Gibraltar Custom Home Builders  

Energy Efficient Homes - At Gibraltar We Build Green

Green Building

Green Building is the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings use resources - energy, water, and materials - while reducing building impacts on human health and the environment.

We believe we all want to lessen the load we put on the earth. We want to reduce global warming. We want to live in a green home. We want to do what's best for the environment, but often we don't know where to start. And we don't know what impact our efforts will have, or how much they will cost.

At Gibraltar Custom Homes, we want to help you lower the environmental impact of your home and your daily life, while reducing your out of pocket expenses. To do that, we help you find the best green products, practices, and service providers to help you achieve your environmental goals. And we will also help you understand the environmental benefits and economic trade-offs of your choices. In short, we want to be your One Stop Green Custom Home Builder.

Green Building Materials

Building materials typically considered to be “green” include rapidly renewable plant materials like bamboo and straw, lumber from forests certified to be sustainably managed, dimension stone, recycled stone, slate, recycled metal, and other products that are non-toxic, reusable, renewable, and/or recyclable. Many of our building materials are extracted and manufactured locally, and sent to the building site to minimize the energy required in their transportation.

Reduced Waste

Gibraltar Custom Homes also seeks to reduce waste of energy, water, and materials. During the construction phase, one goal is to reduce the amount of material we send to landfills.

To reduce the impact on wells or water treatment plants, several options exist. "Greywater", wastewater from sources such as dishwashing or washing machines, can be used for subsurface irrigation, or if treated, for non-potable purposes, e.g., to flush toilets and wash cars. Rainwater collectors can be used for similar purposes.

Reduced Energy Use

Gibraltar's Custom Homes often include measures to reduce energy use and to build energy efficient homes. We use high-efficiency windows and recycled blown insulation in walls and ceilings. We can orient windows, walls and place porches, and trees to shade windows and roofs during the summer, while maximizing solar gain in the winter. In addition, effective window placement (day lighting) can provide more natural light and lessen the need for electric light during the day. Solar water or Geo Thermal heating further reduces energy loads. All our appliances and fixtures are extremely energy efficient resulting in the lowest monthly energy bills among our competition.

Building energy efficeient homes, both in design and choice of materials, is one of the most significant ways that we can affect our future. Much of the concern boils down to the use of energy. How much energy is embodied in the building materials themselves, in their transportation and assembling? Then once the house is built, how much energy does it consume to keep its inhabitants comfortable? Consumption of energy has a direct influence on environmental quality. Together, we can do our part in contributing to the preservation of mother earth for all future generations to enjoy.

 
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