Don’t freak out!  We are proud to be Lubbock builders and there is a reason we live and build here and not in Austin.  That doesn’t mean we should ignore what is going on in other parts of our state or the country.  Eventually trends in other markets will likely make their way here.  Green Building is one of these trends.  In this lunch and learn, we are going to look at the practical steps we can take as builders to become more “green”. Topics will include energy efficiency, water efficiency and indoor environmental quality.  Our panel of experts will discuss ways we can build better homes that benefit our homeowners today and our area for years to come.  Please join us Tuesday January 23^rd from 11:30 to 1pm to hear some simple things we can be doing to be more “green”.
 
Green Building Guidelines According to the NAHB

1. Lot Design, preparation and development
2. Resource Efficiency
3. Energy Efficiency
4. Water Efficiency
5. Indoor Environmental Quality
6. Operation, Maintenance and Homeowner Education
7. Global Impact

 
The highlighted topics are the ones we are going to concentrate on.
 
Energy Efficiency – Things to consider
-Window Door Selection
-Building Envelope/Air Sealing
-Duct Sealing
-Proper placement of air/vapor barriers
 
Water Efficiency
-Irrigation/Landscaping
-Fixtures
 
Indoor Environmental Quality – Things to consider
-Controlling Contaminants
-Diluting Contaminants
-Filtrating Contaminants
 
Questions for each panel guest.
Andersen/Pella Windows Doors
-Give us a good, better, best breakdown on types of windows/doors as far as energy efficiency
-What should builders take into consideration when selecting windows/doors.
- Common mistakes when selecting a type of window/door
-What installation mistakes or best practices we should look for to ensure proper performance
-Common mistakes with installation and how they affect efficiency
-best options for each price point. $200-300K, $300-500K, $500K+
 
Galyean Insulation/Thermo Dynamics
-Give a good, better best breakdown on insulation packages.
-Discuss building envelope with each product/system
-How do we air seal in addition to insulate with each method?
-Common mistakes builders make when insulating homes.
-Best options for insulating in different price points (200-300, 300-500, 500+)
-Talk about moisture barriers/vapor barriers and how those play a role in insulating
-with contaminants playing a huge part in indoor air quality, how does each insulation type help?
 
Turner/Witt Plumbing/HVAC
-Talk about the equipment that is typical.  Give us a good, better, best on what could be used
-Talk about the different equipment for different insulation packages
-Common mistakes builders make with design and insulation
-What should we be looking for on installation of hvac?  Best practices
-Talk about the ideal HVAC layout.  Where is furnace located?  Ducts, etc.
-HVAC equipment that can help with indoor air quality?  (talk about controlling, diluting and filtering contaminants)
 
 
Paradise Lawn and Landscapes
-What is a typical irrigation, landscaping setup? What would be better? Best?
-What is a common mistake made by buillders when it comes to irrigating and landscaping.  What could we do to improve our design?
-Give specific drought resistant options for irrigating and landscaping.