Green Building

Two Storey Building is committed to utilizing and promoting green building technologies, procedures and products wherever possible.

This is smart, responsible, and productive in the long run and relatively easy to do if we educate ourselves, make informed choices, and follow some simple rules and standard procedures. Building Green is simply building better, building more efficiently, and being concerned for product choices and waste reduction.

greenhousediagram

Two Storey Building built the first Silver LEED-certified home in Massachusetts and many Energy Star Certified and Stretch Code certified homes. Doug Storey has also received the Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation from the NAHB.

Two Storey Building is registered with the EPA and is a Lead-Safe Certified Firm under the new Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Guidelines issued by the EPA. Doug, Bill, and Mat are all Certified Lead Renovators.

We all live and work in buildings. We all need shelter to survive. We all want a safe home. Green Building is a philosophy that attempts to minimize the impact of our actions on the environment and the world in which we live while creating long-lasting, efficient, healthy, high-performance homes and buildings.

Tenants and myths of green building

Fundamental Tenants of Green Building
  1. Build smartly utilizing the latest advances in building science
  2. Increase energy efficiency and energy conservation in the construction process and lifecycle of the home. Use materials, products, and systems that have a long life cycle, demonstrate durability or come from rapidly renewable materials (such as bamboo)
  3. Reduce - build smaller, reduce waste and reuse (remodel vs. build new), recycle and salvage where possible
  4. Minimize the use of products that are energy intensive to produce or are harmful to our environment and our health
  5. Be reasonable - do what you can, what you feel strongly about and what you can afford - every bit helps
Myths about Green Building
  1. It costs too much
    • It does cost more to build a home better, but isn’t it worth it? We’ll help you understand the options and cost differences.
  2. It's too hard
    • It takes a plan but it is doable.
  3. You can't find the products
    • We have. Many contractors won’t do it and don’t know how to do it. We always build using the latest advances in building science and we do have the expertise to do it right!
  4. I need to do everything to make it worth it
    • You don't have to try to be 100% green (which is probably impossible) to make a difference.
Green changes in the building industry in last 20 years
  1. Better interior air quality - concern for harmful products in our homes
  2. Low U value windows are twice as energy-efficient as in the '80s
  3. Energy Star appliances and lighting
  4. Heating systems - 85% efficiency or better
  5. More insulation - the more the better
  6. Tighter building envelopes
  7. Water conservation and Site development considerations
  8. Code requirements for building envelope, insulation, venting, natural lighting
  9. Engineered lumber
  10. Composite products - decking and railings, exterior trim, siding
  11. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) and Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)
  12. Increased use of Photovoltaics, Geothermal, and more efficient heating systems,  Alternative and renewable energy sources

A Two Storey Building Green Home

Site work
Site Work

Minimal disturbance to site (less than 1/3rd), maximum southern solar exposure, no lawn watering systems.

Air circulation
Air Circulation

A tight house requires mechanical ventilation including a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) and an automatic bathroom fan on timers

Frame
Frame

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) for maximum energy efficiency (R25 in walls, R40 in roof), factory built for production efficiency and yielding superior waste reduction

Building Envelope
Building Envelope

Super tight with taped seams on all house paper, advanced window and door flashing techniques, and vented siding rainscreen

Siding
Siding

Preprimed red cedar clapboards (including edges) over vented rainscreen

Windows
Windows

Energy Star Rated Low U High efficiency with Low E Argon filled double pane glass

Engineered wood product
Lumber

FSC Certified and formaldehyde free lumber for all interior millwork, Engineered lumber included OSB panels

Decking
Deck Material

Recycled plastic lumber made from recycled HDPE plastic containers

Roofing
Roofing

30 Year Asphalt shingles over roofing paper barrier with bituminous membrane on the rakes and soffits, aluminum drip edge, large overhanging soffits (12”)

Heating System
Heating System

High efficiency (95%+) appropriately sized gas boiler with radiant heat throughout, and programmable thermostats

Plumbing
Plumbing

Low flow toilets (1.5GPF), shower and sink aerators for reduced water use, all hot water pipes insulated

Finishes
Finishes

Low VOC finishes throughout including ecostar paint and water based varnishes

Foundation
Foundation

25% Recycled Fly Ash content in mix

Lighting
Lighting

Use of Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs)

Appliances
Appliances

Energy Star Rated

Flooring
Flooring

Locally Harvested and Produced renewable hardwood flooring

Counters
Counters

Material Reuse of Bowling Alley for counters

Rain barrel
Rain Barrel

For roof drain water reuse

TSB Green home - Recyclying Pan
Recycling Plan

Resulted in 60% reduction in waste and 94% of waste material being recycled

Start your project now

89 Spectacle Hill Road
Bolton, MA 01740

 

Call us
617-438-0313