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Upstream Construction
incorporates high performance construction techniques into every
project we take on. To us, high performance means high quality,
healthy, sustainable, durable, and energy efficient. This is the
only intelligent and responsible way to build.
It is our
practice to build homes that meet EarthCraft and Energy Star certifications and LEED for Homes certification is also available. We
are happy to comply with the requirements of these certifications to
verify that we have built a durable, high performance house.
Complying with the certification requirements will typically result
in cost increases in some areas, cost savings in other areas, and
significantly lower monthly utility bills. Overall, high performance
houses are comparable in cost to conventional houses and you get so
much more. Studies are showing that certifications may increase the
resale value of your home as well.
EarthCraft and LEED for
Homes certifications require third party performance testing of the
house and systems including the Blower Door test (measuring the
integrity of the thermal envelope) and the Duct Blaster test
(measuring the integrity of the duct work). Upstream has two team
members that have achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) professional accreditation by demonstrating a thorough
understanding of green building practices and principles, and the
LEED rating system.
Energy Star certification requires that
a Thermal Bypass Checklist be completed by a third party. The
Checklist requires visual inspection of framing areas where air
barriers are commonly missed and inspection of insulation to ensure
proper alignment with air barriers to ensure that air and thermal
barriers are continuous and complete.
These three well
respected certifications work together. Energy Star sets high
standards for appliances, lighting and energy efficiency. EarthCraft
is a very good all-around standard and has the benefit of being
tailored to our mixed humid climate in Virginia. LEED for Homes is a
stringent national standard for those wanting the very best in high
performance homes. The LEED for Homes standard is driving the
industry to update existing products to make them healthier, to
create new products and technologies, and to adopt practices that
will transform how buildings are constructed for a sustainable
future.
Certifications are something that consumers can look
for to readily identify homes that are proven to be superior to
conventional homes by third-party inspection and performance
testing. The certifications confirm that the home is constructed to
meet the highest health, sustainability and energy efficiency
criteria and is truly a high performance home.
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