GREEN SPECIFICATIONS:
The following categories have been developed for the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification program by the USGBC (United States Green Building Council). The USGBC and LEED are dedicated to the articulation, direction and implementation of green building nationwide. LEED has developed several categories for green buildings that include new construction, existing buildings, commercial interiors etc., and a category for homes. While being fully dedicated to the LEED principles and a member of the USGBC, we have chosen for this home to place the money that would have been spent for the certification process into the home itself.
LOCATION AND LINKAGES: This is the category about where you choose to live. Living close to the services and amenities you use helps to reduce your carbon footprint.
Existing access to public infrastructure:
Build close to existing power, water and sewer. It was already here; we couldn’t get much closer than that.
High-density urban infill:
Open green space is important in an urban environment. Re-using an existing city lot keeps the green space intact. Bike paths, the lakes, the creek, mature trees, they’re why you choose to live in this neighborhood.
SUSTAINABLE SITES: This is about how you plan for and tend to your little plot of land. Native plants, minimal hard-scape, maximum water use efficiency are all key concepts.
Native plants and shade trees:
Okay we had a head start on the shade trees, seven to be exact: two oaks, three elms, one basswood and a beautiful birch. The native plants will be up to you. We’ll provide the rain gardens.
Green roof:* This is an optional feature
Flat roof provides surface for roof-top garden, absorbs rain water (keeps it out of the sewer system), absorbs solar radiation therefore reducing the ‘heat island’ effect. It's also fun to look at that soft green stuff while enjoying your rooftop views of the city.
Mulch around plants:
This process minimizes evaporation from gardens and provides nutrients. It’s worth noting that the unusable framing from the old house was recycled by a local company that grinds the wood up to be used as, you guessed it, mulch. The bones of the old house could end up right back in one of the gardens. How’s that for a tidy little circle?
Permeable materials:
Driveway, courtyard and walking paths all allow rainwater to pass into earth below, keeping the storm sewers free for other work, minimizing runoff to the river. This also means that during that freeze-thaw period that we’re so fond of around here the surface water will go away a little faster so the kids will have to go to the rink to skate rather than the driveway.
WATER EFFICIENCY: Yes, even in the land of 10,000 lakes water use is important. Minimize use and run-off by keeping all that rainwater to use on your plants.
Rainwater gardens:
Rainwater is directed into gardens at the front and rear of the home, allowing more time to enjoy the flowers, less time on the hose.
Low flow showerheads:
More efficient yet plenty to keep you clean.
Super efficient toilets:
We’re using a combination of Toto 'Eco Nexus' 1.28 GPF and Kohler dual flush toilets.
Gray water recycling system:* This is an optional feature
Stores, filters and uses gray water from sinks and washing machine for flushing toilets.
INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY: This is where you minimize the amount of indoor air pollutants and recycle fresh air into the home.
Heat/air exchanger:
Runs at low speed 24/7 taking stale air out of house while capturing its heat and provides warm fresh air in its place. It's the living lung for your house.
Low VOC finishes:
Used throughout house on millwork, walls and cabinet work.
Gas fireplace:
In the playroom, this super-efficient gas fireplace provides the heat without sucking the air out of the room. It pulls its own fresh combustion air from the outside.
Wood fireplace:
Just like the gas fireplace in that it has its own combustion air. But this one does require that you throw a log on once in awhile.
MATERIALS AND RESOURCES: This is where we minimize our construction waste and use environmentally friendly products with recycled, sustainably grown or re-used materials to keep your ecological footprint small.
FSC framing and sheathing:
Forest Service Council certified wood products from carefully managed forests.
FSC cabinet and trim materials:
Same as above. In addition the cabinets are made by Woodwright Workshop here in Minnesota by Ken Geisen who lives in a straw bale house and works in a straw bale shop, which we did together in 1997. He's an exceptional craftsman and super-cool guy.
Concrete board siding:
This stuff is called 'Cembonit,' and it's super durable, requires no painting, and is 100% recyclable.
Steel siding:
This is a Firestone product and like the concrete board will last a really long time, needs no paint and is also fully recyclable.
Decks:
The decks on this home are made of ‘Tiger Wood’ another FSC approved product from South America. It’s too hard to nail and requires pre-drilling for screws, but who would want to mar its pretty face. We attach it with hidden clips. It doesn’t require finish in order to last the life of a 30-year mortgage, but it sure looks pretty if you choose to put it on.
Recycled oak floor:
This is the original floor in the house, carefully removed and re-installed over the radiant floors in the living and media rooms. This floor has a very personal history in this home and with it fifty years worth of stories to tell.
Cork flooring:
It doesn't get much better than this: it grows on trees, is harvested without killing the tree, it’s warm, soft on the feet, has an anti-microbial surface and works beautifully over a radiant floor, but no you can’t re-cork the wine bottle with it.
Wool carpet:
Just like above – substitute sheep for trees, skip the microbial bit.
Stained concrete floor:
This is in the high traffic area, front to back door like a really long mudroom. The concrete has fly-ash in it, an incinerator waste product. Super durable, fully recyclable and the way we finish it looks like Spanish leather. Yes it’s easy to clean.
Eco resin shower doors and rolling screens:
This product is from 3form, we’ve used it in several projects before and we continue to be impressed. It’s made of 40% recycled plastic, and has an endless array of surfaces and embedded material options, including different grasses, leaves, bead work from Africa… you supply it, they’ll try it.
ENERGY/ATMOSPHERE: This is where we keep the energy use of your home as efficient as possible with a few very simple strategies: build small, use super-efficient appliances and mechanical equipment, use top quality insulation and windows, and produce some of the power onsite.
Programmable thermostats:
Fine tune home to your needs/maximize efficiency.
Bio-based spray foam insulation:
Minimizes air infiltration and exfiltration. This product uses soy waste in the foam. No it's not like putting tofu in your walls.
Energy efficient windows by Marvin:
Low E-II glazing, with argon, Energy Star rating, made in Minnesota.
Radiant heat floors:
Heats floors and objects, the things your body touches.
Energy Star washer and dryer by Bosch:
Washer heats its own water, and just what it needs.
Energy Star appliances in kitchen
Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights:
They use about one tenth the power of incandescent bulbs, and last about 30,000 hours. At your ten-year anniversary in the house you could have a bulb changing party. Wahoo.
Solar hot water:
Let the sun take the heat for your energy bills. This system pre-heats domestic and radiant hot water, making an already efficient boiler even more so.
Green Roof: * This is an optional feature
As noted in section SS above. What better way to give back what the footprint of the home takes away... a garden in the sky.
HOME OWNER AWARENESS:
Homeowner education:
Yes this home will come with an owner’s manual. It’ll be short, sweet and easy to read. It'll even have pictures. Just a little routine maintenance will keep this home operating efficiently for many happy years to come.