How We’re Green

At Athena Custom Homes, we make it a priority to fully embrace sustainable building practices and to use earth-friendly products and materials whenever possible.  That’s why so many “green building” practices and materials are standard in all of our homes and in our building process. 

Standard Green Features in all Athena Custom Homes

Energy Efficiency:  Use less energy, don’t lose energy, use renewable energy sources

•           Foam insulation at windows   

•           Caulked outlets, sheetrock openings, holes for wires

•           2 x 6 exterior walls

•           Insulated corners and interior/exterior wall intersections

•           Insulated headers on exterior walls

•           Insulated stairwells

•           Energy efficient light fixtures & bulbs

•           Foil-backed sheetrock

•           Glued sheetrock & sheathing

•           Energy Star rated windows

•           Whole house fan with insulated louvers

Resource Efficiency:  Reduce quantities of material used, use durable materials, use recycled materials, use renewable materials, re-use materials, recycle

•           Significantly reduced waste due to factory efficiencies

•           Roof overhangs

•           Advantech floor sheathing

•           Materials recycled in plant and on-site

•           Use of recycled drywall

•           Scrap drywall is recycled

•           Wood donated to community

Water Efficiency:    Minimize water usage inside and outside the home, recycle water

•         Water conserving faucets; aerated shower heads

•         Kohler 1.5 gallon water saver toilet

•         Efficient design; minimized distance between water heater and baths/kitchen

Indoor Air Quality:  Minimize potential sources of pollutants, manage pollutants generated in home, manage moisture

•         Low VOC carpet, carpet  pads, and floor covering adhesives (“Green Label” certified)

•         Low VOC caulks and glues

•         Particleboard,  plywood & fiberboard are certified to low formaldehyde emissions standards

•         HVAC outlets masked during construction

•         Air exchange system

•         Energy Star rated exhaust fan in every bath ducted to outside

•         Kitchen range exhausted to outside

•         Tightly sealed door between garage and living area

•         No plumbing lines in exterior walls

•         Lumber checked for moisture content before use

•         Moisture-resistant backerboard under tiled surfaces

Site Impact:  Minimize environmental impacts; protect and restore natural features & environmental quality, during construction and in ongoing use

•         Reduced site compaction from parking, materials, etc.

•         Soil disturbance minimized

•         Site designed to manage storm water and minimize runoff

Operation, Maintenance & Homeowner Education:  Owners and occupants are educated and equipped to use and care for home consistent with guiding principles

•         Correct operation of equipment

•         Maintenance of equipment

Global Impact:  Identify and reduce negative by-products of home construction.

•         Factory efficiencies reduce “embodied energy”;  large volume deliveries, reduced transportation

Optional Green Features available in Athena Custom Homes

•         Icynene Spray Foam Insulation

•         FSC Certified Lumber

•         Low VOC Paints

•         Bamboo Flooring

•         P2000 Radiant Barrier Insulation

•         Whole-house heat recovery & energy recovery systems

 •         HardiPlank Siding

•         WarmBoard Radiant Heat

•         Advantech Wall & Roof Sheathing

•         Prep for Photovoltaic (solar), Geothermal, etc.