Green Building

Tenets of Green Building

• Energy Efficiency

  • Energy costs are rising across the country and there is no relief in sight.  One way to make a home more affordable is through the use of green building technologies that reduce energy use.  Incorporating green technologies makes your home more efficient in the way energy is used.
  • Energy use can be reduced with simple changes, such as LED lighting, water sense faucets and ENERGY STAR® appliances. A more involved commitment such as geothermal HVAC systems, energy-efficient window upgrades, or solar energy options can yield even greater energy savings.  Today’s customers seek energy-efficient homes to combat the rising costs of energy and alleviate environmental concerns. At Creekwood, we encourage our clients to consider:
    • Energy efficient appliances
    • High-efficiency air conditioning equipment (HVAC), to include geothermal
    • Insulated concrete form (ICF) exterior walls
    • On-demand gas hot water systems
    • LED and fluorescent lighting
    • Windows with low emissivity (low-e) film
    • Effective use of landscaping and awnings/shutters to shield southern and western exposures
    • Non-vented attics with spray foam insulation
    • Blown-in-batt (BIBs) insulation in walls
    • Light-colored roofing
    • Proper placement of the home on the property
• Water Conservation

  • As our area continues to grow and the population increases, so do the demands on our municipal water and sewer systems.  To assist our clients in conserving this natural resource, we recommend the following:
    • Install water saving appliances, toilets, faucets, and shower fixtures
    • Choose climate-appropriate, drought-tolerant, and native/adapted plant species
    • Install a private sprinkler well paired with efficient sprinklers and drip systems
    • Reduce turf grass areas
• Indoor Air Quality

  • Indoor air quality is an issue that is often overlooked in the design of a home.  As buildings become tighter and tighter this area becomes a more important issue that is best addressed during the planning phase.  As with all good construction, effective planning is key to improving and maintaining a healthy home.  When examining indoor air quality, one must look at the home as a system where many components must function efficiently and complement one another.  The following are items requiring emphasis:
  • Moisture
    • Excessive moisture invites an array of unwanted problems in our homes. Some of these problems include: pests, dust mites, rot and mold. Listed below are the 3 major sources of moisture problems in our homes.
      • Roofing or plumbing leaks and drainage issues because of poor landscaping
      • Moisture buildup due to cooking, bathing, washing clothes and house plants. Water vapor is also created by the burning of carbon-based fuels in stoves, water heaters, and fireplaces
      • Humid air entering from the outside through open windows and through poorly sealed areas of the house
• Building Materials and Furnishings

  • Avoid products that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Also avoid lead, fiberglass, allergens and microorganisms. For over a decade, product manufacturers in the building industry have been introducing products that reduce formaldehyde, VOCs and other potentially harmful chemicals. By using non-toxic materials, homeowners can increase the indoor air quality of their home while reducing your home’s carbon footprint.
• Carbon Monoxide

  • Carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas, has become a concern with today’s energy efficient, tightly built homes. For homes using gas appliances and fireplaces, proper venting and combustion make-up air are important elements to insure that CO doesn’t build up in our homes.  Today, CO detectors are building code requirements as they are as vital as smoke detectors in safeguarding your family. Air Ventilation and Filtration. Proper ventilation of air trapped in a sealed home should be part of any indoor air quality strategy.  Bathroom and kitchen ventilation are necessary to exhaust odors, moisture and pollutants.  Correct filtration performs double duty by removing airborne contaminants while minimizing wear and tear on your HVAC system.  Using products like ionized air purification cells and electrostatic filter systems can drastically reduce allergens, making for a healthier family.
• Air Ventilation and Filtration

  • Proper ventilation of air trapped in a sealed home should be part of any indoor air quality strategy.  Bathroom and kitchen ventilation are necessary to exhaust odors, moisture and pollutants.  Correct filtration performs double duty by removing airborne contaminants while minimizing wear and tear on your HVAC system.  Using products like ionized air purification cells and electrostatic filter systems can drastically reduce allergens, making for a healthier family.