Sustainable Building
At ecoLogic, we are committed to maintaining the high quality of life we enjoy here in Colorado. We approach sustainable building with the great western mindset of practicality and common sense, combining new and efficient technologies with proven methods of construction.
While we are completely excited about the innovations in this industry, green building doesn’t have to be rocket science. Sometimes the simplest things are the most effective. We stand by the tradition of careful and precise craftsmanship that comes from years of practice and refinement. We don’t sub out our jobs automatically to the lowest bidder. The carpentry is done by us because we do it right and we do it best. Other facets of the project that need to be sub-contracted are performed by companies that we have developed relationships with based on mutual standards of excellence. The savings come from efficient project management and a mindset of conservation.
Green building means very different things to different people. We look at the amount of resources and energy a product requires during manufacturing versus its longevity. The contribution to indoor air quality is also paramount in our evaluation. The following are just a few categories of products which meet our criteria for practicality, sustainability and cost-effective performance. We are constantly investigating new materials and techniques that help us build with greater intelligence and an eye on the future.
Bioclimatic Design or Passive Solar Design:
According to estimates from the U.S. Green Building Council and the Department of Energy, by the time 3 percent of the design budget for a new home has been spent, 70 percent of the energy use over it’s lifetime has been determined. Designs should take full advantage of solar radiation in terms of site orientation, consideration of heat gain and loss through glazing, and thermal mass storage. Free energy is available everyday in the form of Colorado’s abundant sunlight. The most efficient method of energy conservation is simply through the use of well designed passive solar.
Solar Thermal:
Thermal mass materials store solar energy during the day and release this energy during cooler periods. Common thermal mass materials include stone, concrete, and water. Solar thermal hydronic systems are one of the most energy efficient means of energy storage available. Other than the small amount of electricity used for pumps and controls, they require no power and produce hot water year after year by the power of sunlight. There are a number of systems available according to need and conditions and should be designed accordingly.
Photovoltaics:
Photovoltaic systems (PV) turn solar energy directly into direct current electricity. With the exception of batteries used in some systems, PV systems have no moving parts and should last indefinitely. PV systems are design to be either on- or off-grid systems. Grid tied systems consist of solar panels and an inverter that converts DC current produced by the panels into AC current that can be used in the building or fed back onto the utility grid. Off-grid systems (independent systems) are designed for self reliant structures and provide most or all of the electricity a building needs.
Wind Energy:
Worldwide wind turbine electricity production is growing very quickly, having doubled in the past three years. Although wind turbines can be expensive and require adequate average windspeed of at least 10 mph, they are an extremely green energy producer. Turbines typically must be mounted 30-40 feet above ground to be within more optimal wind producing zones above homes and buildings. Wind energy is site and regionally specific, and some areas are not suited for wind electricity production. Turbines vary greatly in size and many models are designed for single family homes on smaller properties.
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF):
The superior insulation and longevity provided by ICF’s can reduce the cost of operating HVAC in the building by up to 40%. Concrete will last indefinitely and of all construction materials, concrete is the most resistant to fire.
Cement Siding:
Fiber-cement siding is more durable than wood – it is termite-resistant, water-resistant, non-combustible, and most are warranted to last 50 years. Recycled materials are often utilized during production.
Blown Cellulose Insulation:
Made from old newspaper and other recycled paper products, blown cellulose produces an insulating value (or R value) that’s 25% greater than that of fiberglass. Also, since blown cellulose is treated with a boron-based fire retardant, it is 22% to 55% more fire resistant than fiberglass—making it one of the safest materials used in home construction.
Closed Cell Foam Insulation:
Fiber Insulations such as fiberglass, cellulose, and rockwool merely slow down convection which accounts for 80% of heat loss. As the temperature drops, convection currents speed up and fiber insulations lose their effectiveness at slowing them down. Closed cell foam on the other hand stops convection. Wind is not a factor either for closed cell foam due to its continuous air-tight seal. It’s rigid structure can increase shear and racking strength by up to 300%.
Low/Zero VOC Paints, Finishes and Sealants:
Standard household paints and finishes release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, creating a potential health risk. Typical low VOC products are odorless and are commonly available; currently many low VOC products are comparable in cost to the standard versions.
Sealed Combustion Appliances:
Keeping combustion appliances from becoming indoor pollutant sources is a concern. Utilizing sealed combustion appliances greatly reduces the risk of exhaust of carbon monoxide into the home.
Formaldehyde Free MDF:
This is made with a formaldehyde-free resin, eliminating worries about off-gassing after installation. This is a particularly important issue with MDF because it contains a higher percentage of resin than plywood, particleboard and other panel products. Standard MDF and particleboard, used extensively in cabinetry and countertop substrates, can off-gas formaldehyde for over five years!
Recycled Content Decking:
Decking is made with recycled wood fiber and recycled polyethylene plastic from items such as milk jugs and grocery sacks, keeping potentially unused waste out of landfills. It doesn’t require the use of paint or stains and lasts two to three times longer than conventional decking material.
Efficient use of Lumber:
From using Advanced Framing techniques (a framing style developed in the 1970’s to eliminate excess lumber within structures in areas performing no structure role), using lumber harvested from standing dead timber, to using lumber that has been certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) as sustainably harvested, there are many ways we can reduce the impact we have on deforestation and destruction of habitat.