Standard Green Building Practices
Our minimum standards include:
Building location
- When possible, the building should be located to take advantage of natural shade and sun exposure.
- Consideration must be given to water/well, sewer/septic and drainage.
Site protection
- Silt fencing and hay bales contain the construction area and reduce run-off and erosion.
- Any shrubs that can be re-used are transplanted to a staging area until they can be re-planted.
- Trees close to the construction area are protected and fenced off to protect the roots.
Excavation
- Temporary or access roads and anti-tracking pads are installed when necessary.
- Topsoil is stockpiled for re-use and unneeded fill is recycled.
- When fill is needed, a local search of construction projects, swimming pool contractors, etc. can provide unwanted fill a new home at a reduced cost and trucking requirements.
- Minimal damage to the site is achieved by proper planning, coordination and delivery scheduling.
Drainage
- Site drainage is installed with minimum impact when necessary, and 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.
Foundations
- Foundations are concrete when possible, and fly ash is added if applicable.
- Water proofing over 2-inches of insulation protects the structure and directs water to the footing drains.
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.
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HVAC
- High-efficiency heating and cooling systems, using as many zones as possible to save energy when spaces are not used.
- Fresh air system keeps the air quality of a "tight home" healthy.
Plumbing
- Water saving plumbing fixtures save water and the energy to heat the hot water. Dual flush toilets use minimum water for small flushes, and still save water on full demand.
- Hot water recirculation line eliminates waiting for hot water when not recently used and reduce water consumption.
Electrical
- Compact fluorescent light bulbs are installed whenever possible.
- Energy Star Appliances are used when possible.
Insulation
- Closed cell foam insulation provides the best vapor barrier and insulation available for a comfortable, quiet and draft free environment.
Windows & Exterior Doors
- Low-E insulated glass is used almost exclusively, depending on the design.
- When weather stripping is not provided by the door manufacturer, we install the appropriate weather stripping - either compression or interlocking is installed.
Finishes
- Natural materials are used when possible.
- Recycled materials are used when possible.
- Wood from managed forests is used when possible.
If you have or know of a new Green Building product or practice, kindly share it with us at: info@berkshiregreenbuilders.com
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