Green building


	*Shades of Green*


	Building Green in today’s economy means energy efficiency. From the design process forward, a wide variety of options is available to make your home more efficient. In design and layout, in construction methods, utility costs and your overall financial picture.

We’re seeing a wide range of Green products and procedures today. Some offer quite advanced technology, and some are plain old fashioned common sense. landscape Here are some of the ways we use construction methods that offer quick payback:

We start with a home design and site plan that takes maximum advantage of your land. Where does the sun come up? Where can you best use landscaping to warm or cool your home? Is your land flat or sloping? We use these factors to maximize your home’s energy advantage!

The design and layout of the home is key. We work with designers, architects, draftsmen and landscapers that know how to provide maximum value for minimum costs.


		“But, just how green do you need to be?”


	One of the most important factors is construction methods. Surprisingly, a lot can be gained by utilizing simple methods such as:

Sealing the sill plate to prevent air infiltration
Tight framing joints and the use of building wrap
Efficient window materials and installation
Added insulation in walls and ceilings
Doors constructed with efficient weather seals
Waterproof, ventilated exterior to provide an envelope of high efficiency
Energy conscious Heating & Cooling – sized for efficient distribution of warm & cool air
Effective use of building materials in all phases prescribed & directed by us personally

You would think these methods are common to every builder! But, these are the building blocks that energy efficient homes begin with. Lyle in framed doorway

Benchmark Fine Homes employs suppliers, manufacturers and services that recycle, reuse and consciously participate in the economics of purchasing and using their materials for our benefit. This consists of everything from the recycling of blueprint papers and reusing ink cartridges in our own office environment to using engineered flooring products, siding and roofing materials that are gentle to the environment, and used to construct YOUR home.

These simple but powerful methods are in place with every home we build. Period.


	*Want more Green?*


		Explore some of today’s alternate sources for utilities! Solar panels, wind turbines, geothermal technologies can all provide lower utility costs. Paints that have low VOC’s, and carpets and pads made from recycled material all contribute to a smaller carbon footprint. LEED Certification, the Energy Star® Program and others like it offer guidelines and guarantees towards energy efficiency in your home.

	*However, sometimes there’s a catch!*

We carefully weigh the costs of these items against your future payback. How long will you stay in your home? Do you mind paying a little more for your chance to harness Mother Nature, or are you better off with tried-and-true methods that cost little to nothing extra?

There are so many other shades of green to consider!


	*The Bamboo example:*

What about flooring? bamboo flooring For example, using natural bamboo products can provide a beautiful, long lasting and environmentally conscious alternative to other products.

But, even bamboo comes in shades of green! Consider. . .

How was the bamboo harvested? From companies that utilize sustainable forestry practices?
Was there habitat destruction or water pollution during the process? How was the bamboo cut? Was it replanted?
How was the product shipped from overseas?
Were the ocean transport lines members of the “Business for Social Responsibility Clean Cargo Program”?
How was the bamboo manufactured and processed?
How was the finished flooring product packaged? Did the packaging feature recycled materials and inks?

You can see that the shades of green go quite deep!

So, let us help you decide what “shade of green” you’d like for your next home.
Your home will reward you financially and environmentally!


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