Here we go with our fifth installment of Going Green in which we follow the construction, and green certification process, of the Wheaton Green Home being built by Jason Werr of JAW Builders and designed by SWA Architects. We have just passed the Rough Inspection phase of the green verification process as construction is continuing. As I’ve said in previous posts, the Rough Inspection is done after the insulation is installed, but before drywall starts to go up. This way I, as the verifier, can inspect framing techniques and plumbing and mechanical installation before it is covered up.
The ultimate goal for this home was to reach the Emerald level, the highest level achievable, of the NAHB Green Building Standard. We have reached the point in the process where we can now realistically estimate where the finished product will fall and it appears the Emerald will be just out of reach due to a couple of different factors.
Something we have learned as we have been going through this process with Jason Werr, and other clients, is that there are two kinds of factors that will determine what level you will achieve. There are those factors that are within a builder’s control, such as material selections and recycling of construction waste, and factors that are beyond a builder’s control, such as the orientation of your site to the street and the climate zone your site falls in. A builder can choose a site based on these factors, but realistically will never find the perfect site that allows for all points in the NAHB’s program to be attainable.
In the case of the Wheaton Green Home, it is the uncontrollable factors which are making the Emerald level a near impossible feat. To give some examples of how the program works, and how there are factors beyond a builder’s control once a site is selected, there is a section of the program that refers to building on lots with “steep slopes”. This section contains a number of sub-categories, but points are only attainable if the lot you are building on has slopes with a minimum 25% grade. On many suburban infill lots, slopes of that grade or higher are rare, even on lots where walk-out basements are possible.
The Emerald level can still be achieved regardless of the uncontrollable factors, but it leaves little room for a builder or homeowner to make the choices they need to in order to build a home in budget. If a builder needs to make a choice between two equal quality hardwood flooring, one that contains recycled content and one that does not, budget becomes the deciding factor. If money were no object, which we all know is further from reality than ever these days, a builder could make all of the necessary choices that would help toward achieving the Emerald level, but in these tough economic times, builder’s are required to be more conscious than ever of budget.
While the Emerald level may be just out of reach, JAW Builders and SWA Architects are proud of the fact that the home we have collaborated on is still on great pace to achieve the Gold level of the NAHB Green Building Standard. Just over 1,000 homes have been certified under the NAHB Green Building Program, so it is proud achievement to know that this home will join the elite group.
JAW Builders is continuing on with construction, hoping to have the house ready for its Final Inspection by the end of summer. I’ll still be keeping you up to date on the progress of the home and its certification as it moves toward completion. Next post will be on selection of mechanical systems and plumbing fixtures.
SWA Architects has worked with builders and clients to design homes that have achieved Green certification from the NAHB Green Building Program. Bill Styczynski and Gregg Stahr of SWA have also verified the construction of several homes as accredited verifiers for the NAHB Green Building Program. If you have a project that you wish to make “Green”, please contact our office to take advantage of our services and expertise in efficient, high performance home design and construction.
Next to Come: Going for Green Part VI: Energy and Water Efficiency
Tags: Green Construction, Gregg Stahr, Jaw Builders, Residential
everyone should Go Green so that we can help the environment…~
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