Green Features

Since 2003, we’ve been building true green homes that are both energy efficient and stylish. In addition to reduced environmental impact, green building results in dozens of homeowner benefits not found in conventional homes – such as cleaner air and lower utility bills. No matter what kind of project, we can always add green features.

What does it mean to build green?

Top 5 ways we build green:

1. Thoughtful building design and orientation to reduce heat gain and gather breezes
2. Spray foam insulation to create a sealed building envelope and limit unwanted air infiltration
3. High efficiency air-conditioning systems with zone dampers, metal ductwork, and programmable thermostats
4. Tankless, on-demand water heaters to reduce stand-by energy loss
5. Low-VOC (volatile organic compound) interior finishes for better indoor air quality

The green features we use improve the lot design, resource efficiency, energy efficiency, water efficiency, and indoor environmental quality, thereby reducing global impact. Our green building features also include homeowner education to ensure continued efficiency of their green home. Advantages of green building include lower environmental impact, better health, greater comfort, lower utility bills, less maintenance, and lasting value.

Our green building standards

All our homes begin construction under the Austin Energy Green Building Program, the NAHB Green Building Program, and ENERGY STAR. Most homes completed have three or more stars under the Austin Energy Green Building Program. We use a proprietary green building guide in the planning phase, and can also fit it into the construction phase. We also follow the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines. Most of our homes are certified under the new NAHB Green Building Program and earn at least a Gold rating.