Building a GREEN Future - Saving energy & saving costs
EFFICIENT AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING SYSTEMS
We design and test our ductwork to ensure an airtight duct system, achieving better
air quality due to reduced duct leakage and optimal performance from our HVAC
system. Heating and cooling equipment is chosen for its energy efficiency to help
reduce the demand for electricity from power plants.
ENERGY-EFFICIENT WINDOWS AND DOORS
A reduction in the effects of heat, cold and solar radiation traveling through
windows is achieved with the installation of vinyl-framed, dual-paned windows
composed of Low-E glass. This ultimately saves money on utility bills, with other
benefits including improved sound absorption and a comfortable interior to the
home. Our Energy Star®-rated front doors are fiberglass, which is more durable
and can better withstand the elements.
ENERGY STAR® COMPLIANT APPLIANCES AND EXHAUST VENTS
Our appliances—including the dishwasher, oven, cooktop, range hood, microwave,
refrigerator, washer, dryer and even bathroom exhaust vents—are Energy Star®
compliant or perform to equivalent standards, resulting in savings on your utility
bills and conservation of the nation’s water and energy resources.
SOLAR-FRIENDLY ROOF MODULES
Pre-wiring provides an opportunity to purchase a solar photovoltaic roof module
system. All of our homes have the proper orientation to the sun, allowing the
photovoltaic system to convert solar energy into electricity when sunlight strikes
the PV cells. Benefits include lower utility costs, reduced greenhouse gas and other
emissions from fossil fuel-burning power plants, less need to develop new power
plants and improved national energy security.
OPTIMIZED WATER HEATING AND PIPING
Using PEX water piping in a parallel pipe design, we decrease the volume of water
in the individual pipe and reduce the friction losses and leaks imposed by elbows
and other fittings. We install flow-optimized plumbing fixtures which reduce the
use of water. Our tankless water heaters never run out of hot water and are more
energy-efficient than traditional water heaters.
WATER-CONSCIOUS LANDSCAPING
Selecting drought-resistant species, limiting turf area, using mulch with ground cover,
grouping plants by water needs and installing weather-based irrigation systems
helps to conserve water. By using a controller that applies only the amount of water
needed through drip and bubblers, the plant obtains the water where it needs it: at
the roots. This reduces runoff and minimizes overspray and evaporation.
REDUCING INDOOR POLLUTION
Our range hoods vent directly to the exterior of the home, rather than circulating
the air back into the room. This eliminates undesirable odors and combustible
gases from the cooking area. Our MERV 2-rated furnace filters capture particulates
that pass through the furnace and air conditioning system. Furthermore, we
weather-strip all doors leading to the exterior or garage area, eradicating car exhaust
and other known carcinogens that can migrate into the home.
Our homes feature low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints and stains as well
as low-VOC insulation made from rapidly renewable organic materials. We also use
and offer hundreds of environmentally-friendly flooring products. By reducing dust,
pollen and other pollutants, these efforts increase indoor comfort levels and result
in a quieter, clearer home.
DURABLE AND NONCOMBUSTIBLE SIDING AND ROOFING MATERIALS
By using stucco, fiber-cement sidings, brick and stone exteriors, our siding materials
can reduce the need for repainting and maintenance, protect against fire and
eliminate the use of natural wood resources. Plus, these products last longer, will
not rot, resist the damaging effects of UV rays and are impervious to wood-boring
insects. Our roofs are made of colored concrete, flat and “S” tile, offering a durable
and fire-safe roofing system.
ENGINEERED WOOD PRODUCTS
We build with a number of different engineered wood products, such as beams,
roof trusses, floor joists, sub-floor ply, shear panel and roof sheathing. These
products use less material, are generally stronger and conserve our natural resources.
RECYCLING CONSTRUCTION WASTE
Committed to reducing the amount of waste our construction site generates, we
recycle 70% of it to limit what goes into our landfill. Additionally, many of these
waste products are recycled into materials that can be used again.
PARTNERING WITH BUILD IT GREEN AND ENERGY STAR®
Our homes outperform the current California Title 24 Energy Code by at least
35% and meet the guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency. These features typically make our homes 35% more efficient
than standard homes. Our homes are inspected by third party independent Home
Energy Raters (HERS) that conduct onsite testing and inspections to verify that
the energy efficiency measures and equipment have been installed correctly. HERS
inspect and test the installation of all insulation, heating and cooling equipment and
ductwork. Energy Star® qualified homes offer homebuyers all the features they want
in a new home, plus energy-efficient improvements that deliver better performance,
greater comfort and lower utility bills.
Click here to view our Green Video
