How to Build Green

So...remember Kim? We introduced you to her last week. You're probably wondering how Kim, Joe and family are building that green house? Check out below.

"The following is a list of some of the things that we did in building our home.

Building practices and materials
o Concrete – use of 30% fly ash for reduced carbon emissions and reduced costs.
o FSC certified lumber with documented Chain of Custody
o Onsite recycling program and program for waste diversion and documentation
o Windows – High Impact (to 120 MPH) ENERGY STAR rated Low-E and U-factor ratings
o Smart framing and best practices including detailed framing documents and lumber orders.
o Waste management program diverting 88% of our construction debris from the wastestream.
• Energy
o Spray foam insulation for creation of a sealed home envelope
o Composite shingle roofing for an SRI of 32
o Renewable geothermal heating and cooling equipment and domestic hot water system
o Wiring for 2.6 kWh PV system; future expandability
o Lighting Control system to include ENERGY STAR dimmable lights maxed out at 85%
o Energy management and monitoring system
o ENERGY STAR appliances with managed load shedding on the dual refrigerators (kitchen 48” built-in and pantry locations 36” French door) and ultra efficient water conserving dishwashers (one full dishwasher, two dishdrawers) and washing machine.
• Air (IAQ)
o ENERGY STAR with Indoor Air Package
o Zero combustion
o Moisture control
o Outdoor air ventilation to include continuous air exchange and ventilation with dual environmental recovery ventilation units
o Six HVAC zones with remote monitoring and sensing climate control
o Central Vacuum System
• Water Efficiency
o Water conservation products including high efficiency fixtures and fittings including faucets, showers and toilets from Kohler
o 5000 gallon rainwater harvesting cisterns for recapture of more than 85% of roof runoff
o No exterior municipal water for irrigation
o Rain sensors
o Ultra high efficiency washing machine and dishwashers
• Sustainable landscaping
o Landscaping design with special blend (through URI) of sustainable, native, drought-tolerant turf, drought tolerant plantings, native sea grasses, erosion control.
o 100% permeable exterior landscaping
• Interior Environmentally Preferable Products
o Reclaimed hardwood floors from a 200 year old barn
o Zero VOC paints, finishes, adhesives
o Low VOC Green Label Plus certified carpet and BioH carpet pad
o Recycled glass and construction debris tiles
o Sinks and tubs made from recycled cast iron
o FSC certified lumber for trim, doors, etc.
o Recycled countertops from Paperstone
o NE made cabinets from FSC maple, zero Urea Formaldehyde, zero VOC milk paint finish
o Natural linens and fibers
o Natural and locally made furniture and fabrics
o Local craftsman
o Local production (within 500 miles) as much as possible

Our CO is expected for the beginning of November and our application and testing date is scheduled for November 20th. We expect to know what our certification level is by the end of the year.

For more information or to see any of our photos along the way, visit www.greenlifesmartlife.com and click on gallery. We have just started with our finished materials and our furnishings, most of which we are sourcing through Circle Furniture, so check back in for our selections and interior design tips and photos."

Whew...I'm overwhelmed with just reading the list! Don't I feel like a goof, just feeling proud that I recycle, switched out my light bulbs and use those recyclable bags at the grocery store (when I remember to get them out of the trunk!) Who knew being green was SO involved? But it is, and we applaud Kim and Joe's efforts in taking on such a cool project!