GREEN - What We Mean
Our approach to green building involves
considering the impact of our material
and building practice choices on our
homeowners’ health and comfort, and the
larger context of environmental
sustainability. It comes
down to careful attention to the energy
and natural resources consumed in the
construction process itself as well
as the overall life-cycle of the home.
When we approach a green building
project, we incorporate some or all of
the green building guidelines
promoted by the National Association
of Homebuilders (www.nahbgreen.org).
These guidelines divide green building
into seven general categories, such as:
energy efficiency, indoor air
quality, site development, client
education, global impact, resource
efficiency, etc. We strive to:
-
 increase
energy efficiency well beyond
current code requirements and obtain
energy star certification.
- plan the thermal envelope
early in the design process.
- select construction material,
finishes, flooring etc. for
improved indoor air quality (IAQ).
- utilize pre-finished materials
when possible, for greater
durability and reduced toxicity.
- use materials from nearby and
local sources to reduce
transportation energy use when
feasible – materials with lower
embodied energy.
- improve ventilation and control
the rate of air exchange.
- use careful planning, selection
and installation of insulation and
HVAC equipment.
- design and site home with regard
to the path of the sun and local
site conditions to allow for
passive heating and cooling.
- incorporate renewable energy
options such as solar space heating,
domestic hot water and photovoltaics.
- reduce soil erosion and
minimize site damage.
- be conscious in our
selection of which trees to keep and
which to remove.
- use indigenous plants and
grasses.
- collaborate fully with clients
during design to maximize comfort
and health requirements and take
into account likely use patterns of
the home.
- educate clients about how
to get the most benefit from the
various features of the home and how
to maintain it at top performance.
- minimize overall size of
structure through careful design.
- use 3D solar design renderings
and other energy performance
software designed to help model the
energy performance of the home
before construction begins.
- utilize third-party
verification and certification
such as Energy Star or NAHB Green
Building Guidelines.
 Why
Certify
We encourage third party certification
under a recognized green building
program to assure the client they are
receiving the expected green building
benefits. This certification is further
validation of the increased value of
their home in the marketplace.
In the same way that the building code
inspector verifies that construction
meets the minimum standards as required
by the state, the green building
certification helps assure that the home
meets the higher standards of
performance expected of green buildings.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact us at 828-265-4123,
email us, or use our
online request form. |
