Eco-Logic Homes - Green, Healthy Home Builders

This is the beginning of the integrated design process. All Green homes should have a minimal impact on the natural environment of the specific building site as well as driveways and septic systems. Careful planning can reduce the buildings impact on vegetation, soil and water. It can also enhance the buildings long-term performance and profitability. Incorporating an integrated approach to site planning and building design can provide significant value to the home owner, business owner, the environment and our community.

Optimize the use of building materials to reduce construction waste. Incorporate locally produced materials and products when ever possible to reduce the cost, both environmentally and economically, of manufacturing and transportation of foreign materials and products. Buying locally also keeps our money in our communities. Use materials that are naturally sustainable, recycled or have the ability to be recycled in the future. Recycle all construction waste generated during construction.

This is the most quantifiable aspect of green building. By using the integrated design process to develop the entire building envelope and mechanical systems, you can do heat and cooling calculations to guarantee building performance before you start building. The use of super-insulation, the proper placement, type and glazing of the windows and doors and the use of energy efficient mechanical systems, appliances and lighting will create an energy efficient, sustainable building. The design should also allow for natural lighting and passive solar gain if possible. The integrated design process will yield long-term utility bill cost savings and increased comfort, health and productivity for the home and business owner.

Although the availability of water varies from site to site, there are always utility costs associated with water usage. Preserving and conserving water should be included in the over all integrated design. The use of solar hot water, efficient low-flow toilets and shower heads. The use of the super efficient water heaters and hot water storage containers will reduce water usage and save money on your utilities. Using less water results in producing less waste therefore reducing wastewater treatment costs.

Due to the super-insulated nature of a Green Home, drafts and cold spots don’t exist making the indoor temperature more stable. This makes the home more comfortable by reducing temperature variations. However, due to the air-tight construction of a Green Home, it is imperative to have passive and or mechanical fresh air ventilation systems to regulate indoor air quality. These systems will allow you to monitor and maintain indoor air quality, insuring a healthy living environment.

One of the main benefits of the integrated design process is it gives the whole building team, Owner, Architect/Designer, General Contractor and all Subcontractors a comprehensive understanding of the entire project. This can save thousands of dollars for the owner by preventing delays for redesign such as Electricians and Plumbers know where all duct work is so wires and plumbing don’t end up in the way. The integrated design process allows for all the parties to see and understand the big picture. The owner should have all schematics and diagrams, a verbal walk through by builder/designer until they have a complete understanding of all systems.

The seventh and final component in the integrated design process is renewable energy options. Given your specific site we will advise what your renewable options are. We offer solar photovoltaic and solar hot water, wind, ground and water source geothermal, micro-hydro and wood furnaces/boilers. Using one or a combination of these renewable, sustainable energy options could lead you to energy independence. The age of cheap fossil fuel is over. It’s time to invest in a reliable, clean, sustainable future.

To summarize: green buildings conserve materials, land, and water, and improve indoor health and productivity. Green building promotes less construction waste, water conservation, low-impact use of land, day lighting, indoor air quality, and the use of natural, local, recycled materials. The assumption that green costs more is not a long term truth. You typically will spend several percent more on a green home for more insulation, better doors and windows, but the initial investment pays for itself in a few years. After the pay back you start to save every year on your utility bills.