Q. I hear the term "Green" used a lot in home building. What does it mean, how does it effect me and what is Customized Structures, Inc doing in the "Green" area.
A. The process of building "Green" consciously incorporates sound environmental practices into all building decisions, from lot selection and home placement through specification selection, construction and occupancy. Building "Green" not only provides benefits for the environment but has significant homeowner benefits as well, such as:
Lower home operating cost
Increased comfort
Improved internal environmental quality
Enhanced durability and less maintenance
The process of systems built construction is by its very nature a "green" process with efficient use of materials, manpower and energy. The construction cycle time is shortened requiring less energy use and the quality control procedures put in place assure the energy efficiency of the home being produced as well as the quality of the components.
A few of the ways that CSI is advancing home "Green" building practices are:
"Green" Principle
CSI Application
Resource Efficiency
Reduce quantity of materials and waste
Efficient floor plans
Utilization of open web floor trusses vs. solid dimension lumber at 19.2" O.C.
Two stud corner framing
Elimination of jack studs at interior partitions
Single top plate at non-bearing walls
Detailed framing plan provided for construction
Use of composite studs
Use recycled content material
Drywall utilized is recycled gypsum
Recycle waste material
Drywall waste is shipped to manufacturer for recycling
Cardboard is bailed and shipped for recycling
Suppliers are requested to ship product with reduced packaging
Wood scrap is shipped to produce electricity
Use renewable materials
Wood products are purchased from manufacturers who practice sustainable forestry
Plumbing utilizes plastic components vs. mined components
Energy Efficiency
Energy Star certified
Point of use options for water heating
Heating sized to heating and cooling load calculations
All building envelope penetrations sealed
Minimum 12" overhangs provided for shading
All switches and outlets foam gasketed
All exterior wall switches and outlets caulked from back side to prevent air infiltration
Building materials are sourced from local suppliers reducing energy requirements to deliver
All lumber utilized is from eastern forests
Water Efficiency
On demand water heating available
Low flow 1.6 gpf toilets
Water efficient Moen showerheads
Water efficient sink faucet aerators
Shut off valves at all fixtures
Indoor Environmental Quality
Minimize potential sources of pollution
All plywood and fiberboard certified to low formaldehyde emission standards
Carpet and carpet pad "Green Labeled" by Rug Institutes indoor air quality testing program
Heat recovery ventilation available as an option
Indoor paints have low or no VOC's
Manage potential pollutants generated in the home
Kitchen ranges exhausted to outside when possible
Radon exhaust piping available as an option
Whole house ventilation available as an option
Moisture management
Bathroom exhaust fans provided
Moisture resistant drywall installed under tiled surfaces
All building materials, lumber, etc. stored in controlled environment prior to building with lumber at less than a 15% moisture content
Plumbing supply lines kept from exterior walls when possible
Global Impact
Products
Use of low or no VOC paints and coatings reduces the amount of pollutants that are released into the environment
100% of waste is recycled reducing burden on landfills
Energy
Local materials are utilized reducing energy requirements to delivery products
Customized Structures Inc. All Rights Reserved
"INNOVATION IN BUILDING SYSTEMS"
Phone: (800) 523-2033 ~ Fax: (603) 543-5396 272 River Rd.Claremont, NH 03743
