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We Are Turning Green

Urban Design & Development is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).  As a member we work to maintain industry standards that support the adoption of sustainable design and building practices.  We are currently in the process of pursuing our LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certified AP designation.  We are committed to the growing need to apply Green remodeling and building methods for the sustainability of our community and greater world.

What Is Green Remodeling?
Green remodeling is the design and construction of projects that reduce the environmental impacts of remodeling, including energy, water, materials consumption, waste generation, and harmful emissions, both indoors and out. 1

Here are but a few examples or Green Remodeling that we encourage our customers to consider.

Use of Energy Star Products
Energy Star is rating system, set by the federal government, for the efficiency of products as wide ranging as appliances, lighting, insulation, windows, roofing and heating and cooling systems.  The more efficient a product is the less energy it uses.  According to The Department of Energy installing Energy Star rated windows and insulation can lower heating and cooling bills by about one-third.

Water Conservation
Conserving water is an essential part of our lives.  There are many ways in which to conserve water, here are but a few options to consider when renovating or building.  Low flow fixtures for sinks, toilets and showers are the most common and visible solutions.  Xeriscaping (low water use landscaping), rain water harvesting  and drip irrigation are all approaches which drastically reduce the dependence of using drinking water for plants, this not only saves water but will also lower water bills.  Grey water recycling is another approach in which waste water (only from sinks and showers not the toilet which is referred to as black water) are filtered and stored to be used for outdoor purposes including plants.  The good thing about any of these approaches is that they can all work together.

Non Toxic Paints
Paints can contain hazardous chemicals, such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), which are detrimental to our health and have an effect on indoor air quality.  Alternatives are available, the best of which are water based as other forms are derived from petroleum and natural gas.  The advantage of water based products is that they are durable, contain low or zero VOC.  Low- or zero-VOC and can be found in most tint bases to allow creation of nearly any color desired.  Another alternative is plant chemistry paints and coatings which are formulated by using plant oils and minerals. Natural clay and lime plasters provide another healthy alternative.

Recycling of Waste Materials
To reduce the stress on our landfills and to conserve new production energy it is important to salvage and recycle building materials when possible.  The process of dismantling or deconstructing a home during renovations involves skilled labor and is an alternative to the wrecking ball approach.  From floor joists to the kitchen sink items can be donated to local salvage yards and can potentially be reused to add beauty and historical value to the renovation of other homes.