What is Green Building?

Green Building is smart and responsible building.

It’s smart because it saves the property owner money in operating costs. Green homes are built better‚ are energy/resource efficient and require less maintenance.

It’s responsible because it’s healthier for those that will be living in the structure‚ it conserves natural resources and protects our environment.

It’s a win/win situation for all those involved. You are actually rewarded for doing the right thing. Not only do you save money in the long run but also there are many government incentives that will help reduce your initial building costs. What’s more‚ you feel better about yourself & your home through better health and practical living. . . you can consider yourself a responsible member of the world community.

Green building techniques are nothing new to All Coast Construction as it is a part of our standard building practices weather it is a new construction‚ a renovation or tenant improvement. We build well constructed‚ high quality‚ efficient properties using the latest building techniques & materials. We are experts in the latest and best systems and technologies. We incorporate time and resource efficiency in every step of the construction process and minimize the environmental impact.

What Goes Into an All Coast Construction Property?

Energy-Efficient Features Inside The Home:

Appliances, windows, and water heating systems will likely have ENERGY STAR® ratings. The home can also include efficient lighting fixtures and bulbs. Renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic electricity and hot water recirculation systems, can be used to further decrease the overall energy consumption within the home.

Water-Efficient Features:

Fixtures and appliances such as low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets, and ENERGY STAR dishwashers and washing machines all conserve water.

Resource-Efficient Features:

The house orientation and design can take advantage of natural daylight to reduce lighting needs. We can use strategies to reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter through better insulation. The home can contain renewable materials, including rapidly-renewable wood species such as bamboo, and recycled-content materials in carpets, tiles, and concrete formulations.

Indoor Air Quality Features:

The heating, air conditioning and ventilation system (HVAC) are appropriately sized for an efficient and properly ventilated home. Fans in the kitchen and bathrooms will cycle fresh air inside, and release stale air. Low-VOC paints and finishes and wall papers are used as well to protect the health of the occupants.

Outside The Home:

Effective storm water management and landscaping conserves water. It also saves you money. It also saves you time and trouble in maintaining outside spaces. Quality building practices lead to the use of some longer-performing materials and construction assemblies. Additionally, drained foundations, water spouts on gutters, and flashing around windows and doors might reduce the opportunity for system failure within the home due to moisture intrusion.

We take care to preserve trees and other vegetation native to the area. Landscaping should contain plants that are appropriate for the climate, and grouped according to water needs. Driveways and other impervious surfaces should be reduced as much as possible, and may be composed of gravel, permeable block pavers, grids, or other permeable systems.

Programmed, low-volume irrigation systems also save water.

For more information on “Green Building” please click on the links below:

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
http://www.usgbc.org

USGBC - The Green Home Guide
http://greenhomeguide.com/

Green California
http://www.green.ca.gov/default.htm

Energy Star Programs by the US EPA Department of Energy http://www.energystar.gov/

Build It Green
http://www.builditgreen.org/

California Green Builder
http://www.cagreenbuilder.org/

NAHB - The National Green Building Program
http://www.nahbgreen.org/

BuildingGreen.com - Specifications for green products http://www.buildinggreen.com/

GreenBuilding.com
"Everything you want to know and more about green building"
http://www.greenbuilding.com/

The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute
http://www.greenguard.org/Default.aspx?tabid=12

Please note, All Coast Construction does not endorse any sites beyond our website
nor necessarily agree with content or philosophies presented and cannot ensure
the quality of the information provided therein.