Green Building
With such impressive natural beauty surrounding every Crestwood Construction project, it’s no surprise that we are deeply committed to the latest green building standards — from solar energy systems to sustainable building materials to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. We were the first builder at Martis Camp to receive “Silver LEED” certification for a residential project, and we will ensure that all future Crestwood Construction homes at Martis Camp are built to meet the latest green standards.
Tahoe Quarterly 2010 Home Awards – Green Merit
WHY GO GREEN?
Green building is not merely some altruistic sacrifice to save the planet. There are considerable practical advantages as well, with immediate financial benefits. By being more responsible in the use of water, energy, and materials, we are also helping to conserve another important resource, your hard-earned dollars.
Good for your finances
According to the U.S. Green Building Council, “The net cost of owning a green home is comparable to – or even cheaper than – owning a standard home.” Cost savings come in the form of lower utility bills and lower insurance costs, but also in higher resale values. And up-front costs can be recovered fairly quickly. According to State Environmental Resource Center (SERC), “A recent study of 33 green buildings in California found that the average cost of building green over traditional methods (the “premium”) was about 2%, which equals about $4 per square foot. The average energy reduction from the 33 buildings was 30 percent. This alone provides savings sufficient to pay back the initial 2% premium in less than 9 years.” In addition, there are numerous rebates and tax breaks for adding eco-friendly elements to your home. At Crestwood Construction, we can help you identify and take advantage of these incentives, which will reduce the up-front costs of going green.
Good for your health
To help combat indoor air pollution, green homes utilize toxin-free building materials such as wheat-derived strawboard, natural linoleum made from jute and linseed oil, paints with little or no volatile organic compounds, and toxin-free insulation made from soybeans, recycled paper, or even old denim. Green buildings have far fewer problems with mold or mildew. And you can breathe easy with natural ventilation that brings fresh air inside and vents stale air out.
Good for your conscience
Nobody wants to pollute, especially when you’re surrounded by such natural beauty. So keep in mind that the electricity you use in your house quite possibly comes from a power plant with considerable emissions. The water you use requires a great deal of infrastructure that is built and maintained with carbon-emitting equipment. By using energy and water as efficiently as possible, you are contributing to a healthier planet. Good decisions around design and planning can help reduce the amount of solid waste produced during construction of your home. It can also conserve precious resources such as water and fossil fuels. Efficient appliances, drought-tolerant landscaping, and water-conserving irrigation systems can help your home consume up to 50% less water than standard houses.
HOW TO GO GREEN
Green building involves many strategies, from site selection to building materials to jobsite maintenance. At Crestwood Construction, we stay up-to-date on the latest green technologies so we can help you better understand the benefits and make the best decisions. Key details to consider include:
Home site
You should retain and protect existing landscaping and natural features whenever possible. If your lot has a beautiful tree or rock formation, let’s find a way to build around it. For additional landscaping, select plants that are native, have low water and pesticide needs, and generate minimal trimmings.
Home orientation
The way your home is situated on your property can help maximize the use of natural resources such as solar energy. For example, south-facing windows have the greatest exposure to the sun, while west-facing windows need to be carefully designed for the low angle of the setting sun. With proper orientation of your home, you can benefit from passive solar gain and daylighting, while avoiding glare and overheating.
Energy efficiency
Maximize the use of natural lighting whenever possible; it reduces energy requirements and also has a positive impact on productivity and wellbeing. Install high-efficiency lighting systems with motion sensors tied to dimmable lighting controls. Use a properly sized and energy-efficient HVAC system in conjunction with eco-friendly insulation. Consider alternative energy sources such as solar and fuel cells.
Materials efficiency
Select sustainable construction materials that promote resource conservation and efficiency. Reuse and recycle construction and demolition materials. Design with adequate space to facilitate recycling collection and to incorporate a solid waste management program that prevents waste generation.
Water efficiency
Minimize waste water by using ultra low-flush toilets, low-flow shower heads, and other water conserving fixtures. Design for dual plumbing to use recycled water for toilet flushing or a gray water system that recovers rainwater or other non-potable water for site irrigation. Install point-of-use, or tankless hot water heating systems. Use state-of-the-art irrigation controllers and self-closing nozzles on hoses.
LEED / United States Green Building Council (LEED/USGBC)
Sierra Green Building Association (SIGBA)
California Built It Green
