Eco Building Materials Checklist

Eco Building Design

1. Large Overhangs
• Protect and Promote Longer Siding Life
• Shadow Exterior Walls from Solar Rays that Generate Unwanted Heat
2. Layout Considerations
• Promote Ease of Use while Retaining Sustainability
• Building for Requirements; Avoiding Excess Space and Wastefulness
3. Window Design
• Orienting More Windows South to Allow Natural Light In
• Also Incorporating Windows North to Reduce Heat Loss and Air Infiltration

Framing Materials

1. Foam Sheathing: As Opposed to Plywood with Certain Undesirable Claddings
2. Air Caulking: An Inexpensive Step that Significantly Reduce Air Infiltration
3. Smart Framing: Consumes Less Material and Allows all Cavities to be Properly Insulated

Electric

1. Photo Voltaic Solar Panels: Generate Renewable Electricity
2. Limiting Can Lights in Attic Ceilings to Air-Sealed Alternatives with Insulated Covers

Plumbing

1. Insulate Hot Water Lines: Reduce Heat Loss between Water Heating Unit and Faucet
2. Dual Flush Toilets: Reduce Water Usage via Two Alternative Flush Modes
3. Rain Water Collection: Retain Storm Water Run-Off (Particularly beneficial in metro areas
   where systems are antiquated and under-designed)
4. Tankless Hot Water Heaters (or On-Demand Units): Generate Unlimited Hot Water as
   Needed as opposed to Storing and Maintaining a Large Volume of Water

Insulation

1. Expanding Foam: Eliminates Air Infiltration, Increasing Thermal Wall Performance
2. Rigid Foam: For Areas Requiring Super Insulation or Specialized Needs
3. Expanding Foam around Windows: Eliminate Air Infiltration
4. Insulating Original Structure: During Additions or Remodels, We Encourage Homeowners
   to Insulate the Existing Structure to Reduce Heating and Cooling Costs.

Siding

1. Certified Wood: Using Sustainably Certified Products Provide Peace of Mind that Materials
   are Responsibly Harvested and Produced.
2. Composite Trim: Recycled Wood Fibers Provide Added Protection against Rot and
   Termite Infestation.
3. Western Red Cedar: A Renewable and Dimensional Staple, WRC is Harvested
   Legally and Sustainably from Independently-Certified Forests in Canada

Countertops

1. Icestone: this solid surface material is composed primarily of recycled glass and
   has a very attractive finish
2. Paperstone: another solid surface material that is produced by compressing
   recycled paper fibers and held together with natural cashew oils, durable and
   can also be used for exterior applications

Flooring

1. Locally sourced wood: Kentucky and surrounding states have vast supplies of native
   hardwoods that are widely used and readily available. Along with be renewable and
   having distinct natural beauty, using a locally harvested and produced product assures
   that all revenue is kept in a local economy.
2. Reclaimed wood: many vendors in the state provide milled reclaimed lumber from
   deconstructed warehouses, barns, fences, etc.