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| North Scottsdale luxury community goes Green and Solar  Privada, the luxury gated enclave in North Scottsdale, Arizona has gone Green and Solar with all new homes offered in the community. In fact, the new homes come with a guarantee of heating and cooling energy usage. Environments for Living, a third party energy certification program, reports that the homes are up to 71 percent more energy efficient than other new code-compliant homes, and up to 99 percent more energy efficient than the average ten year old home. The new homes at Privada will reduce the carbon footprint by up to 66 percent over other conventional code-compliant homes. A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment, and in particular climate change. It relates to the amount of greenhouse gases produced in our day-to-day lives through such things as burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating and transportation. Additionally Privada is making standard on all new homes a new solar electric system that will deliver up to 65 percent of the home's energy needs, making them "Near Zero" homes. Echo Solar System is a complete photovoltaic solar solution that produces enough electricity to run appliances, heat water for bathing, as well as heat the pool and spa, and even home heating and home cooling. All of the new homes are being constructed in association with the City of Scottsdale Advanced Green Building Program. The homes have also been awarded the Diamond Level, the highest level of achievement from Environments for Living, a national construction program that looks at the home as a system of systems and helps builders construct homes that are more energy efficient, comfortable and durable than conventional code-built homes. Privada is also an APS Energy Star and Solar Community. Specific examples of Privada's commitment to energy efficiency and green building are: -"Near Zero" energy usage -Solar electric system that delivers up to 65% of the home's energy needs -Insulation and framing techniques that minimize voids -Fresh air delivery system means less dust, fewer odors and remarkably comfortable temperatures -High efficiency HVAC systems with 16-Seer dual stage air conditioning along with 95 percent direct vent furnaces -Low-E energy efficient wood and aluminum clad windows -60 to 70 percent of all exterior walls are double framed and provided for deep recessed windows and added insulation -State of the art insulation systems which provide for an exceptional thermal envelope -High efficiency solar water heaters with recirculation system for quick demand -Low-flow plumbing fixtures -Energy Star front loading washer -Energy efficient dishwasher -Foam roofing system provides for a greater thermal barrier and reduces heating and cooling demand -Over a 30 percent reduction in water consumption compared to other code-compliant homes -Irrigation fertilization systems that reduce water consumption -Smart Irrigation Systems monitor weather conditions -Xeriscape (use of low water consuming plants and gardening practices that support water conservation) -High efficiency pool pump reduces energy by 30 to 90 percent over traditional pool pumps write your comments about the article :: © 2010 Construction News :: home page |