Like all new homes built by DJK Home Builders, the houses and floorplans available at Stewart Ridge can be built according to green building principles and energy conservation standards. DJK Home Builders constantly strives to keep themselves up to date on the latest advanced building methods that lead to energy efficiency, cost savings, healthy living environments, a reduced impact on the environment and a lower carbon footprint.

DJK Homes is proud to offer new homes that have earned the ENERGY STAR ® label. The ENERGY STAR label is a certification that means that your new home has been designed and built to standards well above other homes in the market today. ENERGY STAR homes are higher quality, more comfortable, and more durable than new homes that have not been certified. ENERGY STAR homes are a better value for today (because of reduced utility costs) and a better investment for tomorrow (lower maintenance costs and a higher resale value). The ENERGY STAR label gives you the peace of mind that your home has undergone a thorough process for inspections, testing, and independent verification to ensure that it meets strict requirements set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  More information about ENERGY STAR certified new homes and the certification process can be found at http://www.energystar.gov/

In addition to the ENERGY STAR certification, DJK Home Builders also offers certification with the LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) or NAHB Green (National Association of Home Buiders) programs, including certification at the highest levels – LEED Platinum and NAHB Green Emerald. These extremely strict standards offer all of the benefits of the ENERGY STAR certification and more. To learn more about the LEED certification requirements and levels, visit the United States Green Building Council’s website at www.usgbc.org/leed. To learn more about the NAHB Green certification requirements and levels, visit the National Association of Home Builders’ website at www.nahbgreen.org.

No matter which certification you choose, making sure that your house is energy efficient and environmentally friendly involves several aspects of the building process, including home site management & waste reduction, energy efficiency, renewable energy, water efficiency, and indoor air quality.

Home Site Management & Waste Reduction

Green building involves reducing the environmental impact on the worksite, as well as reducing the amount of construction waste generated by the building process. DJK Homes uses several techniques to do this:

• Planning and measuring in advance to reduce the amount of waste material
• Protecting and preserving trees already present on the property
• Reusing concrete forms
• Sorting and recycling leftover building material scrap to reduce the amount going to a landfill
• Installing silt fencing to protect from erosion during construction

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficient homes generate immense savings on utility bills throughout the years. By reducing energy generated, not only does an energy efficient home save you money, but also reduces the impact of energy generated through fossil fuels and the associated effects on the planet. Aspects of a DJK Home Builders energy-efficient home include:

• Insulation: Styrofoam board insulation on the basement and exterior walls to prevent energy leakage. Blown-in insulation in the walls and attic.
• Furnace & Thermostat: Super energy efficient furnace. Insulation around all of the ductwork to prevent heat loss. A zoned, programmable thermostat that helps keep the temperature more constant throughout the house.
• Windows: low-e, argon-filled double-pane windows let light in, but help keep energy from getting in and out.
• ENERGY STAR appliances and CFL lighting reduce energy usage throughout the home

Renewable Energy

• Solar panels and solar thermal power can reduce your home’s dependence on commercially-produced energy even further.

Water Efficiency

• ENERGY STAR approved dishwashers use less water
• Regionally appropriate trees and plants require less watering
• Low flow volume faucets use less water while still maintaining pressure
• Water efficient toilets use less water per flush

Indoor Air Quality

• Attic ventilation system circulates air and prevents it from getting stale.
• Low VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and finishes reduce the amount of toxic compounds in the air of your home
• Advance air filtration system removes allergens, dust, and pollen from your home’s air
• Waterproof foundation walls prevent damp basement environments that cause mold growth
• Central humidifier unit regulates the humidity in your home, especially during the dry winter months