VERDE HOMES incorporates the latest sustainable and green building practices into every home we build. The primary facets of green building include:
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 92%+ high-efficiency furnaces with insulated and sealed ductwork
Install High-efficiency water heater, appliances, and windows (U-value < 0.35, 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