Resource Efficiency and Environmental Responsibility Features

Efficient Ductwork Design & Seal: standard duct systems can lose up to 30% of every dollar of heating and cooling costs. By using mastic to seal all duct connections, conditioned air loss is reduced to less than 6%. Mastic-sealed ducting also reduces air contaminants from entering the home through ducting.

High Efficiency Vinyl Windows reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in the summer by use of a Low-E coating, inert Argon gas and advanced frame technologies.

Efficiency Appliances save energy through reduced demand for water and the heating of the water.

House Tightening Measures help ensure the homes energy performance by reducing air infiltration through the thermal shell. This is accomplished by sealing areas such as plumbing and electrical penetrations.

High Efficiency Gas Water Heater outperforms standard water heaters by 10%. It reduces energy use through a superior burner design and a storage tank that limits heat loss.

Compact Fluorescent Light Fixtures are used in the laundry room and under-cabinet lighting. They consume a fraction of the energy used by incandescent bulbs. Their longevity minimizes the need for continual replacements.

Whole House Ventilation improves indoor air quality by intermittently circulating fresh air into the home and exhausting stale air.

Certified Low VOC Indoor/and Outdoor Paints Adhesives and/or Caulking have almost no volatile organic compounds (VOC's) to off-gas during the curing process. This improves indoor/outdoor air quality both during and after the construction process is complete and

Granite or Tile Counter Tops provide a lasting durable surface that minimizes mold, mildew and bacteria while adding no chemicals to off-gas.

Sealed Chipboard (Melamine) reduces the indoor-air contaminants normally found in chipboard by using a non-toxic polymer seal.

Sealed Gas Fireplaces use outside air for combustion and then vent combustion byproducts outside; this effectively reduces the presence of carbon monoxide and other gasses inside the home.

Kiln-Dried Framing Lumber is moisture tested to ensure that lumber is not covered by interior finish materials before the moisture content is below 19%. This testing can help prevent future wood mold problems in the home's walls.

Engineered Siding Technology which reduces the potential for moisture damage in wall cavities and reduces the requirement for caulking as a weather barrier.

Certified Master Home Builder and Sustainable Building Advisor has exhibited a desire to improve his or her construction and management practices by earning advanced certification and knowledge about resource-efficient building.

Resourceful and Efficient Construction Planning provides more living space without increasing the footprint and impact to the landscape.

Steel and/or Fiberglass Doors are durable and reusable, providing a long life and low maintenance.

Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) is made from industrial waste, reducing the demand on forest products.

James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding drastically reduces the demand on forest products by recycling industrial waste into a useful product. This durable siding can be produced to a specified size, thus supporting a waste free design.

Natural Wood Cabinets are a durable low-toxic building material that can be refinished.

Existing Topsoil and Tree Preservation retains mature trees on the property to help shade the home in the summer, keeping it cooler and more comfortable.

Buffers Along Natural Features protect existing plants and animals from the introduction of a new home.

Common Trench unifies trenching and the installation of electric, gas, cable TV and telephone lines in one trench at one time to limit disturbance to the construction site.

Stockpiled Dirt Protection prevents dirt and erosion during construction and preserves valuable topsoil for future re-vegetation of the site.

Slow Release Herbicides & Fertilizers can help reduce site contamination and the need for frequent applications.

Garden Mulch boosts the water efficiency of landscaped areas by helping the soil to retain moisture. These materials are typically organic (grass clippings, shredded leaves, wood chips and bark) and applied at a depth of at least four inches.

Solid Waste Removal properly disposes of materials that cannot be recycled or used in any form. In some cases these materials are hazardous wastes and need to be handled properly.