Green Building at Cambridge Park
PHILOSOPHY
In recent years, the building industry has been centered around an outdated policy of building "bigger for less." Unsurprisingly, that has led to homes that are oversized with less quality. They waste space and resources (both natural and financial ); all the while, the energy bills to heat and cool them rise higher and higher. But there’s a generational change taking place in America, and around the world, demanding smarter and greener living. Today’s home buyers want higher quality; yet, more efficient homes. At Cambridge Park, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this shift. We CAN build smarter, greener homes, while still meeting the day-to-day needs of individuals and families.
Given a world that is increasingly “shrinking”, we are all changing the way we live and our demands of community. We are looking for a way to re-connect with our environment and our neighbor. We want our personal village to have a sense of order in a world that may seem overwhelming and out of control. We want convenient locations, architectural significance, and a smarter home that offers savings of energy and financial resources.
That’s why we’ve developed and perfected high-performance homes that meet these needs. Our Cottage Homes and Townhomes are designed, built and operated using the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. This rigorously inspected program is reshaping the industry in the construction of high-performance homes. Requiring extensive energy and water conservation measures, each home raises the definition of sustainability. Additionally, we’re committed to convenient LOCATIONS. We demand that our communities be located within 15 minutes of where you work and shop. No more hour long commutes that waste time and fuel.
At Cambridge Park, we believe that we are just beginning a new awakening, committed to a journey of ever-increasing efficiency and livability. JOIN US, when you’re ready!
WHAT IS LEED?
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria.
LEED is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED gives building owners and operators the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings’ performance. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
Who Uses LEED?
Architects, real estate professionals, facility managers, engineers, interior designers, landscape architects, construction managers, lenders and government officials all use LEED to help transform the built environment to sustainability. State and local governments across the country are adopting LEED for public-owned and public-funded buildings; there are LEED initiatives in federal agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Agriculture, Energy, and State; and LEED projects are in progress in 41 different countries, including Canada, Brazil, Mexico and India.
How is LEED Developed?
LEED Rating Systems are developed through an open, consensus-based process led by LEED committees. Each volunteer committee is composed of a diverse group of practitioners and experts representing a cross-section of the building and construction industry. The key elements of USGBC's consensus process include a balanced and transparent committee structure, technical advisory groups that ensure scientific consistency and rigor, opportunities for stakeholder comment and review, member ballot of new rating systems, and a fair and open appeals process.
SPECS
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 our commitment to true green building, with the highest standards in the country.
What makes our 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 and Townhomes.
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.