Meridian Crossing is Gold or Silver Certified under the NAHB Green Building Program. What does this mean?

Energy Efficiency

• Home exceeds IECC 2003 and local energy code requirements. Conformance to this threshold based on plan analysis and inspection using ResCheck software; includes comprehensive air sealing package designed to reduce air infiltration.
• Home utilizes renewable energy systems: Geothermal heating and cooling and Solar electric (optional upgrades) for townhomes.
• Space heating and cooling system/equipment sized according to ANSI/ACCA Manual S and duct system according to Manual D – use of both exceeds code requirements. Systems installed by nationally certified installers.
• Home furnished with Energy Star® rated appliances/fixtures including windows, dishwasher, and mechanically ducted exhaust in every bathroom.

Indoor Environmental Quality

• Space heating and water heating equipment installed in isolated mechanical room.
• Electric fireplace eliminates combustion-related gases (optional upgrade).
• Mechanical ventilation of bathrooms and kitchen allow controlled exchange of indoor and outdoor air, enhancing indoor air quality.
• MERV 9 filters used on central ventilation system to reduce air particulates.
• HVAC outlets masked during construction; ducts, boots, and grilles vacuumed before central heating/cooling system start up.

Water Efficiency

• Energy Star® rated water-conserving dishwater installed.
• Water efficient showerheads, and faucets installed.
• Dual-flush ultra low flow toilets installed.

Operation, Maintenance, and Homeowner Education

• Green Home Manual provided to owners/occupants explaining use and care of the home. Manual includes:
• Important details of maintenance and operation to keep a green-built home green.
• Gold or Silver Certified Green-Building Program Certificate.
• Household recycling opportunities.
• Benefits of using compact fluorescent light bulbs in high-usage areas.
• Habits/actions for optimizing water consumption and energy use.

Lot Design

• Environmentally sensitive areas, identified through existing third party data, were avoided.
• A knowledgeable team approach used so that green building goals are communicated to all.
• Minimized soil disturbance and erosion, scheduled construction activities to minimize exposed soils.
• Maintained/enhanced wildlife habitat.

Resource Efficiency

• Materials requiring no additional onsite finish resources are used.
• Implemented and utilized a construction waste management program and recycled construction waste offsite.
• Use of recycled-content building materials and locally-available indigenous materials.

Global Impact

• Use of low-VOC indoor paints only. VOC concentrations (grams/liter) of interior paints were equal to or less than those specified by the EPA's Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program.

Green features vary by home style. Please visit each homes' Features & Finishes section to see what is unique to townhomes, condos, and carriage homes.