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.
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