Green Home

[ Green Home Characteristics ]

What is a Green Home?

In today’s world, more and more people are looking for ways to reduce their impact on the environment while improving their quality of life. One solution to this is to build or retrofit a “green home” – a facility designed to meet higher standards of sustainability and resource efficiency than traditional homes.

To achieve this goal, it’s important to work with a custom home builder who has experience and expertise in green home construction. Third-party and independent verifications are typically required to ensure that the construction meets or exceeds green home standards. This verification process serves as the basis for green home certifications and provides valuable information to homeowners on building materials and choices.

There are several organizations that have developed codes and standards for green home building and development, such as the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) developed by the National Association of Home Builders. Certification from these organizations indicates that the home is built or remodeled to higher standards of sustainability and efficiency.

By working with a custom home builder and following green home standards, homeowners can create healthier, more cost-effective, and environmentally responsible living spaces.

[ Home’s Energy Efficiency ]

Green Homes Must Be Energy Efficient

Energy-efficient homes have come a long way since the 1970s when building science was in its infancy. Today’s “green homes” are light-years ahead of those early models, with far better-understood building science that prioritizes controlling air movement (air sealing) as much as insulation. New building codes now include airtightness standards and require testing to certify that those standards are met. Additionally, insulation standards have been elevated, calling for a layer of rigid insulation on the outside, in addition to insulation within stud bays.

For those who aim to build homes that are even more sustainable, there are programs like Passive House and LEED that can be used to design and rate high-performance homes. These homes often require both inner and outer stud walls to provide the insulation required. To make homes “net-zero,” which means importing zero energy overall, mechanical ventilation to ensure indoor air quality, and photovoltaic solar panels to supply power are also required.

Choosing energy and water-efficient appliances, such as heating, air conditioning, and water heaters, is another key step in the right direction to reducing energy loads in homes.

While energy efficiency is easier to build into a new home, homeowners can also tighten up their existing homes, add insulation, and install on-site photovoltaic panels to reduce their carbon footprint.

Fortunately, many governments are offering programs like home energy loans to help homeowners finance their green home projects. With the help of a custom home builder and these programs, homeowners can create sustainable, energy-efficient homes that benefit both the environment and their wallets.

[ COLLABORATIVE PLANNING ]

Our Mandate in Green Home Projects

At Vicolo, we prioritize collaborative planning with our clients, architects/designers, and Greening Homes Team to ensure a seamless and cost-effective building process, utilizing synergies to create designs that align with our clients’ vision and budget.

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

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[ Green Home Benefits ]

Everything You Need to Know About Green Home

Benefits of Green Homes: A Guide for Custom Home Builders

One of the main advantages of green homes is long-term savings on energy bills, making them cost-efficient in the long run. Residential homes with green roofs may be eligible for LEED certification and federal and state tax breaks. Green roofs can absorb rainwater and filter it, making them an environmentally friendly option.

But that’s not all. Here are some other benefits of green homes:

Healthier and Natural Ventilation Green homes prioritize using natural ventilation, using materials that help create better airflow. They employ energy-saving exhaust fans, “breathable” construction materials, and low-energy fans to maintain the right amount of ventilation.
Cost-Efficient Operation Although the initial cost of building a green home is slightly higher than a conventional design, it translates into significant savings over time for homeowners who enjoy low energy bills throughout their property. Additionally, integrated designs can reduce initial building costs. When buildings are designed to be energy efficient, heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) equipment can be downsized, resulting in significant savings.
Lower Energy Consumption Green homes help to reduce greenhouse emissions and lower your carbon footprint, resulting in a reduction in energy consumption. The average U.S. family can spend $2,000 a year on energy bills, making reducing home energy use the most effective way to save money and reduce the home’s contribution to climate change.
Durability Green homes are created with natural materials that help increase their lifespan. They are more durable than conventional homes built with common construction materials like concrete, plywood, and steel.
Higher Resale Value Green homes have a higher resale value than conventional homes. As energy costs keep rising, sustainable homes help their owners avoid high utility costs like energy and water bills.
Improved Indoor Air Quality Green homes are constructed with high-quality materials that utilize advanced heat recovery technology to supply fresh air while ventilating the interior space. Additionally, they are often built with advanced air filters that minimize dust, pollen, and other pollutants.
Less Material Usage Green homes are based on reducing waste and minimizing carbon footprint. They help slash energy bills, optimize construction materials’ use, and minimize the amount of waste that typically ends up in landfills.
Better Temperature Management Green homes have better air quality and fewer fluctuations in temperature thanks to a combination of design and sustainable materials made from recycled products. Green construction materials minimize air leakage and ensure no energy is wasted.

As the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent and natural resources become scarce, it’s essential to find alternatives to traditional properties that produce high carbon emissions. Green homes are a perfect solution, utilizing sustainable construction techniques to create energy-efficient buildings.

As a custom home builder, consider offering green homes as a sustainable and energy-efficient alternative for your clients. Additionally, the government’s home energy loan program can help your clients finance their green home projects.

[ Think Green ]

Vicolo Construction, Your Green Home Builder

Looking for a custom home builder in Toronto that exceeds expectations and delivers exceptional quality? Look no further than Vicolo Construction! Our luxury custom home building services are designed to meet the needs of today’s modern buyer, providing innovative living solutions that inspire and unite communities.

With a focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness, we specialize in creating beautiful green homes that not only meet your needs but also reduce your environmental impact. From the initial design phase to the final touches, our team of experts will work closely with you to ensure that every detail of your custom home is crafted to the highest standard of quality and style.

Whether you’re looking for a sleek, modern home or a more traditional design, we have the experience and expertise to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to learn more about our luxury custom home building services in Toronto and start building your dream home with Vicolo Construction!

Eco-construction for healthy living.

At Vicolo Construction, green living is not just a buzzword but a guiding principle in developing and constructing communities that prioritize the health and well-being of residents. Each feature is carefully considered to ensure a sustainable and innovative living solution for modern buyers.

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