GREEN built Homes
 

    These Green Built Specs allow ALL Midwest Homes to be certified as Green Built Homes and meet the requirements of the Green Built Home checklist, one of the most comprehensive guides for green building in the U.S.  Certification is granted based on the assumption that the following checklist items will be incorporated in all homes. Homes must meet a set of basic requirements and incorporate items from other checklist categories as listed below to qualify.

The Basic Requirements Midwest Homes will meet are: (8 Points)

• RESCheck +15%-- Home must be at least 15% more efficient than homes built to Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code.

• Homes meets the minimum requirements for Ventilation Equipment identified in the checklist.

• All appliance are Energy Star rated or each appliance performs in the top 50% of its energy guide rating or a list energy star rated appliances is provided.

• An erosion control plan checklist has been completed or an erosion control plan has been  submitted as required by local building regulations.

• Cardboard must be recycled as required by state law and at least on recycled content material (minimum 50% recycled content) is used.

• No uncertified Luan or other tropical hardwoods are used.

• Green Built homeowner handbook, certification plaque, and Green Guide Label must be provided to the homeowner.

• No mercury thermostats have been permanently installed.

• Home meets the minimum requirements for Landscape Conservation & Storm water Management.

• Home meets ;the minimum requirements for incorporating Indoor Air Quality.

• The builder has met the minimum requirements for Waste Reduction, Recycling and Disposal practices.

Landscape Conservation and Storm water Management: (7 points)

• All site topsoil reused

• Wash out concrete trucks in slab or pavements sub base areas.

• Cut and fill balanced to eliminate earth removal from site.

• a list of native, non-invasive plants is provided to the homeowner.

• Information on how to minimize fertilizer and pesticide use is provided to the homeowner.

• Establish and maintain a single stabilized construction entrance.

• Provide on site supervision and coordination during site clearing, grading, trenching, paving, and installation of utilities to ensure that green building measures are implemented.

Energy Efficiency: (25 points)

• Energy heels of 7" or more on trusses.

• Advanced sealing package in addition to basic sealing practices.

• Sill plate sealed with caulk.

• Windows throughout are Energy Star labeled or have a u-value <0.35.

• (2 points)    East and west facing glass NFRC label solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) less then 0.40.

• Energy Star or 90%+ efficiency furnace installed.

• (2 points)    Furnace is equipped with an electronically commutated motor.

• Programmable set-back thermostat installed.

• High efficiency air conditioner provided (Energy Star Qualified or Min 12 SEER).

• No ductwork in unconditioned space or ductwork in unconditioned space insulated.

• Thermostat with "on" switch to circulate air.

• Furnace located to minimize length of total duct run.

• Two properly supported ceiling fans installed.

• Ceiling fan pre-wires provided in habitable rooms.

• Document proper sizing of HVAC system using Manual J or equivalent.

• Gas water heater with energy factor of more then .62 for direct vented.

• Insulate hot and cold water pipes 3 feet from the water heater.

• Passive or loop hot water delivery system installed at farthest location from water heater.

• Provide gas rough-in appliances.

• Light colored interior walls, ceiling, and soffit

• Install a minimum of four Energy Star qualified light fixtures.

• Lighting dimmers, timers or motion detectors installed.

Materials Selection: (27 points)

• Design house features to reduce materials consumption.

• Cast in place footing from work with integral drainage features.

• Reusable foundation forms used to reduce waste.

• Low toxicity form release agent used of concrete form work.

• Water-based water proofing system used

• No 2x10 or greater dimension solid lumber used in floor or roof systems.

• Engineered wood "I" joists or truss joists used for floor and/or roof.

• Engineered lumber products used for beams or headers.

• (2 points)   Optimum value engineering (O.V.E.) advanced framing package.

• (2points)    Use of energy efficient 2x4 exterior wall system.

• (2 points)   Use of panelized construction.

• Recycled content fascia, soffit, or trim used.

• Continuous drainage plane behind siding.

• Recycled content insulation used.

• Below slab insulation installed.

• Exterior foundation walls insulated with min. 1" of foam insulation

• (2 points)    Minimum 40 year roofing material used.

• Plywood sub-floor made from fast growth material.

• Recycled content carpet pad installed.

• (2 points)    No vinyl flooring or base trim.

• Domestically grown interior wood panel doors.

• Domestic hardwood trim.

Indoor Air Quality: (13 points)

• Take measures to avoid air pollution or IAQ problems due to construction dust.

• Measures take to reduce carbon monoxide infiltration from attached garages.

• Foundation drainage system tied to sealed sump pit for potential radon mitigation.

• Furnace filters are pleated paper filters.

• Quiet spot exhaust fans.

• Bath fans installed with smooth ducting and short, straight runs.

• Spring laded, weather stripped fan dampers installed.

• Ventilate the home after each new finish is applied.

• Fiberglass insulation is Green Guard certified for indoor air quality.

• (2 points)    Low V.O.C. paints used (interior primer/finish).

• (2 points)    Water-based finishes on woodwork and floors.

Plumbing and Water Conservation: (3 points)

• Bathroom faucets with GPM less than code.

• Kitchen faucets with GPM less than code.

• Shower heads with GPM less than code.

Waste Reduction, Recycling and Disposal: (4 points)

• Posted job site recycling plan.

• Job site waste recycled or reused.

• Require subcontractors to participate in waste reduction and recycling efforts.

• Built-in kitchen recycling center provided for homeowner use.

Builder Operations: (5 points)

• At least 80% of homes built to Green Built Home standards.

• At least on recent action taken to visibly market Green Built Home Program.

• Conduct homebuyer orientation during final walk-through.

• At least one recent training event conducted for realtors or sales staff.

• Builder attendance at one recent green building related educational event.

Efficient Use of Space: (4 points)

• (2 points) Home designed for flexibility to allow for changing uses in the future.

• (2 points) Home utilizes incremental design techniques with documented provisions to expand to meet future growing needs.

If you would like to learn more about Green Built Home or review the Green built Home Checklist,
please visit www.greenbuilthome.org

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