1. Energy Efficiency

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Sealing of Ducts: Tested to have less than 6% loss of conditioned air compared to 15% to 30 % in standard homes. 
2. Ducts: Sealed with long-life mastic instead of short-life tape.
3. Envelope Tightness: Less than.23 natural air change per hour of total house volume.                         
4. The high quality vinyl windows have an average U-value of .30.                                               

1. Healthier Indoor Air

1. An automatic fresh air exchange system is integrated in the heating and cooling system.
2. The interior paints are zero-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) rated.                                                                                                                                       
3. The linoleum and ceramic tile floors emit no toxic vapors.
4. The framing lumber moisture content is certified to be below 12 % before installation of insulation and sheetrock.  

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1. Environmental Responsibility

1. The lot size is relatively small to minimize the urban sprawl.
2. Excavated dirt and topsoil are stockpiled and reused on site, whenever possible.
3. The site has certified and supervised erosion control measures.
4. The landscaping has an automatic low water use irrigation system.  
5. The cement siding has a 50 year warranty, and is fire and insect proof.
6. The recyclable concrete tile roofing has a 50 year warranty with an R-20 insulation value.                                                                                                                                                                   
7. The carpeting incorporates recycled plastic bottles (P.E.T. resin).
8. Construction waste wood, cardboard, and metal are 100% recycled.

1. Resource Efficiency

1. Heating and cooling by a ground-source (geoexchange ) heat pump.  “The EPA found that geoexchange heating and cooling systems can reduce energy consumption – and corresponding emissions – by more than 40% compared to air source heat pumps and by over 70% compared to electric resistance heating with standard air-conditioning equipment.”  (“GeoExchange Heating and Cooling Systems: Fascinating Facts,”   www.geoexchange.org) 

1. The geoexchange heat pump which also preheats the hot water supply is plumbed together with a 50 gal (or more, depending on house size) high efficiency “Marathon” electric water heater which as a lifetime warranty.

1. In addition, Akro solar green homes Standard Specifications provide for pre-plumbing and pre-wiring for the optional solar 80 gal. Solar hot water heater and 2,000 to 3,000 watt solar electric system which produces electricity on site.

1. Electricity not used on site is fed into the grid system for credit according to a “Net-Metering and interconnecting Agreement” with the electric utility company.

1. More than 50% of the light fixtures have fluorescent light bulbs which use only 25% of the electricity of incandescent light bulbs and last about 10 years.

1. Water-saving showerheads, super-efficient “Toto” toilets with a dual flush system, and a water-saving automatic landscape irrigation reduce water usage.

1. All appliances meet the Energy Star Homes Northwest Certification Requirements.

We are proud to offer new homes that earned the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR qualified homes are designed, built and performance tested to be at least 15% more energy efficient than code-build homes in Oregon. Our ENERGY STAR qualified new homes are independently verified by a third party to ensure they meet ENERGY STAR energy efficiency guidelines. These homes are better for the environment and better for you. Learn more about ENERGY STAR qualified new homes at:

www.NorthwestENERGYSTAR.com