In response to growing concerns about building quality, health, quality of life, energy costs and dwindling natural resources, an increasing number of California homebuilders, including Vernon and Associates, Inc., are embracing “Green Building”.
This holistic approach to homebuilding emphasizes quality construction, energy efficiency, healthy indoor air quality, livable neighborhoods and minimized environmental impact.
248 N. 14th St. Townhomes were designed and built using guidelines set forth by Build It Green©, a California based non-profit organization whose mission is to promote healthy, durable, energy and resource efficient buildings in California.
With this project, home builder Vernon and Associates, Inc. has integrated more than 80 environmentally friendly measures into the design of each townhome and the surrounding landscape.
Benefits:
Spend less on utility bills
Live in a home with healthy indoor air quality
Demonstrate support for “green” building on the Central Coast
Increased resale value |
Non-Toxic Paint
All townhomes have been painted using Sherwin William’s zero VOC paint. This environmentally preferable product has the durability, color, and coverage of any standard, high quality paint, but with added benefits. Home Owner Benefits... Zero VOC paints have the highest indoor air quality rating and low odor properties. Resists mildew, enhancing air quality.
Energy Star® Appliances
Homes are equipped with appliances that have earned the Energy Star® rating, which meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy. Each unit is outfitted with an Energy Star® refrigerator, dishwasher, toilets, and faucets.
Home Owner Benefits... Reduces energy use and saves up to 30%, or an average of $450 annually on utility bills. In 2005, with the help of Energy Star®, Americans saved enough energy to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those produced by 23 million cars — all while saving $12 billion on utility bills.
Non-Toxic Recycled Insulation
GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation is used in attics, floors, and walls. GreenFiber provides outstanding thermal performance, fireresistance and sound control. GreenFiber’s Insulation products provide a better barrier against air infiltration, filling gaps and voids. Consisting of 85% recycled content, GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation is specially treated for flame resistance. Home Owner Benefits... Lower heating and cooling costs. Material is easy to work with and doesn’t itch. Excellent sound absorption properties keep your home quieter. Thermal mass is improved by using 5/8” thick drywall on all interior surfaces instead of a traditional drywall with a thickness of 1/2”. All common walls have a total of six layers of 5/8 drywall for superior thermal massing and sound suppression. Using thicker drywall provides better overall insulation in the home. Home Owner Benefits... Reduces heating and cooling energy use. Moderates indoor temperature swings, keeping the home more comfortable. Superior sound dampening.
Tankless Water Heaters
Modern gas fired tankless water heaters are the best alternative available to todays homeowners to reduce their residential energy consumption. A typical gas fired tankless water heater costs about 2-1/2 times as much as a standard tank water heater. However it will pay for itself in just a few years or less, and will last twice as long a tank. 25% of every American household energy dollar is spent producing domestic hot water. Nationwide more residential energy is consumed by domestic hot water than on anything but heating, and air conditioning Home owner benefits... Home owners utility bills will be lower Replacement and maintenance of water heaters is cut in half.
Built-In Recycling Center
Each kitchen features a built-in cabinet, which houses three containers to separate plastic, glass, and metal, as well as a canvas bag for recyclable paper products. Home Owner Benefits... Encourages the practice of recycling. Makes separating recyclables easy. |
