At Segal & Morel, we believe that green is the new gold standard in homebuilding. At every step of the design and development process, we work with each homeowner to customize their new home with efficiency, indoor air quality, and environmental impact top of mind. Here, we take a closer look at how Segal & Morel customizes energy-efficient homes for green living with this beginner’s guide.
Home Designs with Efficient Features
It all starts at your first visit to Segal & Morel’s sales office where we work with future homeowners to select the perfect plan or modify one of our versatile designs. There is a host of ways to ensure the home will be energy efficient, with some of the most common including the following:
- Energy-efficient features: To keep energy bills under control and utilize renewable energy sources when appropriate, these features include light bulbs, lighting fixtures, appliances, windows, water heating systems, and more.
- Water-efficient features: Low-flow showerheads, toilets, faucets, washing machines, and dishwashers, as well as programmed rainwater collection systems and hot water recirculation systems, are designed to help homeowners save water.
- Resource-efficient features: We utilize renewable materials throughout the home, such as the wood species found in many engineered wood products, as well as recycled-content materials in, carpets, and tiles.
- Indoor air quality features: For a properly ventilated, efficient home, we ensure that the heating, air conditioning, and ventilation (HVAC) system is the correct size and install kitchen and bathroom fans to release stale air from the home’s interior. We also use
- Low-volatile organic compound (VOC) paints, and finishes
- Heat recovery ventilator (HRV), which further aids in exchanging indoor air for fresh air from the outdoors while retaining the exhausted air’s energy
The home’s exterior is given just as much thought and attention to detail when it comes to overall efficiency. Segal & Morel’s staple exterior features for green living include the following and more:
- Landscaping with climate-appropriate plants grouped depending on their watering needs
- Rain Barrels for water collection and planting bed irrigation
- Limited driveways and other impervious surfaces
Meeting Energy Star and Green Certified Standards
All green homes built by Segal & Morel are both Energy Star-certified and have achieved the Green Certified mark from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center. What does each of these mean? Here’s a quick breakdown:
Energy Star Certification
Part of a large Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program to promote energy-wise products and programs, the Energy Star program certifies homes that are built with energy-efficient systems and measure to be around 20% to 30% more energy-efficient than standard homes.
NAHB Green Certification
This mark means that the home was constructed in adherence to one of the levels of green certification outlined in:
- NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines which include the ICC 700-2008 National Green Building Standard
Build a Greener Future with Segal & Morel
If you’re in the market for a new, energy-efficient home and considering one of our design plans, Segal & Morel is standing by to help you formulate a green design and live a more environmentally friendly, sustainable life. For more information about our homes and communities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, contact us today.
