1. Careful Site Preparation
- means taking measures to prevent soil
compaction and contamination during the construction process which can
negatively impact healthy soil and water infiltration practices. Some measures
include:
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Limiting grading to 15 feet overall, and balancing cut and fill throughout
the process
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No clearing and grading during wet weather periods
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Limiting the use of heavy equipment to the building footprint and
construction entrances
2. Strategic Landscape Designs
- preserve native vegetation, use
drought tolerant plants, and reuse plants and trees that require removal during
the construction process.
3. Energy Star Heating/Cooling Equipment
- assures significant energy
savings and higher performance overall. The upgrade includes 90% AFUE furnaces,
advanced sealing of all ducts, and envelope inspection with duct testing by a
third party verifier.
4. 3-Zone Heating System
- with separate zones for sleeping and
living areas, and programmable thermostats allow you to regulate the temperature
in different parts of the home depending upon your activity.
5. High Performance Windows - increase energy efficiency by providing
natural lighting, protective
U-factors, and ventilation to help maintain the desired temperature of your
home.
6. Gas Fired Hot Water System
- is cleaner and costs less to operate
than alternative energy sources.
When burned natural gas does not emit sulfur dioxide or other harmful waste into
the atmosphere.
7. PSE Green Power - all of our homes are enrolled in Puget Sound
Energy's Green Power Program which means 50% to 100% of the power consumed by
our homes comes from a renewable energy source such as wind or solar.
8. Energy Star Appliances - have been field tested to use 50% less
energy then standard appliances. This helps to reduce annual utility bills and
increase overall energy conservation.
9. Energy Star Light Fixtures
- use compact fluorescent light bulbs
instead of incandescent bulbs. These save 500 pounds of coal over the life of
each bulb.
10. Dual Flush Toilets
- allow you to choose long or short flushes
for solid or liquid waste and use up to 26% less water.
11. Specialized Kitchen and Bathroom Faucet/Shower Heads - use less
than 2.5 gpm to significantly reduce water usage.
12. Infiltration System for Rooftop Run Off - receives storm water
from roof downspout drains to provide water for irrigation.
13. Use of Non Toxic/Low VOC Materials - including cleaners,
adhesives, sealants, paints, and finishes, especially for the largest surfaces
like walls and floors, prevents harmful chemicals from being released into your
home and the atmosphere.
14. Prevent Mold and Allergens
- by protecting materials from
exposure to moisture during construction, using low pile carpets and ceramic
tile for flooring, and providing controlled ventilation throughout your home.
Furnace and ducts are cleaned thoroughly just prior to owner move in.
15. A Front Porch - allows for safe and visible access along with a
sheltered area to clean off shoes and clothing before entering, to prevent the
transfer of pollutants into the home.
16. Superior Sealing - using a sloped sill pan with end dams and back
dams for all windows, back dams for all exterior doors exposed to the weather,
and metal flashing at all windows and doors, provides a superior seal against
moisture damage.
17. Job Site Recycling
- 98.79% of the construction debris on our job
sites is recycled for reuse.
18. Use of Materials Made with Recycled Content
- means less waste
and higher performing products for our homeowners. Construction supplies made
with recycled content are stronger and longer lasting, improving sustainability
while saving our land fills.
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Actual Green Building practices
employed per home may vary. See available property listings for
individual Built Green and Energy Star certification levels.
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