Sustainable homes are designed, built, and operated to reduce or eliminate negative impacts on our natural environment, to preserve precious natural resources, and to improve quality of life. They do these things by following the tenets set forth by the World Green Building Council.
World Green Building Council Tenets:
- Efficient use of energy, water, and other resources
- Use of renewable energy, such as solar energy
- Pollution and waste reduction measures, and the enabling of re-use and recycling
- Good indoor environmental air quality
- Use of materials that are non-toxic, ethical, and sustainable
- Consideration of the environment in design, construction,n and operation
- Consideration of the quality of life of occupants in design, construction, and operation
- A design that enables adaptation to a changing environment
A home you can feel good about living in
At Solstice Builders we take a wholistic approach to sustainable building by incorporating it into every aspect of the building process. We call these EcoSystem homes. A harmonious balance of sustainable building, energy efficiency, and comfortable living.
Planning Phase
Collaborate with Architects, Engineers, and Landscape Architects.
- Home placement to conserve trees.
- Solar orientation for natural lighting.
- Use pervious landscape solutions to facilitate stormwater drainage.
- Irrigation systems with rainfall meters to eliminate unnecessary watering.
- Landscape with indigenous and drought-resistant species.
Construction Phase
- Extensive tree protection and silt fences minimize environmental impact.
- Effective material usage to minimize landfill build-up.
- Andersen windows provide superior U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficients to maintain indoor climate.
- Sustainable wood flooring such as bamboo and engineered hardwoods.
- Low VOC polyurethane and paint.
- Insulation and air sealing strategies such as spray foam create a sealed home envelope thus reducing air leakage and maximizing thermal performance.
- Advanced framing techniques allow next generation products to perform to their full potential.
Fixture & Component Selection
- Energy Star appliances are designed to reduce energy and water usage while delivering superior performance.
- HVAC systems that include geothermal and high efficiency heat pumps.
- Solar water heat or technologically advanced hot water heaters dramatically lower energy costs.
- Durable building materials such as stainless steel, fiber cement siding, and composite decking rarely need to be replaced in a lifetime, making them sustainable.
- Extensive use of LED and low voltage lighting.
Living Green
“A house you can feel good about living in.”
- Any style home can be designed to be efficient.
- Every effort is taken to preserve natural resources while creating inviting outdoor spaces.
- Superior energy efficiency creates a high-performance home.
- Anyone can live green!
Energy Star Construction
Achieves exceptional energy efficiency, from pre-construction planning to final air leakage testing by EPA-approved specialists. These homes not only meet or exceed ENERGY STAR standards but are also as beautiful as they are functional.
Building Energy Star homes
It starts with meticulous planning, from site placement to electric features, plumbing, and appliances. These homes embody attention to detail at every level.
During Construction
We use advanced framing, high-performance insulation, air sealing, and energy-efficient Andersen windows and doors to create a sealed home, minimizing air leakage, and maximizing thermal performance.
Additionally
Solar panels, rainwater collection, smart irrigation, and drought-resistant plants enhance your home’s energy efficiency and sustainability.
Exterior features
Reflective aluminum roofing, fiber cement siding, Anderson windows and doors enhance your home’s beauty, durability, and sustainability while boosting insulation and HVAC efficiency.
