SUSTAINABILITY

Living LIghtly on the Land. Sustainability is a best-practice approach to home building and remodeling that weaves together aesthetics, design, construction, and cost with environmental concern. We work with the green building guidelines of the U.S Green Building Council and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Green Building Program to educate ourselves and our clients on continually evolving best practices.

At Nimtz Design Group, we believe the best residential design has always been sustainable in that it makes a compelling case for a building's continued existence. When a house is well sited for daylight and microclimate, well built of enduring materials, and carefully planned to support the daily lives of its inhabitants, it makes a strong case to remain standing. Without these qualities, no home is truly sustainable, no matter how energy efficient or recyclable.

Energy Conservation

Heating, water heating, and appliances account for 80 percent of the energy use of a home. To reduce energy consumption and cut annual energy operating costs, Nimtz Design Group recommends choosing Energy Star appliances, controlling air leakage, installing good insulation, siting houses appropriately, and using renewable energy resources such as solar panels.

Water Conservation

Taking steps to conserve water use on both the exterior and interior of your home is an important aspect of sustainability. Water use in the average American home ranges from 50-100 gallons a day, and 36 percent of this is for lawn and garden care. Native plants and rainwater collection can significantly offset exterior water use. Inside the home, Nimtz DesignGroup suggests integrating low-flow fixtures and recommends water reuse systems.

Material Conservation

Green design takes into consideration the source of materials, i.e. distance traveled to the home, the resources consumed in manufacturing those materials, and the construction process. Nimtz Design Group recommends materials that reduce energy use, air and water pollution, and habitat loss. We also support the use of locally derived materials, which contribute to the local economy. We will clarify how any choice of materials affects the durability of your home, as well as its indoor air quality.

Waste Reduction

It is important to consider the reduction of waste throughout the design, construction, and occupancy of a home. The average American home generates approximately 8,000 pounds of construction waste. Recycling and salvaging help reduce landfill waste, dumping fees, and garbage hauling costs.