Sustainable Development
And
Green Building

Having installed numerous heating and air conditioning systems over the last 32 years has given me the opportunity to observe construction practices in many types of homes with different types of builders.

I’ve approached many builders with the idea of offering ways to build a more energy-efficient, healthier home for their client.

I can honestly say the builders who get the big picture of energy efficiency and environmental responsibilities are few and far between.

I’ve always been both amazed and disappointed at the lack of attention given to these important details.

It seems to me, some are more interested in packing as many houses they can get away with in a development and offering only products that appeal to the eye rather than a complete building system that affect the well-being and long-range financial implications of inferior products.

Features such as non-toxic building materials, integrated heating-cooling-ventilation systems, high-performance insulation systems and using “The House Is A System” approach where everything is part of a whole and interdependent with one another.

Richard Trethewey, the plumbing and heating expert from the PBS television series called these the “hidden assets” of the home.

Though not as sexy as the eye candy products, they have the biggest impact on the home and the occupant.

Someone Who Gets It

I received a call from a gentleman who was given my name from one of my clients.

He wanted to speak to me about some future projects he was planning.

The first thing that got my attention was when he said it was a shame how a lot of houses were being built and how land was being developed.

When we met he shared his vision about how he wanted to move forward with a different concept of planning, sustainable development and green construction.

Rather than taking farmland and dropping houses, laying asphalt, installing a couple of cul de sacs, some token trees and the typical golf course lawn, he wanted to build a natural community that fits into the landscape rather than forced into it, while still preserving prime farm land.

Tim Lundquist, founder of The Blue Bird Group has such a vision.

His vision also includes a community with walking, biking, bridal, cross country and electric cart trails as well as a wild bird sanctuary.

Green construction is also part of the plan where one can live in a non-toxic environment.

Homes are designed and built to have a minimal impact on the occupant and the environment.

The homes will be built using harmless building materials.

Pre-engineered panels will be manufactured locally to reduce emissions and energy required from long-distance shipping.

This approach will also result in less construction waste, reducing the impact on landfills, the energy required to transport the waste to the landfill and at the same time preserve natural resources.

Homes will be sited to take advantage of the sun for natural lighting and heat potential in the winter months and use the natural shading and cooling ability of trees in the summer.

High-performance insulation techniques will reduce heating and cooling energy consumption.

Engineered ventilation systems will ensure clean, fresh, healthy air.

Also specified for these homes is the most efficient, environmentally-friendly boiler manufactured by Viessmann Manufacturing a German company recognized around the world as the leader in heating and energy technologies.

The boiler will be the heart of a hybrid indoor climate system that consists of radiant floor heat and hydro-air for head to toe comfort.

The homes will be tested with sophisticated equipment that will ensure their energy efficiency.

Tim Lundquist the founder of The Blue Bird Group sustainable development and green building company said it all when he stated:

”These are designs based on valuing a simple, country lifestyle, good taste and a common commitment to being caring stewards for the land and nature.”

If this type of living appeals to you or happen to be looking for a green investment or know of anyone else who might be interested please contact us.

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