WE ARE GROWING GREENER!

In November 2007 Cherry Hill Homes, Inc. commissioned the Jordan Institute, the third party administrator of the USGBC LEEDS Program, to identify the Green Features utilized in our current residential construction practice at Little Pond Estates, Concord, NH. The full report is available for viewing contact us for more information..

Integrated Design Process

Durability Features:

• Footing drains to remove water away from foundation
• Ice and Water Shield at eave edges and roof valleys
• Granite steps
• PVC trim
• Flashing behind ledger boards
• Use of mahogany or composite decking
• Hardwood flooring
• Back prime all trim (all six surfaces)
• Increased air sealing and insulation at attics
• Clad windows
• Clothes washer on second floor on drain pan with shut off valve
• Tile backer board behind tile showers

Environmentally Appropriate Site Selection:

• Infill development
• Connection to neighboring developments via bike paths and sidewalk
• Natural resource inventory (wetlands, soil type, endangered plants or animals, vernal pools, deer yards, etc.) done by a civil engineer before commencement of construction

Site Stewardship During Construction:

• Erosion controls to prevent sedimentation of wetlands
• Storm sewers protected from sedimentation

Landscaping:

• Use of vegetated swales to treat storm water
• Sub-meters provided by city for irrigation water

Energy Conservation / Efficiency:

• All homes are Energy Star certified. They use at least 20% less energy than a “code-built” home. This is third party verified.
• Features such as: Higher R value insulation; insulation of basement walls; insulated headers; less air infiltration (leaks sealed with foam before insulating); Low E windows which help keep heat in; Sealed and insulated ductwork to prevent heat loss into walls and unconditioned space; High-efficiency heating and cooling equipment (13 SEER)

Non-Toxic Pest Control:

• All wood to concrete connections separated by sill sealer or metal connectors
• All wood a minimum of 12” above grade
  

Energy Conservation/Efficiency:

• Energy Star certified - third party verified
• Energy Star “Thermal Bypass Checklist” third party verified
• Extra insulation behind duct work in exterior walls
• HVAC equipment is “right-sized” (not oversized)
• Energy Star labeled programmable thermostats
• Furnaces have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 94% or better

Renewable Energy

Ozone Protection: Central cooling down without CFC’s (which destroy the ozone layer)

Indoor Environmental Quality:

• Low VOC Materials: Guardian fiberglass insulation free of formaldehyde
• Other Strategies:
  · Radon mitigation (pipe extending through roof for future ventilation)
  · MERV 8 filter (removes tiny particles from supply air)
  · Vapor barrier under slab (to prevent moisture/radon migration)
  · Direct vented combustion equipment (no CO in the house)
  · Painted drywall wall between garage and house (prevents CO entry)
  · High quality bathroom fans to remove moisture

Environmentally Preferable Products (EPP’s)

• MDF interior trim (made from recycled sawdust)
• Footing drain pipe (made from recycled HDPE plastic)
• Engineered beams (made from small diameter trees)
• Bamboo flooring (installed in one home)

Local Materials:

• OSB Sheathing by Louisiana-Pacific (Houlton, ME)
• Advanteck sub floor by Huber (Easton, ME)
• Poplar interior trim

Awareness and Education: Owner manuals left with equipment and reviewed with owner

For more information about Green Building please Contact Us