Design and Planning
Green Team
Green means different things to different people. To Mountain Lumber, Green means education, innovation, and preservation.
In 2007 we became one of the country’s first Certified Green Dealers, training our entire team on the building science techniques that will provide the design and construction industry a sustainable future. We strive to educate ourselves, our customers, our peers, and our community about the benefits of a green business opportunities and a sustainable lifestyle.
Our team includes three LEED Accredited Professionals and two NAHB Certified Green Professionals, licensed contractors and designers, and seasoned craftsmen from the field. We are as diverse as your needs.
Before you design, build, or remodel, contact our Green Team and learn how to green your next project. Check out our tips and get started!
Green Guidelines
How green is your plan?
Building design and construction has both direct and indirect impacts on the environment. A home with sustainable design features and constructed using quality building science techniques avoids wasting energy, water, and raw materials, and results in a longer lasting, quality built environment that is comfortable and healthy for its occupants.
When considering the design and construction of your next project, keep these green guidelines in mind:
Optimize Site Potential
Optimizing your site’s potential and building orientation will allow you to take advantage of natural ventilation, daylight, and the ability to incorporate alternative energy solutions such as wind and solar. Controlling erosion and minimizing habitat disturbance are also important site considerations.
Enhance Energy Efficiency
During design phase it is important to address techniques for improving building performance. Energy modeling programs evaluate the efficiency of your home and are a valuable tool in determining how your heating and cooling equipment, insulation, and renewable energy sources will work before you begin construction. High performance building envelopes increase comfort and efficiency while reducing monthly energy bills, it’s a win-win combination.
Protect and Conserve Water
Managing water is a growing concern. While the population and the demand on freshwater resources are increasing, only 1 percent of the earth’s water is available for human use. Incorporate water efficiency and conservation in construction specs during the planning stages to include Water Sense certified low flow plumbing fixtures, native plants in landscape design that are tolerant of local climate conditions, pervious paving materials for driveways and walkways, and nontoxic cleaning products. Further conservation steps can be taken by working with local water jurisdiction officials for approval of greywater systems, rain catchment cisterns, and green roof designs.
Use of Green and Sustainable Products
When developing design specifications for the products you will use during construction it is important to consider a range of environmental factors. What is the entire life-cycle cost of the product? Does it prevent waste, contain recycled content? Is it manufactured regionally, thereby reducing energy impact and supporting the local economy? Limit construction debris and encourage recycling, specify materials harvested from certified forests. Evaluating products based on recognized testing and certification bodies, such as WaterSense, EnergyStar, and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), makes environmentally preferable products easier to identify. Save time and money by asking your building product supplier to provide life-cycle analysis or supporting information that offers a clear evaluation of the product’s green or sustainable qualities.
Enhance Indoor Air Quality
A healthy, comfortable indoor environment is an important design goal that enhances the value of any space. Quality indoor environmental quality reduces the risk of airborne bacteria, mold and dust, and increases thermal comfort. This involves the use of non-toxic building materials and cleaning products, the careful consideration of the building envelope to prevent moisture and air infiltration, appropriate ventilation, and proper commissioning of HVAC systems to ensure optimal performance. Seek specialists to partner with you to design high quality interior environments, providing better living thru green building.
Action Plan
Taking ACTION on your ideas requires a solid plan; a plan that fits your objectives and your budget. Whether a builder, developer, business or homeowner, we can help you take your ideas through the practical planning stage towards reaching your objectives on time and on budget.
Our expertise, combined with our full range of building materials, can give you all the resources you need for getting the job done right. Working closely with you to assure the right Action Plan means confidence along the way and satisfaction upon completion. To get started on your plan, click here and we’ll go to work for you.
