduce fossil fuel consumption reduces pollution, global warming and reliance on foreign imports.
- Enhanced durability and less maintenance by incorporating building materials and construction details that strive to increase the useful life of the individual components and the whole house or building.
Drainage
- Site drainage is installed with minimum impact when necessary, a redirected to a controlled run-off location, drywell or catch basin.
- Footing drains protect the foundation, leader drains keep roof and ground water away from the structure
- Curtain drains to protect any structure or septic system from natural run off
Foundations
- Foundations are concrete when possible, fly ash is added if applicable
- Water proofing over 2-inches of insulation protects the structure and directs water to the footing drains
- ICF - Insulated Concrete Forms - provide 2" of additional insulation both on the exterior and interior over a concrete core, are fireproof and very quiet
Framing
- Framing lumber is supplied by mills that practice forestry management whenever possible
- Engineered lumber is used in all floor systems, girders, beams and headers when possible.
- SIPS - structural insulated panels are factory manufactured and assembled on site to provide a tight and solid build envelope that is efficient to build
- Metal framing can substitute traditional wood framing, and most steel is recycled
Roofing
- There are photo voltaic panels that look like standing seam metal or shingle roofs and blend in with the roof. These can provide all or some electrical needs.
HVAC
- High-efficiency heating and cooling systems, using as many zones possible to save energy when spaces are not used
- Fresh air system keeps the air quality of a "tight home" healthy
- Solar heating system - uses the sun to heat/pre-heat the water in the heating system
- Multi/alternative fuel boilers
- Economizer/heat recovery system - recycles the heat and uses outside air to maximize efficiency and comfort
- Geothermal heating & cooling systems - uses the earths constant temperature to heat/cool
Plumbing
- Water saving plumbing fixtures
- Hot water recirculation line eliminates waiting for hot water when not recently used.
- Solar hot water - uses the sun to heat/preheat the domestic hot water
Electrical
- Compact fluorescent lightbulbs whenever possible
- Energy Star Appliances when possible
- Solar Electric - Photo voltaic Electrical System can store energy for stand alone "off grid" use or connect to the Electric Company's system "on grid" and sell any surplus electric back to the Electric Company.
- Wind turbines produce electricity for use or resale
Insulation
- Closed cell foam insulation provides the best vapor barrier insulation available for a comfortable, quiet and draft free environment.
Windows & Exterior Doors
- Low-E insulated glass
- Weather stripping
- Custom triple glazed doors & windows
- Metal interlocking weather stripping
Finishes
- Natural materials when possible
- Recycled materials when possible
- Wood from managed forests
- More and more products are being introduced to the green market. We promise to keep our clients abreast of all the latest developments.
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Build Green for all the right reasons.
By certifying a project the owner enjoys the national recognition of building a green building. |
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