The desire to protect this environment is only natural—whether you choose to dwell in a country setting or within city limits. Building green is what we do, and we have been since long before almost every builder in the region. In fact, our initial business name, way back in 1976, was Energy Conserving Homes. It mattered that much to us then, and it still does to this day.
Our process is simple—and our standards are certified:
The result? A home that keeps you healthier, saves you money through efficiency, conserves natural resources, and minimizes your carbon footprint. A home that reflects who you are and how you want to live.
We build custom homes—and that means customizing the green building of those homes. For us, “custom” means “collaborative” because each project is a close partnership between the designer, the building team, and the client to select and execute the green building components that are best suited for each project.
We take an integrated systems approach, or whole house approach, to designing and building homes that are comfortable, durable, energy-efficient and environmentally responsible.
About 20 years after we started in green building, the National Association of Home Builders established the Certified Green by National Green Building Standard™, creating a point system to standardize the term “green building.”
This nationally recognized green building rating system offers four performance levels of certification: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Emerald. These are their six criteria:
Examples include a detailed site plan showing limits of grading and the protection of critical natural resources as well as water management.
Examples include use of prefabricated components or engineered wood. Enhanced durability by using best building practices for flashing and waterproofing. Recycling of construction waste and use of salvaged or reused materials.
Examples include efficient HVAC systems, Level 1 insulation installations, Energy Star lighting and appliances and Low U-Factor windows.
Examples include water-conserving appliances, low flow faucets, roof water collection systems and landscape plantings that require less water.
Examples include controlling sources of pollutants from the garage or heating equipment. Use of adhesives and paints with low VOC output. Improved building ventilation systems. Conditioned crawl spaces.
Examples include a Homeowner’s Manual with a photo record of wall framing with utilities installed before drywall as well as information about building maintenance and a training session to familiarize the owners with the systems.
Our commitment to the environment is as strong as ever. With every project, we explore all options for creating a more sustainable, efficient, and beautiful home. On every project, we apply National Green Building Standards and incorporate the latest knowledge from the Environmental Building Association, the U.S. Department of Energy, Earth Craft House™ Training, the National Green Building Standard™ training, and others.