In just 106 hours, the dynamic green team of Deltec, Extreme Makeover, and The EcoBuiders built a home that achieves coveted LEED Platinum Certification: making the home one of only 25 in America able to boast this distinction.

 

 How did they do it? Following are some of their methods. Optimizing energy performance was a great place to start. Features such as spray foam insulation, high efficiency heating and cooling systems, energy star appliances and energy-efficient lighting conserve energy and produce long-term savings on utility bills. This extremely durable home is designed to deter wood ingesting insects and mold while also being resistant to hurricanes, tornados and floods.

To achieve further LEED credits, Deltec’s Green Building incorporated rainwater retention and irrigation systems as well as installing energy efficient plumbing fixtures in the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry room.

A quick look at some final numbers: 37% improved energy efficiency, 52% reduction in builder’s project water use, 78% waste reduction in prefabricated structural shell and 85% permeable lot.

If you’re interested in learning more about the details, the final LEED checklist can be downloaded on Deltec’s site.

Filed under: green homes on July 14th, 2008