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Green Renovation: Coastal Cottage
Construction completed Summer '09
Located on the coast of Rhode Island, this 1950s cottage has been in the same family for two generations. The property already possesses 20 photovoltaic solar panels, which generate a significant portion of the cottage's energy, but the current owners want to do more to make this an energy-efficient home. With the planned renovations, the property will become a Zero Energy Home, which means it will produce more energy than it uses. $0
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How we'll green it:$0
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$0Install a new R-40 SIP (Structural Insulated Panel) roof$0
$0Install new closed-cell spray foam insulation to create a tight seal$0
$0Install an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) to improve air quality$0
$0Install rain barrels to collect rain water for watering the garden$0
$0Use sustainable, reclaimed, and/or recycled materials, including FSC-certified wood and fly-ash$0
$0Donate recovered materials to Habitat for Humanity $0
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Specifically, Native Structures will replace the old roof that used R-13 batten insulation with an entirely new R-40 SIP (Structural Insulated Panel) roof. We'll also remove the batten insulation in the walls and install new closed-cell spray foam insulation to create a very tight envelope around the home. As with any well-insulated home, it will be equipped with an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) to bring in fresh air and allow the home to breathe.$0
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The new wood being installed, (2x's and plywood) is certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and the blueboard will contain 95% recycled content, including fly ash (which is a by-product of coal-fired electric power plants) and recycled paper. Rain barrels will also be installed at the bottom of the down spouts to collect rain water for watering the garden.$0
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