Why Choose a LEED® Home?

While we applaud everyone's attempt to make a homes more efficient, we see a lot of confusion in the market. Many companies have and will try to "greenwash" consumers into believing certain aspects of homes may be more green or energy efficient than they think. By working with a well-known and respected third-party program, like the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™, you can trust Parkside Homes' commitment to true green building, with the highest standards in the country. You can have confidence in what we build, what we say and what you will truly have in your LEED-certified home.

What makes our Parkside Homes so green? In ADDITION to the third party performance inspection, here are a few of the specifications that go into building our LEED Cottage Homes.

Foundation

Insulation - double the R value of conventional insulation specifications
30% Fly Ash used in concrete - For every ton of fly ash used (to replace portland cement) enough energy is saved to provide electricity to an average American home for 24 days. Additionally, the landfill space conserved equals 45 days of solid waste produced by the average American. The reduction in CO2 emissions equals two months of emissions from an automobile. (Oikos)

Framing

Through the use of advanced framing techniques we are able to cut down on the amount of wasted lumber used to construct a home. Not only does this cut down on the amount of wood needed but also on shipping and labor costs. Conventional framed homes use about 15 - 20% more material than needed.

Insulation

Soy-based, spray-foam insulation has excellent thermal and sound insulating properties that can help to create a healthy, comfortable, energy efficient, and durable residential or commercial structure. It contains no harmful and irritating micro fibers or organic dust particles from which traditional insulation is sourced. The continuous air barrier that our system creates around your home allows you to block harmful outside irritants such as mold, pollen, and other allergens from entering your indoor environment.

This "state of the art" system is applied not only to the exterior walls; but, encapsulates the entire attic. This creates a semi-conditioned space that stands against significant energy loss through the roofs insulated conventionally.

Windows

Low E windows - This invisible metallic coating on window glass reflects heat. Low E windows screen out ultraviolet light, which reduces problems with fading and improves winter comfort by increasing the temperature of interior glass surfaces.

Plumbing

Through the combination of high-efficiency shower heads and faucets, we can reduce water usage by 30 - 40%. Low flow shower heads also help reduce water heating costs up to 20%.

Also, 10 - 15% of energy used to heat water is lost through distribution. This is why Parkside Homes has designed homes that utilize a compact plumbing design, saving much wasted energy.

By specifying "Tankless" water heaters, homeowners save up to 25% annually on water heating costs on their energy bill over a standard 40-gallon gas tank water heater, according testing done by the Department of Energy.

Heating & Air Conditioning

14 SEER
Scroll Compressors
R410A refrigerant
Variable speed motor
By utilizing the semi-conditioned attic discussed previously, your HVAC system is able to operate in a semi-conditioned space allowing it to work more efficiently.
Better Filters - MERV 10 filters

Electrical

Energy Star Light Fixtures and Bath Fans - through the use of Energy Star fixtures, you will use between 25 to 50% less energy than conventional fixtures.

Drywall

Recycled content
Paperless drywall in wet areas - paperless drywall allows for a more sustainable surface in wet areas, not giving mold a medium to grow on.

Exterior Finishes (per plan)

Recycled content in siding - fly ash
Landscaping / Irrigation - the landscaping and irrigation has been thought through and planned with the same intensity as your home. Through the use of high efficiency irrigation ( check valves combined with drip irrigation ) and drought tolerant indigenous plants, we are able to help your landscaping and water bill survive the hot and dry summer months.

Interior Finishes

No VOC Paints
Cork and Bamboo Options - with these new flooring options you can enhance the environmental story of your home by using rapidly renewable flooring.
Recycled Glass Countertops Upgrades - VOC-free, high recycled content and Cradle to Cradle™ certification, IceStone durable surfaces are ideal for your high performance home.
Recycled Content in all Mohawk Carpet selections

Fireplace

Direct Vent Fireplaces

Appliances

Energy Star Dishwashers and upgrades for Energy Star Refrigerators and Washer and Dryers are available to each home owner

Solar Ready

Each LEED home will also be designed and equipped to be "solar ready". What this means is that your home will designed and plumbed with conduit to take advantage of the best orientation possible with the sun. This will allow each homeowner to approach a life of "zero" energy at his or her pace.