Green Build
As an Energy Star builder, Porchfront Homes has been a leader in Green Building for many years. Our inspiration for Green Building started back in 2005 while building a 44 unit subdivision in North Boulder. One of our clients was interested in building a Zero Energy home in a residential community. Working with our clients, Porchfront coordinated various “green” building trade partners to design a zero energy home.
The home included geothermal heating and cooling, 5.2 kw solar panels and open cell foam insulation. Based on the excitement generated by the project, we put together a Green Event to promote Green Building. We opened the house to the public so the clients and green building trade partners could educate homeowners. The experience solidified our desire to use as many of these practices as was feasible. Porchfront committed to completing the subdivision with solar panels as a standard.
When working with clients, Porchfront provides advice as to how best to build a sustainable home. It is important to coordinate the various technologies and methods in order to build a sustainable home within a client’s budget. Framing methods, type and placement of insulation, type and location of windows, and landscaping are just a few of the considerations.
Our initiatives
Conservation of Natural Resources
Wood, metal and cardboard construction debris are recycled on-site
OSB sub floor versus resource intensive plywood
OSB and gypsum wall board wall sheathing versus resource intensive plywood
Engineered lumber floor joists and roof trusses versus resource intensive Dimensional lumber which provide a “silent floor”
Drip irrigation saves water
Indoor Air Quality & Health
Low solvent construction adhesives
Sealed gas furnaces
Sealed mechanical room doors, when
Non-CCA treated decking & lumber
Active radon mitigation systems
Low Toxic Water-Based wood & floor finishes
Low VOC paint
HRV Fresh Air Ventilation Systems
Energy Efficiency
92% energy efficient furnaces with sealed combustion for lower transference of outside cold air, saving money & energy
Insulated to exceed the International Energy Code Standard
Programmable and WIFI enabled Thermostats
Energy efficient windows with Low-E glass
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) system designs to promote air destratification, which lowers energy bills
16-SEER Air Conditioning unit for higher efficiency
Option to customize energy saving technologies including Solar PV and geothermal for your home’s specific needs
Energy Star rated appliances
Home Energy Rating System (HERS) below current International energy Code Standards
