 More home builders are becoming committed to the cause of green home building from what EnviroCitizen.org has observed. A green home uses less of Earth's resources in energy, water and raw materials. Green homes should use healthier materials as well. Eco-friendly materials have no volatile organic compounds; the chemicals that create indoor air pollution in paints, carpets and finishes. The overall results in a better quality home.
MBK Homes are builders who specialize in creating sustainable homes. Their site states, "An investment in an MBK home is an investment in your future happiness and in the wellbeing of the earth we share. Minimizing the impact of our carbon footprint and using our planet's precious resources wisely are top priorities at MBK. As part of our commitment to making wise decisions that benefit people and the planet we created the LifeWise Program which categorizes the abundance of earth-friendly features your MBK home has."
MBK has four areas that they focus on in homes. These are: water, health, earth and energy. MBK's health mark means that the home has materials in it that ensure better indoor air quality. There are ventilation systems that are very efficient and work to remove fumes from within the home. They also use materials that do not emit VOCs.
The water mark means that water efficient technology is used in the home. Water-Saving faucets, fixtures and toilets are installed in the homes. This reduces water volume while maintaining desired water pressure, meaning that things will run well on less water. ENERGY STAR rated dishwashers, clotheswashers and other such appliances are used in the home so less hot water is used. Hot water is usually one of the reasons why home water use is high, because it takes time for water to reach and maintain a desired temperature. ENERGY STAR rated products reduce the use of hot water and therefore help conserve it.
When a home has an earth mark, it means that the materials used came from carefully chosen resources. One such feature is engineered wood products which reduce the harvesting of large trees, which need more time to replenish. Flooring is made from sustainable and recycled materials. Their design center offers sustainable flooring materials like bamboo, cork and carpet made from recycled soda bottles. The waste from creating the home is taken into account by recycling construction debris. It reduces the amount of debris by recycling wood, paper and concrete construction waste. Following along the pattern, MBK Homes puts recycling centers in the kitchen.
The energy mark means that less energy is used in the home. One of the common features in the homes are motion-sensing lights. This means that light is only used in occupied areas. The homes are also well sealed and insulated so less energy is used and a more uniform, comfortable temperature can be maintained. ENERGY STAR appliances and systems are used to maintain energy efficiency.
EnviroCitizen.org believes that this California company is one of the building firms moving us toward a brighter future, creating homes that are both green and desirable.
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