Earth Wise

Conserve our resources and use recycled or sustainable materials.

Standard Features of a Westmont  FGBC Certified Green Home

CONCRETE WITH FLY ASH – Fly ash is a waste product from coal-fired power plants and can readily replace about 27% of the cement in concrete.

USE OF ENGINEERED PRODUCTS – Products made by gluing together veneers or strands of wood, thus effectively using waste product and reducing the use of natural products.

SPRAY FOAM INSULATION – Spray-foam insulation is one of the best ways to improve energy efficiency and thermal comfort, as well as creating a healthier home by reducing air infiltration.

SELECTION OF SUSTAINABLE & RECYCLED FLOORING MATERIALS – Use of  material like cork, bamboo and carpet made from recycled soda bottles.

CONCRETE SIDING, SOFFIT & FASCIA – The benefits of using fiber-cement to wood products include longer life, lower maintenance, resistance to termites and fire, holds paint longer and will not rot, buckle or warp.

USE OF LOCAL VENDORS & SUPPLIERS – Westmont Green Homes support the use of local vendors and suppliers who have implemented green principles in their businesses as well as the benefit of reduced transportation to our environment.

FINGER JOINT TRIM MATERIAL – Finger-jointed trim is resource efficient by using short pieces of clear wood glued together to create painted finished material which are straighter and more stable than conventional clear wood.

RECYCLE CENTER IN KITCHEN – Under cabinet bins for trash sorting

OPTIONS

SOLAR VOLTAIC POWER – Use of solar panels, to generate voltage, to supplement power for a portion of the home

SOLAR ENERGY – Passive solar heating is one of the most direct ways to utilize renewable energy, however, costs vs. benefits must be addressed.

NATURAL DAYLIGHTING  – An inexpensive way to use solar energy to provide for natural day lighting through the use of windows, traditional skylights and the increasing popularity of tubular skylights.

FOREST CERTIFICATION WOOD – Grown and harvested in a way that protects forests long term

STRUCTURED INSULATED PANELS (SIPS) OR INSULATED CONCRETE FORM (ICF) – These alternative building systems are gaining popularity and are very resource-efficient.

RECYCLED BINS ON JOB SITE – Waste companies are catching on and “going green” including alternate waste bin sizes in order to recycle on the job or committing to recycle products at their own plants.