2011 14th EDITION

ABOVE: Builder - Merz Construction, Inc., Engineering - Allied Consulting Engineering Services, Inc., Mechanical Contractor - Uptack Plumbing & Heating, Inc.

ABOVE: Sold by the foot, the low profile of Flexible LED Lights allows for use in many discreet locations. This LED tape comes with a 3M adhesive backing which allows easy mounting virtually anywhere. There is no need to rewire. This 12-volt, environmentally friendly LED light is available in all colors. Low energy consumption not only means saving money, it also can translate to an elimination of electrical shock and fire danger. This solid state Light Strip lasts for 50,000 hours, which is 8 years if left constantly on. This strip will cost $1.80 per foot if left on all year. LED Lighting at Adams Kitchens, Photo by Warren Patterson.

ABOVE: Using cutting edge solar panels and soy-based foam insulation with state-of-the-art mechanical ventilation and allergen-free products, Hamadeh Custom Builders constructs eco-friendly homes with extremely clean air quality. Photo by Michael J. Lee.

Using renewables such as geothermal systems and solar panels replenish our dwindling resources. By reducing our energy consumption we can make a huge impact on our carbon footprint.

“A geothermal heat pump heating system utilizes the free heat available from the earth to provide as much as 80% of a home’s total winter heating requirement, resulting in a heating system whose operating cost can be 25-40% lower than fossil fuel fired heating systems, while producing far less carbon dioxide than fossil fuel fired systems. Geothermal heat pump systems are virtually invisible from outdoors, require no exterior equipment, have very low maintenance requirements and can provide super efficient cooling during summer operation.”
Mike Zimmerman,
Allied Engineering Services, Inc.

“One of the most fundamental green gestures is to orient a home intelligently to make good use of the sun’s path and take advantage of seasonal breezes. Overhangs that shade window areas in the summer will reduce air conditioning load.”
Treff LaFleche,
LDa Architecture & Interiors

“For someone who wants to responsibly reduce his or her energy consumption on some anticipated level, the industry now has a certified, endorsable process that can do that. By measuring windows, insulation and all your components, you get a Home Energy Rating. The HERS rating is pretty easy to understand. A 100 in the HERS rating would be a house built to the new National Green Building Code. As you work toward certifications, you’re looking to lower HERS ratings so an 85 HERS rating uses 15% less energy and is 15% more energy efficient than the current building code. A zero would be a zero-net house. We know that we can make huge improvements in houses with investments in insulation, infiltration and mechanical systems.” – Daniel Paquette, Chief Sustainability Officer, Woodmeister Master Builders