Tampa Bay's Premier "GREEN" Homebuilder.

DEFINITION
     “Green” Building is not just a building process; it is a way of life. We use the following criteria in designing and building New Age Homes. The term “Green building” refers to designing, constructing and operating buildings and landscapes to incorporate energy efficiency, water conservation, waste minimization, pollution prevention, resource-efficient materials, and indoor environmental quality in all phases of a building’s life. These practices not only conserve valuable natural resources, they also provide economic and health benefits to building owners, occupants, and the community at large.

SITING & LAND USE
      Homes should be sited to face North or South also increase solar exposure for mechanical operations. The more solar energy collected and reused saves electrical costs. We value site resources. Early in the site design process we carryout careful site evaluations for solar access, soils, vegetation, water resources, important natural areas, etc., and let this information guide the design. We cluster buildings to minimize environmental impact. We cluster buildings or build attached units preserve open space and wildlife habitats, avoid especially sensitive areas including wetlands, and keep roads and service lines short. We leave the most pristine areas untouched, and look for areas that promote existing ecosystems.
      We design homes that reduce erosion from roof runoff. We design landscapes to absorb rainwater runoff (storm water) rather than having to carry it off-site in storm sewers. We minimize gutter use and redirect rainwater for landscape irrigation. Plants that require less water for sustained growth are preferable in green building.
      We situate homes to benefit from existing vegetation: Trees on the east and west sides of a building can dramatically reduce cooling loads. Hedge rows and shrubbery can block cold winter winds or help channel cool summer breezes.

MATERIALS
      We use durable products and materials. Because manufacturing is very energy-intensive, a product that lasts longer or requires less maintenance usually saves energy. Durable products also contribute less to our solid waste problems as there are less waste items requiring disposal over time.
      We choose low-maintenance building materials. Where possible, we select building materials that will require less maintenance (painting, re-treatment, waterproofing, etc.), or whose maintenance will have minimal environmental impact. We buy locally produced building materials in order to reduce transportation costs. This practice saves both energy use and pollution generation. We use available building products made from recycled materials. Building products made from recycled materials reduce solid waste problems, cut energy consumption in manufacturing, and save on natural resource use. A few examples of materials with recycled content are cellulose insulation and Homasote® for concrete expansion joints.
      We use engineered wood flooring products which are often made of waste wood products and recycled.  We use materials that minimize air pollution. We resist using Solvent-based finishes, adhesives, carpeting, particleboard, and many other building products that release formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds.

EQUIPMENT
      We install high-efficiency cooling and heating equipment for energy savings and efficient operations.  We install Energy Star rated high-efficiency lights and appliances that save water resources and use less electricity to operate.  We install water-efficient equipment including water-conserving toilets, showerheads, and faucet aerators not only reduce water use, they also reduce demand on septic systems or sewage treatment plants.  We install solar water heating systems to operate as the main water heating tank minimizing electrical usage, while using an electric water heater as a back up. If attic ventilation is required, we install solar powered ventilators. They are Zero-cost solutions to evacuating heat from attics.

JOB SITE & BUSINESS
      We protect trees, grass and topsoil during site work. We protect trees from damage during construction by fencing off the "drip line" around them and avoiding major changes to surface grade. We only bring in topsoil as needed and do not stockpile dirt on sire for erosion prevention.
      We avoid use of pesticides and other chemicals that may leach into the groundwater. We use Boracare for termites on the inside of the home, not under the slab. When backfilling a foundation or grading around a house we do not bury any construction debris.  We minimize job-site waste. We use precut materials and recycled products where applicable. We try to make our business operations more environmentally responsible. We make education a part of our daily practice. We use the design and construction process to educate clients, employees, subcontractors, and the general public about environmental impacts of buildings and how these impacts can be minimized.

WHAT IS A HEALTHY HOME?
      A healthy home is one that incorporates healthy design elements, non-toxic building materials, and proper construction techniques. It "breathes", emits no toxic gasses, and is resistant to mold.
      All of the homes offered in our collection feature the basic design elements of healthy home construction (no bedrooms above the garage, good air flow, abundant natural light, etc.). And we offer our plan customers a very special price when they purchase a copy of our Healthy Construction Guidelines, which will enable your builder to locate and purchase the best non-toxic materials available today, and to employ healthy building techniques to guard against mold and dangerous man-made and natural gasses.

Our criteria for a healthy home include the following attributes:
·  Reduction of exposure to chemicals (such as formaldehyde in insulation and particleboard; volatile organic compounds in adhesives, sealants and paints; and pesticides, fungicides and heavy metals used to treat wood) through use of non-toxic building materials and products.

·  Mitigation of mold and rot by employing proper building techniques and materials from foundation to roof.

· Utilization of passive airflow, day lighting, and fresh air exchange through proper placement of windows and doors.

·  Location of areas of high toxicity and combustible materials (such as the garage and utility room) away from bedrooms and primary living spaces.

The benefits are homes that are safer, more comfortable, and require less maintenance. A healthy home is also more energy efficient, and therefore incurs lower monthly operating costs!