VISION HOUSE 2006
Features List

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GREEN FEATURES INCORPORATED INTO THIS HOUSE INCLUDE:

LOT DESIGN, PREPARATION AND DEVELOPMENT

• Avoidance of environmentally sensitive areas as identified through site foot-printing process or existing third party data
• Positioning of the home and other built features to optimize solar resource (refer to Energy Efficiency module for guidance on solar resource optimization). Minimize slope disturbance.
• Minimization of soil disturbance and erosion
• Management of storm water using low impact development
• Landscape plan to limit water and energy demand while preserving or enhancing the natural environment
• Onsite supervision and coordination during clearing, grading, trenching, paving and installation of utilities to ensure that targeted green development practices are implemented.
• Conservation of existing onsite vegetation
• Minimization of onsite soil disturbance and erosion

RESOURCE EFFICIENCY

• Use of building dimensions and layouts that maximize the use of the resources by minimizing material cuts
• Use of building materials that require no additional finish resources to complete application onsite
• Provide a covered entry (e.g., awning, covered porch) at exterior doors to prevent water intrusion and subsequent rotting of joists, sills, and finishes
• Use recommended-sized roof overhangs for the climate
• Install gutter and downspout system to divert water 5' away from foundation and from there into the overall onsite drainage area
• Divert surface water from all sides of building. Slope top of backfill to achieve settled slope of at least 6" of fall within 10 feet of the foundation walls.
• Use termite-resistant materials for walls, floor joists, trusses, exterior decks, etc. in areas known to be termite infested
• Provide a water-resistive barrier (WRB) or a drainage plane system behind the exterior veneer system or the exterior siding
• Install ice flashing at roof's edge
• Install enhanced foundation waterproofing
• Employ and show flashing details on plans
• Reuse salvaged materials, when possible
• Dedicate and provide onsite bins and/or space to facilitate the sorting and reuse of scrap building materials
• Use recycled-content building materials
• Develop and implement a construction and demolition (C&D) waste management plan
• Conduct onsite recycling efforts
• Use materials manufactured from renewable resources
• Use products that contain fewer resources to meet the same end-use as traditional products

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

• Size space heating and cooling system/equipment according to building heating and cooling loads calculated using ANSI/ACCA Manual J 8th Edition or equivalent.
• Conduct third party plan review to verify design and compliance with the Energy Efficiency section.
• Use of ICFs, use of trusses which permit entire top plate to be insulated and use of continuous insulation on roof and walls
• Air sealing package
• Energy Star Windows
• Size, design and install duct system using ANSI/ACCA Manual D or equivalent.
• Verify performance of the heating/cooling system by following start up and commissioning procedures.
• Seal and test HVAC ducts, no building cavities used as ductwork.
• Estimated 95% of HVAC ducts in conditioned space
• Install return ducts or transfer grilles in every room having a door except baths, kitchens, closets, pantries, and laundry rooms
• Insulate all hot water lines with a minimum of 1" insulation
• Install heat trap on cold and hot water lines to and from the water heater
• Install Energy Star rated appliances
• Photovoltaics installed
• Provide homeowner with information and enrollment materials about options to purchase green power from the local electric utility
• Conduct onsite third party inspection to verify installation of energy related features
• Building envelope leakage: blower door test results < 0.35 ACHnat
• Verify HVAC airflow to each room with flow hood
• Verify total HVAC airflow.

WATER EFFICIENCY

• Control-activated recirculation system for DHW
• Energy Star washing machine and dishwasher
• Low flow showerheads
• Dual flush toilets
• Low-volume, non-spray irrigation system installed, e.g., drip irrigation, bubblers, drip emitters, soaker hose, stream-rotator spray heads
• Irrigation system zoned separately for turf and bedding areas
• Innovative wastewater technology as permitted by local code
• Separate and re-use greywater

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

• Install space heating and water heating equipment in isolated mechanical room with an outdoor source of combustion and ventilation air.
• Ensure a tightly-sealed door in between garage and living area
• Ensure particleboard, medium density fiberboard (MDF) and hardwood plywood substrates are certified to low formaldehyde emission standards
• Install carpet, carpet pad, and floor covering adhesives that hold "Green Label" from Carpet and Rug Institute's indoor air quality testing program or meet equivalent thresholds verified by a third party.
• Mask HVAC outlets during construction and vacuum ducts, boots and grilles before turning on central heating/cooling system
• Vent kitchen range exhaust to the outside
• Provide mechanical ventilation at a rate of 7.5 CFM per bedroom + 7.5 CFM and controlled automatically or continuous with manual override
• Install MERV 9 filters on central air or ventilation systems
• Verify all exhaust flows meet design specifications
• Control bathroom exhaust fan with a timer of humidistat
• Install moisture resistant backerboard under tiled surfaces in wet areas
• Install vapor retarder directly under slab (6-mil) or on crawl space floor
• Protect unused moisture-sensitive materials from water damage through just-in-time delivery, storing unused materials in a dry area, or tenting materials and storing on a raised platform.
• Keep plumbing supply lines out of exterior walls
• Insulate cold water pipes in unconditioned spaces with 1/2" insulation or other coating that comparable prevents condensation
• Check moisture content of wood before it is enclosed on both sides. Ensure moisture content of subfloors/substrate meets the appropriate industry standard for the finish flooring material to be installed.

OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND HOMEOWNER EDUCATION

• Provide Home Manual to owners/occupants on the use and care of the home
• Provide a list of local service providers that focus on regularly schedule maintenance and proper operation of equipment and the structure (sealants, caulks, gutter and downspout system; shower/tub surrounds, irrigation systems, etc.)
• Instruct homeowner/occupants about the building's goals and strategies and occupant's impacts on costs of operating the building. Provide training to owners/occupants for all control systems in the house.
• Encourage homeowners/occupants to recycle by providing built-in space in the home's design (e.g., kitchen, garage, covered outdoor space) for recycling containers.

See also:
Green Builder Magazine
Vision House 2006 Info article

GreenBuilder Magazine, March-April 2006