Sourcing Sustainable, Cost-Effective, Innovative Materials and Knowledge for High-Performance Home Building
In our quest to build super energy-efficient, low carbon footprint homes with healthy indoor air quality—like those that incorporate Passive House standards—we’re always looking for reliable, versatile, forward-thinking suppliers. We’re fortunate that there’s a slow but steadily growing demand for more sustainable, non-toxic materials that we need to craft high-quality, high-performing homes. And companies in our local area and around the country are growing their offerings of materials, finishes, technologies and information that fuel our Progressive Building Practices.
Carmel Building & Design incorporates the basics of Passive House into every home we build. That means excellent insulation, effective air sealing, use of non-toxic materials, systems that control moisture and temperature and reliance on renewable energy resources. While rising energy prices continue to be an issue, many people want to reduce energy consumption—especially from non-renewable, carbon-heavy sources—for other reasons. Namely, to reduce carbon emissions that lead to climate change. As a local leader in sustainable building, we’re proud to join other companies who are soundly at the forefront in their respective arenas.
One such company is 475 High Performance Building Supply. They’re based on the East Coast, but have a West Coast distribution center and local support, bringing their products (including wool insulation) and services closer to home. They have an online store with resources, including case studies and technical discussions, to assist architects and contractors in the design and construction of higher performing buildings. “Construction with yesterday’s materials and techniques might be a little less expensive upfront,” says Craig Toohey with 475, “but it leads to a future of high energy costs, a substandard level of comfort and less healthy indoor air quality.”
It’s good to have an innovative company like 475 on our side. Like us, they’re moving past ‘best practices’ of yesterday to those that will serve builders, homeowners and the planet for generations to come.
If you have questions or comments, email me at info@carmelbuilding.com.
