"Green" Building TechniquesBuilding Orientation ..The position, based on compass/Sun, begins the design process. Orienting glass exposures away from East/West exposure helps to maintain a cooler home, requiring less energy to cool. Heating can be achieved passively with adjustable shade and air-flow. Building colors assist in the cooling process, use of lighter colors, and green "live plant growth" on roofs, reduce heat and increase CO2 into oxygen production. Colors Lighter colors absorb less heat, less heat requires less cooling. Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning .. Improved health and cost reduction can be produced through the use of "whole-house" ventilation systems, the location of condenser packages, and the use of "shade" to allow for more efficient cooling. Passive heating and cooling can be achieved through the use of building materials, colors, location and use of insulated glass. Efficient HVAC packages and solar heat exchange will save enormous amounts of energy. Electrical Systems .. "Crash" Craddock, Owner, holds an ICBO General Contractor Certificate which allows the company to hold and obtain Class A licenses in all cities and municipalities and enables Envy Design.Build to build unrestricted buildings. In Denver, "Crash" Craddock holds "full" certificates/licenses to preform electrical, security (low-voltage, class "B" wiring), plumbing, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning), and kitchen design. Trees and Vegetation .. Trees and vegetation, properly placed around your home, can reduce energy needs by 30%. Zero Landscaping can reduce water usage for lawn maintenance to near "Zero".
Plumbing Systems .. "Green" design and construction is a broad term and encompasses many building techniques, designs and technologies. Envy supports in solar generation for energy. No moving parts, low maintenance, and you become a "mini-generation plant" for "the grid". We like the use of cooler and warmer air from the outside to temper your internal air, and fresh air is healthy. You can collect "run-off" in a tank, and then use it for utility water. Smart design, use of glass/shades and color can minimize heating and cooling costs. The list goes on, and it's growing daily. Smart Home technologies can be useful, too. Call us and let's discuss the possibilities. Thanks. Written references available, personal (by phone) references must be proceeded by permission and special arrangement. Circulating pumps on hot water systems. |
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Water Harvesting ..
It is to one's advantage to save and conserve water. A new practice for municipalities to provide two water supplies. Potable, or treated, water and non-potable. Potable water is generally supplied in green pipes, and non-potable, in purple. Some individuals are beginning to "Harvest" water in underground tanks, preventing water evaporation, for future use on lawns, irrigation, gardens, and other uses. Also, water used in laundering clothes, aka "Gray Water", can be used for these purposes as well. |
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NEWSWEEK .. "Not For Just Treehuggers"
NEWSWEEK's article on Green Construction. It dispells myths, and offers a quiz .. enlightening. Learn More |
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NEWSWEEK .. "Photos of Green Construction Techniques""
NEWSWEEK offers somes photos of "Green Construction Techniques" .. Great Ideas! Check Out the Photos |
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What Makes a Product Green? ..
"Green" building products and construction techniques are difficult to describe. Here is a reference that will help identify "Green" Building Products |
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The "Green Builder" ..
"Green" building ideas and resources can be found at the "Green Builder" Vision House Series. |
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