Our Green Commitment
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At Dillard-Jones Builders, we are proud to offer design and construction services that promote healthy living, protect the environment, and lower energy costs. Our experience includes Energy Star® ratings, foam envelopes, geothermal heating and cooling systems, and new homes built to standards of the American Lung Association's Healthy Home program. Dillard-Jones Builders has long incorporated "smart"
green building products such as Low-E windows, high-efficiency heating
and cooling systems, engineered structure systems, and recycled
sub-flooring into all new construction. These practices are combined
with our low-impact site development and preparation practices protect
mature trees and help preserve the natural aesthetics of the landscape. Healthy living. Air quality and proper ventilation are keys for healthier living. Comfortable living. Proper orientation of your home can take advantage of the sun's radiant energy to provide free natural heat in the cooler months, while avoiding too much sun in the warmer ones. Better insulation and energy efficient windows, appliances, and lighting contribute to a comfortable environment while using less energy. Financial savings. Green building practices and products make homes more energy efficient through proper insulation and air sealing, and lower water heating costs. With energy prices rising and non-renewable fuels being depleted, an energy efficient home is an asset you will appreciate for years to come. Less maintenance and higher durability. Green building dictates the use of premium materials that are more durable and construction practices that exceed building code requirements. Together, these qualities enhance your home's performance, beauty, and reduce maintenance costs. Examples of long-lasting materials and their applications include: decking (recycled materials, natural stone, or renewable wood species), durable natural tile floors, natural roofing materials, fiber-cement siding, low VOC paints, engineered floor systems, etc. A good steward of the environment. Green building products and practices offer you the assurance that you are following environmentally friendly guidelines that help preserve our natural resources. Building green makes a strong statement about your dedication to the community and the environment. _________________________________________________________ ENERGY STAR® BuilderIn 2008, Dillard-Jones Builders adopted ENERGY STAR® standards for all new construction. Homes that earn the ENERGY STAR® rating must meet guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. ENERGY STAR® qualified homes are at least 15 percent more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20-30% more efficient than standard homes. ENERGY STAR® qualified homes can include a variety of energy-efficient features, such as effective insulation, high performance windows, tight construction and ducts, efficient heating and cooling equipment and ENERGY STAR® qualified lighting and appliances.
ENERGY STAR® IAPThe Indoor Air Package specifications have been developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) to recognize homes equipped with a comprehensive set of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) features. Homes that comply with these specifications and are verified with a completed Indoor Air Package Verification Checklist can use the “Indoor Air Package” as a complementary label to ENERGY STAR for homes. Only ENERGY STAR qualified homes are eligible for this label. Moisture Control. Moisture problems can lead to mold and other biological pollutants that can negatively impact health. With the Indoor Air Package, builders use a variety of moisture control features designed to minimize these risks, including improved control of condensation and better roof, wall, and foundation drainage. Heating, Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC) System. Poorly designed and installed HVAC systems can lead to comfort and air quality problems. Homes with the Indoor Air Package include properly engineered system sizing, improved duct and equipment installation, improved filtration, and whole-house and spot ventilation to dilute and remove indoor pollutants. Inspectors also check air-handling equipment and duct work to ensure they are clean and free of debris and provide adequate air-flow. Pest Management. Residue from pests, such as rodents, dust mites, and cockroaches, is known to trigger allergy and asthma episodes. In addition, wood-eating pests, such as termites, can quickly destroy a homeowner’s most valuable investment. With the Indoor Air Package, builders provide a first-line defense against these problems by fully sealing, caulking, or screening possible pest entry points and using termite shields in areas of the country subject to termite infestation. Combustion Venting Systems. In homes with the Indoor Air Package, builders can help protect residents from potential exposure to combustion pollutants by using fossil-fuel heating equipment that cannot spill combustion gases inside the home, installing carbon monoxide alarms in each sleeping area, and taking steps to prevent pollutants in the garage from entering the house. Building Materials: The types of materials builders choose and the way they manage them during construction can affect a home’s indoor air quality. Builders following the Indoor Air Package specifications reduce sources of pollutants by protecting materials stored on-site from weather damage, using materials with reduced chemical content and ventilating homes prior to move-in to help improve indoor air quality. Radon Control. Exposure to radon, a naturally occurring radioactive, invisible, and odorless gas, is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. In high-risk radon areas, homes with the Indoor Air Package are built with radon-resistant construction techniques. Home buyers in these areas also are provided with test kits to check radon levels after they move in. Homeowner Education. After purchasing a home with the ENERGY STAR Indoor Air Package, owners receive a manual explaining their home’s indoor air quality features and showing how to operate their home to continue minimizing the risk of indoor air quality problems. |



