Case Study

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Centex Homes: Mukilteo Home

Built Green Rating: 3 Star Builder Checklist Built by Centex Homes Location: Mukilteo

This Built Green home was built by Centex Homes in Mukilteo, Snohomish County. The greening of the home began with site development and jobsite operations, and progressed through materials efficiency, energy-saving features and protection of indoor environmental quality for the homeowners’ healthier living. Fortune Magazine ranked Centex No. 1 in its industry on the magazine's annual list of "America's Most Admired Companies," and Centex built the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition house for the Dore family in Kitsap County in the Fall of 2004.

The many green features include:

Site and Water Protection

• home was built on infill lot to take advantage of existing infrastructure and reduce development of virgin sites
• during construction, heavy equipment was limited to a particular zone to avoid compaction of the soil – compacted soil reduces the ability of plants to grow well and promotes runoff problems
• trees were protected during construction
• topsoil was protected to keep it dry and to prevent erosion, and was reused on the site after construction was complete
• temporary erosion control measures help prevent soil from washing away
• jobsite housekeeping was strictly maintained during construction
• a front porch promotes neighborly interactions and provides a walk-off area to prevent contamination (soil, chemicals, oils, leaves) inside the home
• landscaped beds are stocked with plants that are appropriate to the site, with reduced water requirements to save potable water

Using Energy Wisely

• energy savings will be provided for the homeowners in this home through an Energy Star-rated Whirlpool dishwasher and an upgraded water heater
• water heater is located within 20 feet of highest use area, and pipes are insulated to within 3 feet of the water heater
• Energy Star windows provide a more energy-efficient glazing system
• compact fluorescent light bulbs, that should last about ten times longer than incandescent bulbs, were provided to the homeowners
• open-web trussed floors allow for more efficient heating runs, and ducts are sealed with low-toxic mastic to prevent heat loss
• high-efficiency forced-air gas furnace
• windows are oriented to take advantage of solar heat, but east-west overhangs on the windows provide shading when needed
• light colored interiors facilitate daylighting to reduce the use of electric lighting

Health and Indoor Air Quality

• jobsite operations are designed to protect health of the workers as well as the homeowners
• carpet is CRI IAQ labeled, low-pile and was installed by tacking instead of glue
• formaldehyde-free insulation and composite woods
• extra precautions to seal home against moisture and air leaks inside
• operable windows allow cross ventilation
• bath fans are tested at a higher level to meet a 50 cfm outtake for improved indoor air quality

Using Materials Wisely and Reducing Waste

• extensive recycling and salvaging of materials during construction, including cardboard, metal scraps, wood, packaging, drywall, yard waste, and asphalt roofing – also, subcontractors were required to participate in recycling efforts
• installed locally produced materials that save transportations costs
• 50-year siding by James Hardie Building Products
• 30-year roof made with recycled content
• granite countertops and hardwood flooring in the kitchen provide durability
• materials were reused, such as dimensional lumber, forms and other building products
• a jobsite recycling plan was posted on-site
• engineered wood products made using smaller pieces of wood and wood waste were used to save larger, older trees

 

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