Q. I hear the term "Green" used a lot in home building. What does it mean, how does it effect me and what is Avis America Modular, Inc doing in the "Green" area?
A. The process of building "Green" consciously incorporates sound environmental practices into all building decisions, from lot selection and home placement through specification selection, construction and occupancy. Building "Green" not only provides benefits for the environment but has significant homeowner benefits as well, such as:
| * Lower home operating cost |
* Improved internal environmental quality |
| * Increased comfort |
* Enhanced durability & less maintenance |
The process of systems built construction is by its very nature a "green" process with efficient use of materials, manpower and energy. The construction cycle time is shortened requiring less energy use and the quality control procedures put in place assure the energy efficiency of the home being produced as well as the quality of the components.
A few of the ways that Avis America Modular, Inc.
is advancing
home "green" building practices are :
Resource Efficiency:
Reduce quantity of materials and waste
* Efficient floor plans
* Utilization of open web floor trusses
* Two stud corner framing
* Elimination of jack studs at interior partitions
* Single top plate at non-bearing walls
* Detailed framing plan provided for construction
* Use of composite studs
Use recycled content material
* Drywall utilized is recycled gypsum
Recycle waste material
* Drywall waste is shipped to manufacturer for recycling
* Cardboard is bailed and shipped for recycling
* Suppliers are requested to ship product with reduced packaging
* Wood scrap is shipped to produce electricity
Use renewable materials
* Wood products are purchased from manufacturers who practice sustainable forestry
* Plumbing utilizes plastic components vs. mined components
Energy Efficiency
* Energy Star certified
* Point of use options for water heating
* Heating sized to heating and cooling load calculations
* All building envelope penetrations sealed
* Minimum 12" overhangs provided for shading
* All switches and outlets foam gasketed
* All exterior wall switches and outlets caulked from back side to prevent air infiltration
* Building materials are sourced from local suppliers reducing energy requirements to deliver
* All lumber utilized is from eastern forests
Water Efficiency
* On demand water heating available
* Low flow 1.6 gpf toilets
* Water efficient Moen showerheads
* Water efficient sink faucet aerators
* Shut off valves at all fixtures
|
Indoor Environmental Quality:
Minimize potential sources of pollution
* All plywood and fiberboard certified to low formaldehyde emission standards
* Carpet and carpet pad "Green Labeled" by Rug Institutes indoor air quality testing program
* Heat recovery ventilation available as an option
* Indoor paints have low or no VOC's
Manage potential pollutants generated in the home
* Kitchen ranges exhausted to outside
* Radon exhaust piping available as an option
* Whole house ventilation available as an option
Moisture management
* Bathroom exhaust fans provided
* Moisture resistant drywall installed under tiled surfaces
* All building materials, lumber, etc. stored in controlled environment prior to building with lumber at less than a 15% moisture content
* Plumbing supply lines kept from exterior walls when possible
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| Global Impact:
Products
* Use of low or no VOC paints and coatings reduces the amount of pollutants that are released into the environment
* 100% of waste is recycled reducing burden on landfills
Energy
* Local materials are utilized reducing energy requirements to delivery products
* Visit the Energy Star website to find energy rebates and tax credits in your area!
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