Green Building Group, LLC

When one looks at energy efficiency, typically one looks at energy use.  There are many ways to reduce energy usage, but it must begin with a system approach and proper engineering and load calculations.  Today, special calculations are being used to calculate the tightness, or air sealing nature of a building.  We have found that by making a building as tight as possible, we can cut the energy use by as much as 50% with proper loads and calcs on the HVAC system.  If we use good, tight windows and doors, our air leakage can be cut to almost zero.  Couple this with a properly sized heating and cooling system, creating a very tight envelope; energy use can be drastically reduced to the point that any additional costs (if any) will disappear in the energy savings for the structure, to the point that the buyer will enjoy superior cost savings every month.  

First, to achieve this efficiency, an energy efficient design must be implemented and secured with a tight structure tested by a HERS (House energy Rating System) Rater using the approved blower door test (Information on this can be obtained from www.resnet.us).  We can “green” a project by using environmentally sound practices and materials such as tank-less water heaters, very highly efficient foam insulation, low E glass, etc.  There are even systems that use filtered “grey water” from showers, etc, which can be saved in a storage tank and used for watering the grass, etc.  Reducing hot water needs and being environmentally sound as to use of water is a very good thing.  I believe that as solar panel costs continue to drop and become more efficient, we can be energy independent in new housing in the next 10 years.  In the smallest of houses, if we add $15.00 per month on a mortgage for a tight, well insulated house, we know we can save the buyer at least $50.00 to $75.00 per month in energy costs.  In larger homes, savings are substantially better.   More importantly, the air in the house is all filtered through the HVAC for the healthiest air possible.  This will be the most comfortable home you have ever lived in since there will be no cold spots or drafts.  This approach will make your home more enjoyable, more energy efficient and more attractive if and when you are ready to sell.