Our goal is to use energy efficient and recycled materials wherever and whenever possible

Windows

Double paned (minimum)

Double pane vs single pane the greatest gain (18%)

Therefore double pane is the minimum standard

Low E & gas filled

Next incremental gain in  energy efficiency (additional 10%)

Skylights

Reduces need for interior lighting during daylight

Siding

Exterior

OSB

OSB Can be made from wood waste products

Highly energy efficient due to lack of airspace

Composite or stone siding can be placed directly over

 

Composite materials

Eg Hardie siding (Hardie Website)

Durable

Fire resistant

Interiors

OSB

Can be made from wood waste products

Highly energy efficient due to lack of airspace

placed over frame after insulation applied

more environmentally friendly than drywall

less susceptible to damage than drywall

harder to punch holes in it

Bamboo

Easily replenished

Strong, durable

Retains high quality over multiple generations of replanting

Other composite materials

Similar to flooring

Made from treated recycled materials

Damage resistant

Insulation

Foam (icynene) (Icynene Website)

Solid airtight water tight

Fills all crevices

Downside

Low levels of toxic gas emissions

expense

Recycled newspaper (Applegate)

Uses recycled materials

Production is highly energy efficient

Fills all crevices

Fire resistant

 

Insulated concrete forms

Highly energy efficient

up to 50% better than wood frame with fiberglass insulation

sound dampening

resistant to projectile damage (high winds, etc)

 

Flooring

Composite materials

Made of recycled cardboard

Fire resistant

Damage resistant

Roofing

Metal roofing

Energy efficient

Self insulated

efficiency gained in coatings and reflectivity

insulation undercoating adds to efficiency but not necessary in many location

Foam roofing

Highly energy efficient

Less flexible (requires low slope roof)

Asphalt roofing

Petroleum based

With insulation can be every bit as energy efficient as alternatives

 

General construction notes

Construction methodologies and practices have environmental and energy efficiency effect

Recycled materials require less energy to produce

Recycled materials create fewer detriments to the environment

Less landfill usage

Less waste, which means fewer new materials need be produced

Renewable resources (such as bamboo)

Quick turnaround

Lower soil nutrient depletion

High quality retained

Reduces effects on forests (fewer forest products required)

Use of glues and screws (rather than nails) increases structural strength

High wind and extreme weather resistance

When things last longer

Lower cost of maintenance

Reduction in demand for new products to replace old

 

One size does not fit all. Proper choice of materials depends upon size of building, geographical area, esthetics, cost effectiveness, and client preferences

We will use the most energy efficient materials based upon these criteria