| Mountain Dog Green Sheet |
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 Learn how Mountain Dog Building Corp. is committed to reducing its carbon footprintPassive Solar: When possible, homes are sited to maximize the benefits of passive solar energy. Additional glazing (windows and glass doors) is usually added and roof overhangs are sized properly for maximum efficiency. Passive solar designs can reduce heating and lighting costs and improve comfort with minimal maintenance over the life of the home. Air Sealing: All construction perforations are taped, foamed or caulked to reduce air leakage. Insulation and Construction: Houses are framed using 2”x6” studs at 24” on center rather than the industry standard 2”x4” studs at 16” on center. This practice increases the size of the insulated cavity, giving the home more insulation. Mountain Dog Building Corp. also uses the higher rated R21 insulation, which is almost twice the insulating factor required by the Massachusetts State Building Code. Windows: Our windows are Energy Star rated, thermal insulated and exceed the requirement of the Massachusetts State Building Code for residential construction. HVAC: Heating and cooling units are correctly sized for our homes and are 95% efficient. The units are located within conditioned spaces in the home, which improves efficiency and allows them to run less often, which saves both resources and money. The duct work is also tightly sealed and insulated to minimize air leakage and improve performance. HVAC units utilize outside combustable air and power vent directly to the outside of the home; this provides healthier air quality within the home. All of the above components work together to create a superior building envelope with proven energy savings. An average Mountain Dog 2,500-3,000 Sq. Ft. home has an approximated annual gas cost of about $1,400, when providing gas for cooking, heating and gas fireplace; this estimate is based on the actual cost of gas in three Mountain Dog Homes as reported by the home owners in The Preserve at Oak Hill neighborhood; more savings will be realized on some of our smaller homes soon to occupy our newest neighborhood, Harris Pond Village. Resource Efficiency: Our production or templated homes are designed and built with strict and uniform stock lists; this allows us to minimize waste which would otherwise end up in a landfill. Mountain Dog uses advanced framing techniques that require less lumber, increase insulation levels and lower energy costs. We design our homes for better use of lumber, which results in less waste and saves both cost and impact on the environment. Mountain Dog works with structural wood suppliers that are members of the Sustainable Forestry Iniative (SFI). SFI works to balance the sustainable growth and harvest of trees with the protection of wildlife, plants, soil and water quality. Our supplier uses a chain of custody process that tracks the possession and transfer of wood and fiber from forests of origin through the different stages of production to the end user. This process gives Mountain Dog the ability to assure our customers that the product we are using is made of wood fiber from sustainable resources. Additionally, most of our suppliers, subcontractors and craftsmen are locally owned and operated and although this may not seem like a major contributing factor in reducing our carbon footprint, a short drive to make a delivery or to get to a home site over the six month period it takes to complete a home, really adds up in reduced carbon monoxide emissions. These local companies also help both Mountain Dog and homeowners alike with fast turnaround on any service or warranty work that may be required. Living Energy Efficiently: Mountain Dog encourages the purchase of Energy Star rated appliances and water-saving low flow plumbing with its applicable allowances. Mountain Dog Building Corp. is committed to doing its part to reduce its carbon footprint in its land development and home building by using Low Impact Development practices. We will continue to work to incorporate “green” materials and building methods to ensure you a product that is healthy for the environment and for you and your family. Please read our information on Low Impact Development. |
