Pre-fabricated Basement Walls – The PAGreenHouse’s basement walls are pre-fabricated in a plant virtually eliminating any job site waste. The R12.5 insulation minimizes thermal transfer between the ground the house which helps lower utility bills. Since the foundation wall panels are engineered and manufactured they reduce the amount of lumber, stone and concrete required for the foundation which helps protect our natural resources.

Site work – The PAGreenHouse site was carefully staked to ensure minimal disturbance. During excavation only the house footprint and a 15-20 foot perimeter was disturbed. Only 3 large trees and some brush were removed from the site. Shrubs, trees, and vegetation native to NEPA will be re-planted once the home is complete.

Proper orientation – The PAGreenHouse is built on a street running in an east/west direction. This allows the primary living spaces of the home to face south for optimal solar exposure which helps reduce utility bills.

Engineered Lumber – I-Joists were used in the PAGreenHouse instead of 2x12 floor joists. By using the engineered I-joists less mature trees had to be cut down to provide lumber for the PAGreenHouse since I-joists can be made from smaller trees or brush. Furthermore, Huber’s ZIP system was used for the exterior sheathing. Like I-joists this sheathing can also be made from smaller trees or brush. Additionally, the ZIP system is mold resistant which helps ensure healthier indoor air quality.

Trusses – Instead of stick framing the roof onsite trusses were used for the PAGreenHouse. Since trusses are a factory engineered solution the typical onsite waste due to cutting of material for the roof can be virtually eliminated.

Metal Roof - The metal roof on the PAGreenHouse is virtually maintenance free and provides a great surface for potential solar panels. The light color of the roof will help minimize excessive solar heating of the home during the summer months.

Windows – The PAGreenHouse has energy-efficient windows that employ advanced technologies, such as protective coatings (Low-E) and improved frames, to help keep heat in during winter and out during summer. These windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furnishings.

Plumbing Fixtures – Each of the faucets in the PAGreenHouse hold the Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Sense label. Every faucet that holds this label uses at least 20% less water than the norm. The average faucet in the house will use only 1.5 gallons of water per minute. This helps conserve water, our most valuable natural resource.

Air sealing and tight ducts – The PAGreenHouse will go through a rigorous air sealing process. Sealing holes and cracks in the home's "envelope" and in heating and cooling duct systems helps reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, and noise. A tightly sealed home improves comfort and indoor air quality while reducing utility and maintenance costs.

Improved Insulation – The PAGreenHouse contains R21 wall insulation and R60 blown in ceiling insulation. This helps make the house more energy efficient which helps protect our environment and lower utility bills.

Paint – The PAGreenHouse contains low / no VOC paints throughout. By nearly eliminating VOC’s emitted from paints indoor air quality is improved. Additionally, it helps protect our environment.

Hardwood – The PAGreenHouse contains Green engineered hardwood floors. These floors are made from composite materials and wood and use approximately 50% less newly forested wood in their production than conventional hardwood floors.

Carpets – Recyclable carpets have been used in the PAGreenHouse. These carpets are made from Nylon 6 carpet fibers which can be recycled. This helps protect the environment by helping minimize the number of old carpeting filling our landfills. These carpets also contain low or no VOC’s which help ensure healthier indoor air quality.

Appliances – Each applicable appliance in the PAGreenHouse contains the EPA’s Energy Star label. Appliances with this label are more energy efficient than comparable appliances without the Energy Star label. This helps reduce monthly utility bills and reliance on energy, promoting a healthier environment.

Lighting – Light fixtures that accommodate compact fluorescent lights (CFL’s) have been used throughout the PAGreenHouse. CFL’s last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs and use approximately 20% less electricity.