Degrees of Green

Energy efficiency is the cornerstone of a newly built 4,400-square-foot Verified Green Home by Hibbs Homes. With an open and modern design, the streamlined gourmet kitchen flows into the main living area with six clerestory windows that allow for passive heating. The home holds a 5-Star energy rating and has earned a Silver level distinction from the St. Louis HBA’s Green Building Initiative. The kitchen’s numerous energy-efficient and eco-friendly features are part of the home’s overall stylish “green” appeal.

one. Energy Star Kitchen Aid appliances and Pella ProLine/Energy Star low-e argon filled windows provide superior year-round energy efficiency.

two. Low-flow (water-efficient) Kohler kitchen faucets reduce your home’s water consumption and the energy cost of heating the water.
 
three. Sherwin-Williams low-VOC, environmentally preferred paint is virtually odor-free and contains a low level of pollutants.

four. The cooktop hood is sized and vented to the exterior of the home, minimizing indoor pollutants.

five. Whole house automation can be programmed on-site, remotely, via Internet or by cell phone. Lighting and heating/cooling adjust to conserve energy.

six. A four-zoned high-efficiency heating/cooling system maximizes heating and cooling effectiveness to ensure temperature consistency (variation will not be more than three degrees in any room).

seven. The home is pre-wired for solar panels for energy conservation, harnessing the sun’s energy and providing a renewable, clean and affordable solution, while cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

BEHIND THE SCENES…

• 2x6 wall construction provides more room for insulation.
• Blown-in (dry) cellulose insulation is made of recycled newspaper.
• A ventless, see-through fireplace (in the adjoining living space), properly sealed during framing to prevent air infiltration, minimizes indoor air pollution and saves on heating costs.
• Ducts were thoroughly sealed to prevent leakage during the building process to maintain energy efficiency.
• Engineered wood used during framing is environmentally friendly – the process uses more of each tree. The trees are grown in “tree farms” specifically for building lumber that is stronger and has fewer defects than “old growth” lumber.
• A blower door test was conducted to verify building air leakage, leading to greater energy efficiency.
• Stone/fiber cement board was used for durability and low maintenance.