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Strategy
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Benefits
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1
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Orient Homes on E/W Axis for Solar Access
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Reduces the need for energy and lowers utility bills.
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2
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Orient Living Rooms and Porches to Streets and Public Spaces
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Fosters community living.
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3
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Build Mixed Use, Residential/Commercial
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Creates walkable communities, reduces smog and automobile use.
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4
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Design for Diverse Family Types
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Opens housing market to wider range of buyers.
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5
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Provide Mother-in-Law Home Above Garages
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Creates more affordable housing.
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6
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Build within 1 Mile of Public Transit Hub
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Reduces dependence on automobiles and reduces smog.
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7
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Minimize Street Widths
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Slows traffic.
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8
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Locate Buildings to Preserve Open Space and Wildlife Habitat
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Preserves habitats, wetlands.
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1
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Recycle Job Site Construction and Demolition Waste
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Reduces pressure on landfills, saves money by reducing landfill fees,and provides
raw materials for future building products.
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2
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Donate Unused Materials
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Reduces landfill deposits, helps local charitable organizations. Donations may be
tax deductible.
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3
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Protect Native Soil
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Reduces storm runoff, fertilizer and pesticide requirements, improves water quality
and conserves irrigation water.
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4
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Minimize Disruption of Existing Plants and Trees
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Helps prevent soil erosion, maintains existing sources of natural cooling, diverts
waste from landfills, and adds a unique character to the community.
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5
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Implement Construction Site Storm water Practices
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Minimizes erosion, water pollution, and protects the waterways.
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6
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Protect Water Quality with Landscape Design Features
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Reduces the volume of polluted water flowing into rivers or the ocean.
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7
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Design Resource-Efficient Landscapes and Gardens
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Helps conserve water, reduces use of chemicals, creates healthier soil and plants.
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Reuse Materials or Use Recycled Content Materials for Landscape Areas
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Conserves natural resources and strengthens markets for recycled materials.
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9
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Install High Efficiency Drip Irrigation Systems
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Reduces landscape water use and lowers water costs.
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10
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Provide for On-Site Water Catchment/Retention
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Reduces the need to use treated, potable water for lawns and gardens.
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1
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Incorporate Aerated Concrete
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The closed cellular structure reduces the amount of concrete needed and contributes
to a higher insulating value.
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2
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Use Clay Bricks
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Sustainable material that is low maintenance, has a long life cycle and its thermal
mass helps reduce energy costs.
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3
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Build To a Low Energy Building Standards
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Zero-energy building standards reduces the need for heating and cooling.
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4
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Reuse Form Boards
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Saves money and conserves resources as solid sawn lumber is becoming increasingly
expensive and scarce.
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5
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Use Recycled Content Aggregate
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Saves money, natural resources and energy.
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6
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Insulate Foundation/Slab Before Backfill
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Reduces energy loss and utility bills by minimizing heat loss.
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7
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Use Aluminum Forms
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Reduces wood use, and despite higher initial cost, will pay for themselves quickly.
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8
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Install Rigid Foam, Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)
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ICFs are not subject to rot and results in a better insulated foundation.
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1
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Insulate Hot and Cold Water Pipes
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Saves energy, water, and reduces water heating costs.
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2
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Install Flow Reducers in Faucets and Showerheads
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Saves water and is a low cost option.
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3
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Install Ultra-Low-Flush Toilets
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Saves water.
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4
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Install Chlorine Filter on Showerhead
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Reduces chlorine absorbed by skin.
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5
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Install Tankless Water Heater or Under Sink Instant Hot Water System
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Saves energy, is often quicker and more reliable.
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6
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Pre-Plumb for Graywater Conversion
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Cuts down on the use of potable water for outside irrigation and lawn watering.
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7
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Install Water Filtration Units at Building Point of Entry (POE) and at Faucets (POU)
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Reduces contaminants in water.
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8
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Install On-Demand Hot Water Circulation Pump
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Deliver hot water quicker to fixture, saving water and energy.
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9
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Install Rain Barrels or Water Cistern System
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Rain-catching systems saves resources and reduces pollution from storm water runoff.
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1
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Upgrade Wall and Ceiling Insulation to Exceed Title 24 Requirements
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Lowers utility bills, improves comfort, decreases heating and cooling needs and
makes home quieter.
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2
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Install Recycled Content, Formaldehyde-Free Fiberglass Insulation
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Reduces indoor air quality problems due to formaldehyde binders, and can contain
up to 30% recycled glass.
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3
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Use Advanced Infiltration Reduction Practices
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Reduces drafts, and makes home more energy-efficient.
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4
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Use Cellulose Insulation
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Increases energy-efficiency, uses recycled materials and contains no formaldehyde.
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5
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Use Natural Insulation Such as Cork.
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Excellent Insulating Properties, Recyclable, Rapidly Renewable and Environmentally
Preferred Product.
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1
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Pre-Plumb for Solar Water Heating
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Saves money should a solar system be installed in the future.
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2
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Install Solar Water System
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Reduces the use of gas or electricity and pay back in as little as seven years.
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3
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Pre-Wire for Future Photovoltaic Installation
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Allows installation of PV system in the future.
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4
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Install Photovoltaic (PV) Panels
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Decreases reliance on conventional power plants.
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5
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Install Solar (PV) Walkway Lights
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Reduces the need for grid-provided electricity.
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6
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Select Safe and Durable Roofing Tiles Such as Clay, Concrete or Slate
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Reduces landfill deposits, saves money on replacement costs and saves non renewable
resources such as oil.
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7
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Install Radiant Barrier Roof Sheathing
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Keeps the whole home cooler by reducing heat build-up in attic spaces.
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1
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Select FSC or SFI Certified Wood Flooring
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Assures the long-term availability of woods while protecting ancient, old-growth
forests.
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2
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Use Rapidly Renewable Flooring Materials
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Reduces demand for old-growth hardwood.
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3
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Use Recycled Content Ceramic Tiles
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Uses recycled content materials and is easy to maintain.
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4
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Install Natural Linoleum in Place of Vinyl Flooring
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Reduces exposure to toxins, is more durable and also healthier for occupants and
installers.
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5
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Use Exposed Concrete as Finished Floor
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Eliminates the need for additional flooring materials, is easy to maintain and very
durable.
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6
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Install Recycled Fiber Content Carpet That Does Not Contain Adhesives or Flyash.
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Saves on non-renewable resources such as oil, better indoor air quality and diverts
waste from landfills.
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7
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Install Natural Fiber Carpet Such as Wool
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Insulates room, it regulates humidity, it is recyclable, also rapidly renewable
and an environmentally preferable product.
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8
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Use Recycled or Reclaimed Wood Materials
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Saves old growth forests and diverts wood from landfills.
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1
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Install Whole House Vacuum System
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Expels dust outside the house, improving indoor air quality.
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2
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Use Low/No-VOC and Formaldehyde-Free Paint
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Improves indoor air quality, reduces smog, and is healthier for installers and occupants.
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3
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Use Low VOC, Water-Based Wood Finishes
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Reduces smog and is healthier for installers and occupants.
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4
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Use Solvent-Free Adhesives
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Improves indoor air quality, and are healthier for occupants and installers.
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5
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Substitute Particleboard with Formaldehyde-Free Materials
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Reduces formaldehyde and chemical exposure to occupants.
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6
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Use Exterior Grade Plywood for Interior Uses
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Reduces formaldehyde exposure to occupants.
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7
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Use Formaldehyde-Free MDF/HDF and Materials
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Improves indoor air quality
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8
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Seal all Exposed Particleboard or MDF
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Reduces exposure of harmful emissions to occupants.
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9
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Use Third Party Certified Solid Wood Products Such as FSC, SFI and PEFC
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Reduces Exposure to Chemicals, Assures the long-term availability of precious woods
and protects ancient old-growth forests.
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10
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Use Finger-Jointed Wood or Recycled Formaldehyde-Free Content Trim
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Uses material more effectively, saves money and resources, and is straighter and
more stable than conventional clear wood.
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1
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Substitute Solid Sawn Lumber with Engineered Lumber
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Reduces demand for virgin lumber, is stronger, straighter, and more durable.
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2
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Use FSC Certified Wood for Framing
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Guarantees long-term availability of precious woods.
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3
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Use Wood I-Joists for Floors and Ceilings
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Uses 50% less wood fiber, will not twist, warp or split, stronger and lighter than
2x10s or 2x12s and can span greater distances.
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4
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Use Steel Interior Web Trusses
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Eliminate waste. Reduce the pressure on old growth forests.
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5
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Design Energy Heels on Trusses 6" or More
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Allows for full insulation around the house, saving energy and money.
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6
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Use Formaldehyde Free Plywood or Strawboard for Subfloor and Sheathing
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Reduces the need for large diameter old-growth trees.
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7
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Use Finger-Jointed Studs
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Uses recycled content materials, is straighter and stronger than solid sawn studs,
and eliminates crooked walls, thereby reducing material waste.
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8
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Use Engineered Studs for Vertical Application
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Engineered studs are straighter, and will not deform, twist, split or warp. They
save wood by using small laminated pieces.
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9
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Use Either Aluminum or Steel for Joists and I- Beams
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Abundant materials that are often from recycled sources, saves forests from being
clear cutting and which reduces land erosion.
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10
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Use Recycled-Content Steel Studs for Interior Framing
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Steel reduces the need for wood and provides strong interior walls which gives us
long term availability of precious woods while protecting ancient, old-growth forests.
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11
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Use Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) for Walls/Roof
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Reduces infiltration relative to frame construction, is energy-efficient, provides
excellent soundproofing, is erected quickly and saves wood by eliminating much of
the conventional framing lumber.
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12
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Apply Advanced Framing Techniques
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Makes the home more energy efficient, saves wood and construction costs. It also
allows for a higher percentage of the wall to be insulated reducing frame conduction
heat loss.
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13
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Use Reclaimed Lumber
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Reduces resource consumption and landfill deposits, and is often of higher quality
than new lumber.
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1
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Use Sustainable Decking Materials
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Contains recycled content materials, is more durable and reduces demand for old-growth
timbers.
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2
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Use Treated Wood that Does Not Contain Chromium or Arsenic
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Reduces exposure to chromium and arsenic, which are harmful, particularly to children
who play on structures built with treated wood.
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3
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Install House Wrap under Siding
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Diverts water away from openings and protects the home from mold.
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4
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Use Alternative Siding Materials Such as Stone, Clay, Brick
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Last longer, is fire-resistant, and reduces maintenance costs.
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1
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Install Mercury Free Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) or Light Emitting Diodes
Bulbs (LEDs)
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Lowers energy bills and reduces need for energy production.
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2
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Install Insulation-Compatible Recessed Lighting Fixtures for CFLs or LEDs
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Reduces the amount of heat loss/gain.
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3
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Install Automated Lighting Controls
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Reduces need for energy and lowers energy bills.
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4
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Install High-Efficiency Ceiling Fans with LEDs
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Reduces the need for air conditioning.
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1
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Use ENERGY STAR® Dishwasher and Appliances
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Reduces water and energy use, and lowers utility bills.
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2
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Use Horizontal Axis Washing Machine
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Uses less water and energy than conventional top loading washers.
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3
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Use Energy-Efficient Refrigerator
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Reduces energy and can save over 10% on utility bill.
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4
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Install Built-In Recycling Center
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Makes it easy and convenient to recycle.
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1
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Install Energy Star Qualified Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors
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Increases energy-efficiency, and provides greater comfort.
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2
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Use Windows and Doors with Low-E Glass
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Reflects infrared light and ultra violet light, keeps light rays from entering the
building damaging and fading interior elements.
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3
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Use Windows and Doors with Double or Triple Pane Glass
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Gives better insulation, impact resistance and reduces energy usage.
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4
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Install Doors That Are Well Insulated and Reduce Leakage.
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Use less energy and reduce costs.
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1
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Incorporate Passive Solar Heating
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Reduces heating requirements by 30-50%, saves energy and money.
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2
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Use Lighter Colored Reflective Roofing
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Reduces heat island effect by reflecting heat which keeps the building cooler and
reduces energy usage.
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3
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Plant Deciduous Shade Trees on the West and South Sides of the Home
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Reduce summer air-conditioning costs while providing numerous benefits to the environment.
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4
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Install Overhangs or Awnings Over South Facing Windows
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Increases shading and reduces heat entering the building.
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1
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Use Duct Mastic on all Duct Joints
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Improves indoor air quality, and keeps the homes more comfortable.
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2
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Install Ductwork within Conditioned Space
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Reduces energy loss and improves occupant comfort.
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3
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Vent Range Hood to the Outside
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Improves indoor air quality.
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4
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Clean all Ducts Before Occupancy
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Reduces dust around the house after occupancy.
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5
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Install ERV or HRV Attic Ventilation Systems
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Increases comfort and reduces air conditioning use.
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6
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Install Solar Powered Whole House Fan
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Reduces electricity usage, and moves large volumes of air to achieve comfort at
higher temperatures without air conditioning.
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7
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Install Sealed Combustion Furnaces and Hot Water Heaters
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Improves indoor air quality, reduces the danger of carbon monoxide contamination.
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8
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Install Geothermal Heat Pump
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Saves money and energy, and reduces peak load problems.
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9
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Install Split Air Conditioning System with NON-HCFC Refrigerants
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Reduces costs by having a ductless system and eliminates depletion of the ozone
layer.
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10
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Install 90% Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency or Greater Furnace
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Reduces air emissions, costs less to operate, and saves natural resources.
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11
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Install Ducts That are Insulated With Formaldehyde-Free Insulation
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Reduces energy costs and Improves efficiency.
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12
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Install HEPA Filters with UV Bulbs Filtration System
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Improves air quality and reduces mold and other pollutants in the building.
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