Green Features of TNAH 2010
The New American Home is an industry leading project in the areas of green building and energy efficiency. First certified to EnergyStar in 2000, TNAH 2000 was used to launch the US Department of Energy's "Building America" program. This program forms research partnerships with all facets of the residential building industry to improve the quality and energy efficiency of homes. The New American Home 2010 incorporates the latest green and sustainable building materials, products and construction methods in order to reduce its impact on the environment and provide the highest quality of life for the occupants. TNAH 2010 is on track to achieve Gold level certification under the NAHB National Green Building Standard. In addition, the project team is striving for the coveted "Emerald" status, which denotes the pinnacle of achievement in residential green construction.
Green Roof
Greenroofs are vegetated roof covers, with growing media and plants taking the place of bare membrane, gravel ballast, shingles or tiles. The number of layers and the layer placement vary from system to system and greenroof type, but at the very least all greenroofs include a single to multi-ply waterproofing layer, drainage, growing media and the plants, covering the entire roof deck surface. There are two main types of greenroofs – extensive or intensive - although a greenroof is often designed with features of both and then are referred to as either semi-extensive or semi-intensive.
Timber and Windows
Sierra Pacific Industries owns and manages 1.9 million acres of forestland on a sustainable basis. As a leader in environmentally responsible forest management, Sierra Pacific is concerned about all aspects of forest health. In addition to meeting the most stringent state forest practice rules in the nation, Sierra Pacific’s forestland, millwork and windows are also third-party certified under the standards of the independent Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI).
Sierra Pacific is the supplier of SFI-certified lumber, wood windows and doors for TNAH 2010. All products carry the SFI label demonstrating Sierra Pacific’s commitment to the environment and the Green Building effort. Sierra Pacific’s extruded aluminum window exteriors are coated with eco-friendly, no-VOC powder coatings (an EPA recommended finishing system). As an Energy Star Partner, Sierra Pacific manufactures insulated glass using high performance Low E coatings in conjunction with a warm edge, structural foam spacer for improved thermal control and comfort.
The list below describes additional key features that make the 2010 New American Home green:
Construction Methods and Materials
- Apex Block System
- High Fly Ash Concrete
- Reflective Roof Coating
- Recycled Glass Tiles and Countertop Material
- Sustainable Resource Materials (Bamboo, Cork)
- Construction Waste Management Practices
- Grey Water System
Indoor Air Quality
- Low VOC Paints, Stains, Adhesives & Sealants
- Formaldehyde Free Wood Cabinetry, Paneling & Sheathing
- Borate based Cellulose Insulation
- No CFC, HCFC or Halon Based HVAC Refrigerants
- Air filtration system and ventilators
Energy Conservation
- Photovoltaic Panels
- Solar Domestic Hot Water System
- Solar Pool Heating System
- Tankless Water Heaters
- Hydronic Space Heating
- Whole House Automation System
- Whole House Lighting Control System
- Tubular Skylights
- Energy Star Appliances
- Energy Star HVAC
- Florescent & Led Lighting
- Green Roof System
Water Conservation
- Dual Flush Waterclosets
- Low Flow Shower Head & Faucets
- Grey Water Collection System
- Energy Star Appliances
Site and Landscaping
- Native & Drought Tolerant Plants
- Weather Controlled Irrigation System
- Rainwater Collection System
- Erosion Sediment Control
