“Green Building”

Nebraska State Home Builders Assoc. Green Build Council

* Environmental Impact *• Reduced Toxic Emissions• Less Land-filling• Increased Use of Recycled Products• Less Lumber Used• Water Conservation Features

Reduced Toxic Emissions• Low VOC paint• Water base finishes• Formaldehyde free materials• Water base basement waterproofing

Less Land-filling• Recycle wood waste for landscaping mulch• Include a recycling center in the Kitchen or Garage• Construction waste reduction, recycle and reuse plan• Optimum Value Framing techniques• Composting system

Increased Use of Recycled Products

• Framing materials – Finger joint studs, paralams etc..• Recycled paper on drywall• FSC – Certified forestry products• Bamboo or cork flooring• Plastic bottle content in carpet• Fly-ash in concrete

Water Conservation Features• Shower heads that flow 2.5 gallons per minute or less• Timers and rain controls on sprinkler systems• Drought resistant sod & planting• Permeable pavers v/s concrete paving• Toilets water usage of 1.1 gals per flush• Front load clothes washer

* Energy Savings *• Five Star plus Energy Rating• High Efficient Heating and Cooling Systems• State of the Art Lighting Systems• Air Tight Doors and Windows• Energy Saving Appliances• Increased Insulation

Five Star plus Energy Rating

• Building exceeds the 2003 International Energy Code by 30% - 50%• Third party verification by a Certified Energy Rater

High Efficient Heating & Cooling Systems

• Central air conditioner - at least 14 SEER • Forced-air gas furnace – at least 90.0 AFUE• Air source heat pump – at least 14.00 SEER• Ground source heat pump• Set back programmable thermostat

State of Art Lighting Systems• Fluorescent lighting in Kitchen area• Each Bathroom contains a fluorescent fixture• All exterior lighting is controlled by a photocell• Day-lighting or sun tunnels

Air Tight Doors & Windows• All windows have a NFRC rated with a U-rating of at least .33• Window design allow for cross ventilation• Exterior doors insulated to R-5• Non-metal windows

Energy Saving Appliances• Built in Dishwashers must be Energy Star rated• Heating and Cooling equipment are Energy Star rated• Clothes dryer with a humidity sensor• Interior or exterior clothes line

Increased Insulation• Insulate ducting in the attic• Energy heels on roof trusses• Non-toxic spray insulation• Insulate foundation footing with R-8 rigid foam

* Comfort *• No Air Leaks• Tighter Construction techniques• Efficient Hot Water Systems• Sealed Fireplaces

No Air Leaks• All ductwork joints sealed with low-toxic mastic• Air tight caulking, gaskets & electrical boxes• Foam all plumbing penetrations• Blower door test completed by a Certified Energy Rater

Tighter Construction• Have an exterior air barrier installed to manufacturer

specifications• R-3.2 or better exterior wall sheathing• Straw bale or mud rammed earth construction

Efficient Hot Water Systems• Minimum water heater performance: Gas 0.60 EF / Electric 0.91

EF• Install ½” insulation on all hot water lines• Heat traps installed on hot & cold lines to the water heater• Energy Star clothes washer

* Healthy Home *• Less Indoor Air Pollution• Fewer Asthma and Breathing Problems

Less Indoor Air Pollution• Heat & moisture air exchangers• CO detector installed if combustible appliances are used• Range vent to the exterior• Radon mitigation system

Fewer Asthma and Breathing Problems

• Exhaust fan system in the Garage• Central vacuum system ducted to exterior• Humidifiers installed and serviced• Bath fans on timers and ducted to exterior

For More Information• Nebraska Green Build website• nebraskagreenbuild.com

• Nebraska Energy Office web site• neo.ne.gov/home_const/greenbuilthomes.htm

• Presenter – Greg Shinaut, Black Hills Energy