Click here for a 30-second video on green building at Verde Homes
ENERGY EFFICIENCY -- Minimizing the energy use of a home is a cornerstone of green building. By decreasing the amount of energy expended in the home, we can reduce the pressure on limited natural resources and decrease utility costs -- resulting in significant savings to our homebuyers. To achieve this we:
- Install 90%+ high-efficiency furnaces with insulated and sealed ductwork
- Install High-efficiency water heater, appliances, and windows (U-value < 0.32, or better)
- Use upgraded insulation with higher R-values
- Use house wrap and seal penetrations to reduce air leakage. Homes are certified at completion with a blower-door test to confirm higher standards
- Install fireplace with sealed combustion and electronic ignition
HEALTHIER INDOOR AIR -- With a tighter building envelope (by reducing air leakage) the quality of the indoor air is more important than ever. To improve the air quality we:
- Use fresh-air intake and exhaust to exchange the indoor air
- Seal the ductwork and combustion chambers to reduce the presence of harmful exhausts
- Test lumber for moisture content
- Upgrade the furnace filters (often with electronic filters)
- Use low-VOC (Volitile Organic Compound) materials
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY -- Measures include:
- Minimization of site erosion to protect rivers and streams
- Preserve existing plants and trees wherever possible
- Use recycled/manufactured materials including fiber cement siding and composite decking
- Water-wise landscaping with native vegetation and minimal sod
- Recycle jobsite waste whenever possible to minimize landfill waste
RESOURCE EFFICIENCY -- This starts with designing each home to maximize the use of space and minimize little-used space. This will generally result in homes that are smaller, but just as useful. Other measures include:
- Tongue & groove engineered decking
- High-efficiency vinyl windows
- ENERGY STAR lighting package with compact florescent bulbs
- ENERGY STAR appliances
- Solid surfaces (stone, tile, etc.)
- Laminate and MDF woodwork
