YORK,
Maine — Graystone Builders of Maine, Inc. has teamed with Anix, LLC of
Lee to construct the first LEED-certified home in southern Maine.
Graystone
has selected a single-family unit currently under construction at their
Bayberry Ridge development in York. It joins six other homes currently
registered in the LEED for Homes program in Maine.
According to
Walter Woods, owner of Graystone Builders, this was the right time to
enter the LEED arena and build more sustainable homes and buildings.
Tim Nichols of Anix provides construction management services and
sustainable building consulting and is providing the professional
support to help Graystone achieve the LEED certification.
Although
the first LEED standards for commercial buildings were released in
2000, the LEED for Homes certification program was just released this
past April. LEED stands for "Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design" and the intent of the program is to provide a qualitative
process by which Green, or more appropriately "sustainable," homes can
demonstrate that they meet enhanced construction standards while
reducing impacts to the environment.
All aspects of home
development and construction are evaluated and rated according to
several credit category requirements. Points are earned in seven
categories such as site selection, water usage reduction, energy usage
reduction, and indoor air quality.
Although the initial
construction costs are somewhat higher, the life cycle costs for the
building are greatly reduced with the initial investment often paid
back within 3 to 5 years of ownership. Reduced energy use and a more
durable home with systems having longer service life are only part of
the benefits of a sustainable home. By reducing the use of nonrenewable
energy resources, reducing carbon emissions, utilizing rapidly
renewable natural resources, utilizing locally produced materials, and
responsibly harvested timber, every home can make a significant impact
toward environmental stewardship.
For additional information
Walter Woods at (207) 363-6085 (infograystonebuildersofmaine.com) or
Tim Nichols at (603) 479-9705 (tn. anixcomcast.net).
