Green Building

When we started Cottonwood Custom Builders in 1995, “green building” was not mainstream. But as lifetime supporters of environmental preservation, we have always been committed to creating structures that minimize their impact and promote healthier living and a sustainable future.

Today, Cottonwood Custom Builders is considered an industry pioneer and one of Boulder’s leading custom green home builders. We have completed several Net Zero homes and some with a negative HERS rating. A home with a HERS rating of zero generates as much energy as it consumes and far exceeds the current International Energy Efficiency Code requirements.

Lakeview Kitchen with island
View from master bedroom at energy efficient Boulder home

Reducing, Reusing, & Recycling Every Step of the Way!

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 600 million tons of construction and demolition debris are generated annually.1 We must do better. Through deconstruction, instead of demolition, we divert 75-85% of materials from the landfill.

Deconstruction Step One

We remove all re-usable materials, such as:

  • Cabinets & Counters
  • Doors
  • Plumbing Fixtures
  • Lights
  • Trim
  • Appliances
Climate Conscious

Deconstruction Step Two

We take the structure apart piece by piece & sort the materials.

  • Untreated lumber over 6’ is donated
  • Untreated lumber under 6’ is ground up for mulch
  • Windows are donated
  • Metal (plumbing, electric, etc.) is recycled
  • Brick is used for backfill
  • Concrete is recycled

Green Building Basics

Green building can be done well or very poorly depending on the expertise and attention to detail of your builder.

Some builders, such as Cottonwood Custom Builders, care a lot more about getting it right, but the majority really just do the minimum to pass inspection. With more than 20 years of experience under our belt, we are one of the Front Range’s leading green builders, which means we have perfected our practices and build incredibly efficient homes that will continue to perform for many years to come.

At its most basic, green building is a commitment and attitude to build the most energy efficient building possible within a reasonable budget and maintaining the integrity of the architect’s design.

When you dig into the details, green building becomes more complex due to the constantly evolving world of new products and methods while delivering the design and quality our client’s demand. Building Science has come a long way in even just the last 5 years and CCBI employs the latest “best practices” in every project. Whether it is a small remodel or pop top or a large new custom home we get the details right.

Sources

  1. https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/construction-and-demolition-debris-material