High Performance Homes
What is a high performance home and how does it differ from a green home? The term green evolved to identify all the aspects that surround an environmental issue or cause. The term high performance home is nothing if not green, but it is much more than that. A high performance home is one that is constructed with materials using methods and techniques that produces a home which performs better in all aspects to render a home that is more comfortable, more energy efficient, safer, sustainable over time, less costly to operate and maintain while providing a living environment that is simply healthier than a conventional home. It's so much more than shelter and style.
High performance homes don't just happen. A truly high performance home is the end result of a lot of careful thought, consideration, and planning that helps homeowners design their home to shape their future. The goal is to integrate and balance the elements that make a high performance home:
A high performance home is resource-efficient:
Energy efficiency - tailored to the climate - reduce and conserve energy while reducing the pollution footprint
Water efficiency - reduce the costs of water treatment and wastewater
Waste management lessen the impact on landfills
Pollution prevention - protect the ecosystem
Favoring sustainable - use local resources efficiently
A high performance home is healthy:
Control indoor air quality - minimize mold, dust mites, and combustion pollutants
Universal design - safe, functional, accessible - accommodate all ages and stages of the life cycle
A high performance home is durable:
Decay resistance - manages and controls moisture, reduce or prevent deterioration
Natural hazard resistance - hurricanes, floods, fire, etc.
Pest resistance - protect against termites and other damaging insects
A high performance home is convenient:
Functional and family-friendly - provides efficient flows
Low maintenance - reduced cost and time needed to maintain value and appearance
Advanced wiring - ready for the information age
A high performance home is practical
Cost effective - saves money in the long term - lower lifecycle costs
Feasible - reduce the costs of making the change.
