Things like energy efficiency, indoor air quality, natural resource conservation, and water quality are very important when building a new home. The new Alabama Energy Code will help make new homes more energy efficient than ever. You can read about it here. Many people are not aware of some of the features that can truly make a difference. Here is a list of green features you may consider when building a new home:
- Enhanced insulation (cellulose fiber or foam)
- High efficiently HVAC system
- Energy efficient windows
- Energy efficient appliances
- Air sealed package to reduce infiltration
- Water saving plumbing fixtures and fittings
- Moisture management products and methods
- Improved indoor air ventilation
- Energy efficient lighting
- Construction waste reduction
- Low or no VOC paints/sealants
- Ultra low-flow toilets
- Advanced framing techniques, pre-assembled components and/or value-engineering methods
- Products with low off-gassing of indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde-free cabinetry
- Super-low-flow shower heads
- Landscape designed with drought-tolerant plants and minimal site/soil disturbance
- Tankless water heaters
- Rainwater harvesting system
- Geothermal heating/cooling systems
- Photovoltaic/solar panels
- Graywater reuse system