Case Study

Vital Stats Location: Issaquah Star Level: 4-Star Checklist: Remodel Section Points Site and Water 32 Energy Efficiency 102 Indoor Air Quality 109 Material Efficiency 83 Total Score 326

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Sunshine Construction
Issaquah, WA.

The single-family 4-Star remodeled home in Issaquah has been constructed with a focus on building performance and indoor air quality improvement. The energy retrofit component of the project included full performance testing before and after the project as well as numerous features designed to improve the energy efficiency of the home. The insulation of the exterior walls was improved by blowing cellulose insulation as well as adding 1" rigid foam on the outside of the wall. The HVAC system was tuned up and an Energy Star-rated furnace was added along with Energy Star appliances. To help reduce water heating costs, a solarwater heating system was installed along with a high-efficiency gas water heater. To promote better indoor air quality, low VOC paints were used throughout the home, and a shoe removal area was added to the primary entrance. All ducts were sealed and flushed, and a heat recovery ventilator was installed to maintain proper air movement and filtration. Finally, the home was an exemplar of waste reduction. The parts of the home impacted by the remodel were meticulously deconstructed to re-use every possible component. The home achieved a 98-percent recycling rate for the waste that was created. Much of the new wood used, including dimensional lumber and cabinets, were Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. When the project was completed, the home modeled to perform 20 percent better than the current energy code for new homes - which is no small feat for an existing home to achieve.

Some of the many green features of the project include:

Site and Water Protection

• Retained 100 percent of healthy trees on the site
• Installed dual flush toilets throughout home
• Low-flow shower heads and faucets installed
• Preserved existing native vegetation as landscaping
• Did not expand building footprint

Energy Efficiency

• Home improved to use 20 percent less energy than required by new construction energy code
• Seal verified at all doors and windows
• Cellulose insulation blown into walls, and attic insulated to R-49
• 1" rigid foam insulation added to exterior walls
• Installed solar water-heating system tied to high-efficiency gas furnace
• HVAC system tuned, and all ducts sealed and flushed
• Installed a Heat Recovery Ventilator
• 50 percent of lighting in the home is compact fluorescent
• Upgraded to high efficiency fans
• Installed Energy Star-rated clothes washer, dishwasher and refrigerator
• Waterless urinal installed in guest bathroom
• Enrolled in Puget Sound Energy’s (PSE) renewable energy program

Indoor Air Quality

• Instituted low-toxic jobsite operations plan, including dust and moisture mitigation and extensive use of low toxic materials
• No carpet installed in home
• Used no PVC piping in plumbing and low-VOC paints on all interior surfaces
• Installed an exhaust fan with sensor in the garage
• No fiberglass insulation used in project
• Vaproshield and rainscreen siding to ensure ventilation of envelope
• Shoe-removal vestibule in mudroom attached to garage
• IKEA cabinets meet European emissions standards

Material Use

• Used no PVC piping in plumbing, and low-VOC paints on all interior surfaces
• No fiberglass insulation used in project
• Shoe removal vestibule built in at major entrances
• Used only formaldehyde free products for cabinetry and trim
• Used wool carpet with dry installation method
• Thoroughly cleaned ductwork at project completion
• Removed existing wood stove and did not replace

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