Green Building in Boulder, CO
Building Better, From the Inside Out
We believe the most important parts of a home are the ones you can’t see - high-performance building envelopes, healthy materials, and cutting-edge systems. Cottonwood has been building this way for three decades.
Green building starts before construction begins.
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High-Performance Building Envelope
The foundation of an efficient home is proper insulation, airtight construction, high-performance windows, and thoughtful moisture control for long-term sustainability and comfort. Thoughtful orientation, building form, window locations and system planning are incorporated to reduce heating and cooling needs before any active systems are added.
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![A house under construction with green sheathing panels and a concrete foundation, with wooden framing and a partially built roof.]()
Site Stewardship and Deconstruction
Our process considers the entire lifecycle of the home—protecting mature trees, managing stormwater, enhancing biodiversity, and prioritizing deconstruction over demolition to reduce landfill waste.
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![A man with gray hair, wearing a blue sweater and beige pants, sitting on a neutral-colored bench against a plain background, with shadow cast on the wall.]()
Electrification and Mechanical Systems
All-electric systems are intended to eliminate fossil fuel use at the point of consumption to have a renewable power grid. We use cold-climate heat pumps, ERVs for continuous filtered fresh air, geothermal systems, and smart panels with battery backup. Efficient plumbing design and heat pump water heaters conserve both energy and water.
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![A woman with curly dark hair sits on a beige cushioned bench, wearing a taupe sleeveless top and matching wide-leg pants, leaning against a wall with sunlight creating shadows behind her.]()
Renewable Energy Integration
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems generate clean electricity to power the home, supporting full electrification and energy independence.
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![A young man with dark skin and a short haircut, wearing a gray polo shirt and beige pants, sitting on a wooden bench in a softly lit room with beige walls.]()
Resource Efficiency and Material Health
We minimize embodied carbon and promote healthy indoor air quality through locally sourced, low-VOC, recycled, and reclaimed materials. Deconstruction and reuse reduce waste and preserve resources.
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![Modern bathroom with green tiled shower, glass partitions, white ceiling, large mirror, wooden cabinetry, and potted plant.]()
Water Efficiency
Smart irrigation, low-flow fixtures, and efficient plumbing layouts reduce consumption and waste—protecting this critical resource for future generations.
“We are dedicated to green building excellence and inspired design. We partner with our clients and community to create sustainable custom homes built for beauty, resilience, and longevity.”
— Jeff Hindman, Owner
Process, Process, Process — The Journey Matters
We believe that climate-conscious building isn’t just about the result (a gorgeous, high-performing home). How you get there is critically important, too!
Reducing, Reusing, & Recycling Every Step of the Way
Reducing, reusing, and recycling, even when it isn’t easy or convenient! We’re tremendously proud that our deconstruction techniques typically divert 75-85% of the materials from the landfill.
Connecting with other sustainability-focused businesses and organizations. We learn so much through our memberships in the GFDA, Colorado Green Building Guild, and others. There’s no reason for all of us to figure it out alone; together, we can evolve our processes so much faster.
Sourcing materials thoughtfully. We like to say, “10 years ago, you could order bamboo flooring from China and call it sustainable. Today, we know better.” There’s no “easy” button to building green; no single solution or formula. What is a sustainable choice for one location may not be for another, which brings it back to our first point – assemble a knowledgeable team to guide you!
