Plumb has been practicing “green building” for many years, only we called it efficient building. As an example, simply by increasing the number of windows on the south facing walls and minimizing the windows on the north side, you can take advantage of the sun’s warmth during cold winter months. In addition, heavy insulation, air infiltration seal up, premium windows and doors and high efficiency heating/cooling systems, including geothermal, have always been incorporated into our homes.

Simple, thoughtful placement of the home on the homesite makes our homes more energy efficient. Careful consideration is given to the orientation of the home to the sun to capture natural winter heating and cool summer breezes. Windows and doors can then be sized and positioned for maximum efficiency and roof overhangs can be adjusted to capture winter and block summer sun angles. In addition placement of the garage on the northwest side of the home can buffer the home from cold winter winds.

Sustainability is also very important part of green building. Plumb Construction has always emphasized sustainability in their construction practices. For example, we protect the building components from water and air infiltration through the use of flashings, air wraps, foam sealants, and proper ventilation. This results in buildings with less maintenance and a longer useful life. We think of the lifetime of our homes and renovations in terms of centuries, not generations.

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

Plumb helps to protect our environment through recycling of waste materials, such as wood, cardboard, metal and plastic, from new home and renovation projects. When renovating homes, we donate salvaged items, such as plumbing fixtures, appliances, cabinets, windows, doors and siding, to the Loading Dock. The Loading Dock re-distributes these used products, that still have a useful life, keeping them out of the landfill and helping city communities rebuild.

When feasible, we recommend installing underground tanks for rain water storage from roof run off, for use to water lawns and gardens in the dry summer months, instead of drawing potable water from wells and public water systems.

The incorporation of engineered wood products has significant positive environmental impact. These products are created from fast growth trees, resulting in protection of old growth trees. In many cases, these new materials are superior in performance to traditional dimensional plywoods and lumber products.

I have planted thousands of trees as replacements for the trees that we have cleared over the years for new homes. A photo of this project is to the right.
You can visit www.thegreenguide.com for tips on how to live green.