High Performance Building:
Green Building is a holistic approach of improving Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency, Resource Efficiency and reducing the negative impacts on the environment and human health.
Click tabs above to learn more about each category.
Click icons in the home image to learn more about individual green features.
Health & Environment
- Clean air is the foundation of good health. Minimizing humidity and air pollutants such as dust, pollen, and allergens in your home is achieved by combining tight sealing of the living space, proper ventilation, and efficient HVAC and air filtration systems.
- A home's environmental impact can be greatly improved by optimizing resources during construction as well as reducing consumption of resources to operate and maintain a home.
Resource Efficiency
- Incorporates more natural, recycled or renewable materials.
- Uses more locally available products reducing transportation impact.
- Includes more 'Engineered Wood Framing Systems' which are built more efficiently and recycle waste.
- Means incorporating durable, sustainable products with long life cycles, lowering the impact on land fills.
Water Efficiency
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At least 36 states are anticipating water shortages by 2013. By using water more efficiently, we can help preserve water supplies for future generations, save money, and protect the environment. Many water-conserving products are affordable and do not require a change in lifestyle.
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Saving water saves Energy! It takes a considerable amount of energy to deliver and treat the water you use every day. For example, letting your faucet run for five minutes uses about as much energy as letting a 60-watt light bulb run for 14 hours.
Source: US Environmental Protection Agency
Energy Efficiency
All Omega Homes are
ENERGY STAR Certified.
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An energy efficient home will reduce energy bills, effectively reducing the Cost Of Ownership.
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In addition, less energy consumption means a reduction in harmful emissions associated with energy production.
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Energy efficient equipment combined with new insulation technology can reduce heating and cooling costs by 50-70%.
Source: U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency
 |  OSB Decking - I-Joists - Glulam Beams - Floor Trusses
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- Made from quick-growing young trees such as aspen, fir, pine and poplar.
- 50% more of the log is converted into structural lumber than conventional dimensional lumber.
- Manufactured to standard or custom dimensions reducing waste.
- Superior in strength, stability and uniformity compared to standard lumber
Source: ToolBase Services - NAHB Research Center
NAHB Green Building Guidelines |
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 | Finger-Joint Studs (Engineered Lumber)
| | Finger-jointed studs are engineered studs made from smaller pieces. The use of engineered lumber derived from fast growing wood species, saves old growth forests, material, time and money, without compromising structural strength.
These studs are straighter, more stable, and stronger than solid-sawn studs. This substantially reduces the need to cull bad studs, normally required with solid-sawn studs. |
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 | Fiber-Cement Siding is the longterm low maintenance siding solution
| | Fiber-Cement siding is made from a mix of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers making it extremely durable, long lasting, while minimal maintenance requirements.
Fiber-Cement siding is:
- Water resistant
- Virtually fire-proof
- Insect proof
- Inhibits fungal growth
- Comes with long warranties
- Counts as masonary veneer for insurance purposes
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 |  PEX Tubing is flexible, light weight and will not corrode
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Using less hot water means re-heating less water in the water heater which makes the PEX piping Manabloc system an energy efficient feature as well. |
 | | By deliverying HOT water to destinations faster and with less heat loss, PEX piping will reduce water waste while waiting for hot water at the faucets. According to Toolbase Services, water and time savings between 30% and 40% are achieved. |
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 |  Vinyl windows have a much higher insulating value compared to aluminum windows.
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Energy-efficient windows incorporating Low-E double pane glass reduce solar heat gain which increases comfort and energy savings at the same time limiting damaging UV rays that can fade carpets, draperies and furniture.
Our attention to detail is evident in our method of installing windows using silicone caulk, moistop and adhesive flashing tape to provide an effective moisture barrier and minimize air infiltration. |
 | | Insulated vinyl windows minimize condensation and related mold damage |
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 | Factory-built Components
| | Prefabricated items such as pre-hung door units with finger-joint pine jambs:
- Allow for more efficient use of raw materials
- Optimizing material usage
- Incorporating recycled materials
- Reducing waste
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 | Low Water Flow Aerators
| | The low water flow aerator produces a 1.5 Gallon per Minute (GPM) flow rate compared to the standard 2.2 GPM flow rate.
The aerator reduces water consumption by 30% without noticeable difference to the user. |
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 | Air movement creates additional comfort and temperature distribution
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The airflow produces a wind-chill effect, making you "feel" cooler in the Summer months. This allows the thermostat to be adjusted a few degrees without compromising comfort.
1-3 percent can be saved on cooling costs for each degree the thermostat is set above 72!
In the winter, reverse the ceiling fan direction to produce a gentle updraft, wich forces warm air near the ceiling down into the occupied space. |
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 | Two separate flush Options
| | Designed for light and heavy flushes, dual-flush toilets average less than 1.2 gallons per flush (gpf)
A two-button actuator offers 0.8 or 1.6 gpf options for light or bulk waste
Water Savings of as much as 6,000 gallons of water over traditional 1.6 gpf toilets (also reduces your city sewer charges) |
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 | Open Cell Polyurethane Foam• is sprayed into walls and the underside of the roof decking providing both air sealing and insulation in one step.
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This energy efficiency allows an approximate 30% downsizing of the Heating and Cooling system. |
| | Improves indoor air quality by eliminating air infiltration (Pollen, Humidity & Dust) through walls & ceilings.
Spray foam insulation also provides for an effective, non-toxic sound barrier . |
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 | Water Heater heat pumps heat water by extracting heat from the surrounding air.
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The E-Tech heat pump uses 40-70% less electricity compared to conventional stand-alone water heater. This means approximately $400 per year electricity savings for a family of four.
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
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 |  Removing humidity is the objective
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Reducing the relative humidity makes us feel cooler which in turn reduces the need for your air conditioning system to cool and dehumidify. |
| | Exhaust fans lower humidity thereby reducing conditions which promote mold, bacteria growth, viruses and allergens. This is particularly important for persons suffering from respiratory illnesses and allergies. |
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 | No need for on-site painting
| | Pre-colored shutters and louvers:
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Green
Energy
Water
Resource
Health
