Building Green
At Highland Homes, our clients often ask what “building green” means. Quite simply, it’s an approach to building that has as its goal the creation of healthier, more energy-efficient homes, while utilizing components that have the least negative impact on the home’s occupants and the environment.
The term building green is often used interchangeably with phrases like “eco-smart construction,” “environmentally-friendly construction” or just “green.” A key element in building green is the use of sustainable (or renewable) building materials in a way that enables the home to use energy, water and other resources more efficiently.
On the global
level, a main goal of building green is to reduce the
greenhouse gases that cause climate change. Since the
production of energy using fossil fuels creates such
enormous amounts of greenhouse gases, the most significant
action an individual can take is to reduce energy use,
especially in their home, which is where the most energy is
used. This is why buying or building an Energy Star
Certified home is so important.
On our local level
here in the high country, Highland Homes builds green
whenever possible:
On the home
site, we position the home to utilize passive solar heating.
We protect and retain the existing landscaping and select shrubs that have low water and pesticide needs.
On the shell of the home,
we use the highest R-value insulation with the least amount of air infiltration and heat-loss (such as
Insulspan structural insulated panels) and we use high-performance thermal windows and doors.
At Highland Homes, we consider the shell components the most important factors in controlling energy costs.
On the interior of the home,
we use renewable, environmentally-friendly products for
interior finishes and flooring. In addition, we use Energy Star products, which include furnaces, air conditioners, appliances, lighting, and home electronics. Energy Star products
use less energy, which helps save the environment and
reduces the consumer's energy bill. Typically, the owner pays more in construction costs to build green. Savings are realized long-term. An example would be a tankless water heater which initially costs more than a tank water heater but costs far less to operate.
All Highland Homes can be Energy Star
Certified.
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