nahb green builder

How did the Parkland score on the National Association of Home Builders National Green Building Program Scoring Summary report? With a required number of 395 points to achieve Gold Status, the Parkland actually sailed over the NAHB’s bar with 463 points, a full 168 points above the requirement.

What makes a Homeway Home green?

Green homes incorporate environmental considerations and resource efficiency into every step of the building and development process to minimize environmental impact. The design, construction, and operation of a home must focus on energy and water efficiency, resource efficient building design and materials, indoor environmental quality, and must take the home’s overall impact on the environment into account. However, many of the processes and technologies that go into a green home happen behind the scenes and behind the walls. What can a homebuyer look for?

Energy Efficient Features

Many of the energy-efficient qualities of a green home are easy to spot. Appliances, windows, and water heating systems will likely have ENERGY STAR ratings. The home should also include efficient lighting fixtures and bulbs. Renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic electricity and water heating systems, further decrease the overall energy consumption within the home.

Water Efficient Features

Fixtures and appliances such as low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets, and ENERGY STAR dishwashers and washing machines all conserve water. Programmed, low-volume irrigation systems, rainwater collection systems, wastewater treatment systems, and hot water recirculation systems also save water.

Resource Efficient Features

These decisions - from home size, to orientation on the lot, to floor plan layout – are made in the design of your home and development of the lot. The house orientation and design should take advantage of natural daylight to reduce lighting needs, and should use strategies to reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. The home should contain renewable and recycled-content materials. Homeway Homes’ modular construction techniques are a key factor to superior Green Building practices.

Indoor Air Quality Features

The heating, air conditioning, and ventilation system (HVAC) must be appropriately sized for an efficient and properly ventilated home. Humidistat controlled fans in the bathrooms will cycle fresh air inside and release stale air. Low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints and finishes should be used as well.

Outside the Home

In a green home, care should be taken to preserve trees and other vegetation native to the area. Landscaping should contain plants that are appropriate for the climate, and grouped according to water needs. Driveways and other impervious surfaces should be reduced as much as possible, and may be composed of gravel, permeable block pavers, grids, or other permeable systems.
Benefits for Homeway Home owners

Some reasons to consider a green home

There are many benefits to owning a green home including the following:

Lower Operating Costs

The technologies and practices required to build a green home typically result in lower cost to operate the home. Energy-efficient Foam insulation, appliances, lighting systems, and HVAC equipment result in lower utility bills. Using less water through water-conserving faucets, showers, toilets and irrigation systems, result in lower water bills. Properly sized HVAC systems mean that less energy is needed to condition spaces. Employing technologies such as Homeway Homes modular construction as well as geothermal heat exchangers can further reduce dependence on public utilities. Over time, these savings can really add up.

Reduced Maintenance Needs

The whole-house approach to green building means that the systems used within the home work efficiently and effectively together, resulting in less upkeep and maintenance chores for homeowners. Effective storm water management and landscaping, means less time maintaining outside spaces. Also, green building practices mean a more durably constructed home. Drained foundations, water spouts on gutters, and flashing around doors and windows, reduce the opportunity for system failure within the home due to moisture intrusion.

Healthy, Comfortable Living Spaces

Indoor air quality is one of the guiding principles of the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines. Homes are well ventilated to allow for proper air exchange, and low-emitting products like low or no VOC paints reduce health risks from off-gassing. Further, green building practices are targeted at reducing the opportunity for moisture intrusion, so there are fewer issues with mold. The efficient HVAC systems, windows and floor plans also mean that heating and cooling is better distributed throughout the home, resulting in more comfortable indoor environments.

Environmental Benefits

Increased energy and water efficiency means that fewer resources are used within the home throughout its lifespan. Further, the renewable, recycled, and other efficient building products used in green home construction reduce the impact on natural resources. Also, construction of green homes includes resource management and waste reduction practices.