Building Green

Benefiting the environment ... and you!

Open Meadow understands that building green has positive impacts not only on the environment, important enough in itself, but also on your family's health and enjoyment. To accomplish this, green homes incorporate environmental considerations and resource efficiency into every step of the building and development process.

Energy-Efficient Features
Many of the energy-efficient qualities of a green home are easy to spot. Appliances and water heating systems will likely have ENERGY STAR® ratings. The home should also include efficient lighting fixtures and bulbs. Renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic electricity and water heating systems, further decrease the overall energy consumption within the home.

Water-Efficient Features
Fixtures and appliances such as low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets, and ENERGY STAR dishwashers and washing machines all conserve water. Programmed, low-volume irrigation systems, rainwater collection systems, wastewater treatment systems, and hot water recirculation systems also save water.

Indoor Air Quality Features
The heating, air conditioning and ventilation system (HVAC) must be appropriately sized for an efficient and properly ventilated home. Fans in the kitchen and bathrooms should cycle fresh air inside, and release stale air. Low-VOC paints and finishes and wall papers should be used as well.

Windows & Doors
Windows and doors cover up to one third of the house’s outer surface. They do not come close to matching the energy efficiency of the R-value of a wall it stands next to. A more realistic and cost effective alternative to using Super 8 R-value glass or beyond is to install the best available airtight and UV insulated glass. This will alleviate most of the loss when heating and cooling.

Resource-Efficient Features
Decisions related to the orientation of your home on the lot, and the floor plan layout, are made in the design of your home and development of the lot. The house orientation and design should take advantage of natural daylight to reduce lighting needs, and should use strategies to reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter.

Outside the Home
In a green home, care should be taken to preserve trees and other vegetation native to the area. Landscaping should contain plants that are appropriate for the climate, and grouped according to water needs. Driveways and other impervious surfaces should be reduced as much as possible, and may be composed of gravel, permeable block pavers, grids, or other permeable systems.

Open Meadow will consult with you on all of these proven approaches to building an
environment-friendly, cost-effective, safe and comfortable home for you and your family. Please contact us if you are interested.