"Our dealings with Conduit were blue chip from beginning to end. We have recommended the company to all our friends. As promised, our renovation and new windows not only keep the noise out, but have also saved us hundreds of dollars in utility bills. They are a class act."
Whether building from scratch or remodeling to re-green, Conduit works closely with clients to create a fully integrated approach to building eco-sound homes and business. Our efforts help set the bar for green sustainable building, leading to significant savings in time, money and vital natural resources.
- Location. Location. Location. We avoid building green homes and buildings on environmentally sensitive sites like prime farmland, wetlands or endangered species habitats. The greenest development sites are "in-fill" properties that transform blighted urban areas, abandoned railways, vacant industrial sites and other population-dense areas into vibrant, walkable communities ideally located near public transportation.
- Orientation. The green home is oriented to bring abundant natural light into the interior to reduce lighting requirements.
- Inner Courtyards. Warm air rises naturally up in inner courtyards and atriums, drawing cooler in from the outside.
- Insulating Building Fabrics. As a green envelope solutions provider, Conduit works to create homes and businesses that maintain internal temperatures even as outside temperatures fluctuate.
- Natural Ventilation. Doors and windows should be strategically integrated into building design to take advantage of natural breezes, and optimize the movement of fresh air.
- Strategic Landscaping. Trees can provide shade in the summer, and shelter from wind and rain in exposed areas. Drought-tolerant gardens minimize water use and soil run-off.
- ENERGY STAR Roofs. ENERGY STAR qualified roof products can help reduce the amount of air-conditioning needed in buildings, reducing peak cooling demand by 10% to 15%. Overhanging eves provide solar shade as well.
- Green Roofs. More and more buildings are incorporating vegetated, park-like roofs. These roofs are cooler, save energy and provide a filter for storm water run-off while creating additional opportunities for outdoor living.
Once the overall planning is complete, Conduit helps clients strategically select appropriate green materials to maximize cost and energy savings.
- Arxx Green Build System/Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF). Arxx ICF technology wraps buildings in two continuous layers of foam insulation reinforced with a concrete core. An alternative to traditional wood framing, Arxx stabilizes temperatures, eliminates cold spots, creates superior sound insulation, increases strength, offers proven fire protection and significantly reduces heating and cooling costs.
- Solar Panels. Roof-mounted solar panels turn sunlight into an alternative energy source, generating significant cost savings at a time when the price of energy is dramatically rising.
- Radiant Heat. By supplying heat directly to the floor or panels in a wall or ceiling, radiant heat offers significant heating efficiency over forced air.
- Low-Flush Toilets, Low-Flow Sinks. Water-efficient fixtures such as low-flush toilets and low-flow sinks can reduce water use by as much as 50%.
- Tankless Water Heaters. On-demand water heaters provide hot water only as needed, eliminating energy losses associated with storage water heaters.
- Energy-Efficient Windows. Dual-glaze windows reduce heat gain in summer and heat loss during chilly winter months.
- Low-Emitting Materials. Non-toxic, low-emissive materials include zero-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and sealants, and non-toxic materials such as strawboard for sub-flooring.
- Green HVAC. Green HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) systems should filter incoming air and vent stale air outside while using minimal energy.
Why does green have to just be functional? Eco-friendly décor can be beautiful as well.
- Concrete, Brick and Stucco. These materials absorb heat and provide significant cooling properties.
- Dimmer Switches. Dimmer switches save electricity by providing only the amount of light necessary for specific tasks.
- Natural Light Sources. Natural daylight should reach at least 75% of the green home’s interior.
- Eco-friendly Wood. Wood-based features such as hardwood floors, cabinetry and trim should come from rapidly renewable sources like bamboo, or be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
- Ceiling Fans. Ceiling fans help cool rooms and promote air circulation while using minimal energy.
- Salvaged Materials. Significant savings and individual style can be easily achieved with recycled materials, such as salvaged tiles and doors.
- Energy Efficient Appliances. Energy efficient appliances with ENERGY STAR ratings add style and cost-savings, and many come with incentive rebate offers as well.
