In designing or remodeling homes, the US Environmental Protection Agency – and all environment advocates, for that matter – recommend practices toward energy efficient houses.
There are numerous ways to work toward energy efficiency.
One is purchasing energy-efficient appliances and lighting, and by installing renewable energy systems, such as solar-powered electricity and water heating.
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However, a whole-house systems approach would be a better alternative. It involves viewing the house as an energy system with various interdependent parts affected by different factors, namely, resident behaviors, conditions of the location, and climate.
The objective is to maximize the home’s energy efficiency by going beyond using advanced appliances and lighting. The house framing, roof, insulation, air sealing, daylighting, windows, doors, and skylights are also designed optimally and with sustainability in mind.
Grand Homes, a Dallas-based home construction and community building company, was awarded the Energy Star Certified Homes Market Leader Award back in 2015 in recognition of its dedication to constructing quality energy efficient homes.
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In that year, the firm built more than 300 Energy Star Certified homes, akin to planting more than 14,000 tree seedlings, reducing oil consumption by around 1,300 barrels, or eliminating 117 cars from the roads.
Founded in 1986 by Stephen H. Brooks, Grand Homes’s first community, The Collections at Valley Ranch, was an instant success. The company has since become a respected name, charming the market with innovative, award-winning architectural designs. For more interesting reads about the industry, visit the company’s official website.
