RHWI
Sustainable Construction
Sustainable construction is evolving rapidly. Plans can be found on the web. Materials can be sourced more easily. Some of the "must have items" are eco insulation, recycled materials, bamboo flooring and solar panels.
The best insulation is the new Icynene LD-R-50 formula, which uses more renewable content in the form of castor oil instead of petroleum. Icynene is 100% water-blown foam insulation that minimizes air leakage for increased energy efficiency. It creates a healthier indoor environment, reduces noise, and maintains its performance with no loss of R-value over time. Icynene also emits no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) within 30 days after installation and contains no urea formaldehyde. Installing Icynene will cost you about 3 times more than traditional fiberglass insulation; however, its return on investment can be as little as two to three years from energy savings, in addition to the nonmonetary benefits.
Whole house lighting is complex and many homeowners try to handle lighting on their own only to later realize the mistakes made and value of professional help. A mixture of LED, Compact Florescent (CF), Halogen and Low Voltage lighting with a lot of careful attention given to the Kitchen and Bathrooms.
The best insulation is the new Icynene LD-R-50 formula, which uses more renewable content in the form of castor oil instead of petroleum. Icynene is 100% water-blown foam insulation that minimizes air leakage for increased energy efficiency. It creates a healthier indoor environment, reduces noise, and maintains its performance with no loss of R-value over time. Icynene also emits no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) within 30 days after installation and contains no urea formaldehyde. Installing Icynene will cost you about 3 times more than traditional fiberglass insulation; however, its return on investment can be as little as two to three years from energy savings, in addition to the nonmonetary benefits.
Whole house lighting is complex and many homeowners try to handle lighting on their own only to later realize the mistakes made and value of professional help. A mixture of LED, Compact Florescent (CF), Halogen and Low Voltage lighting with a lot of careful attention given to the Kitchen and Bathrooms.
Recessed lighting is good for walkways and ceiling and wall fixtures for bedrooms and bathrooms.
Bedrooms should have added second light switches which controls the lower outlets in the desk and
bedside areas, so that table lamps can be turned on and off when entering/exiting the room.
PHOTOS OF ECO HOMES
GREEN MATERIALS AND PLANS
