Homes with Environmental Stewardship
Seems like these days every maker of toothpaste or rubber bands is suddenly proclaiming their product to be “Now Environmentally Responsible.” So if you’re reading this section with a jaded eye, we would certainly understand. But Todays Homes takes the environment very seriously — we have since the beginning, and our reasons include some rather selfish ones.
We are, after all, a Colorado company. Many of our customers have moved to Colorado looking for the open space, fresh air, and purity of water that are no longer available wherever they lived before they got here. The Colorado environment is an important “accessory” in the package of what we sell, and it is precious and finite. The only way to keep it in our package of goods is to ensure that each new sale has as little impact on it as possible. Yes, Todays Homes is just as concerned as everyone about the health of the planet our children and grandchildren will inherit from us. But Todays Homes must go beyond mere bumper-sticker pieties. Our immediate concern about next year’s sales keeps us locked on the straight and narrow. If this topic is important to you, great! Know we are taking serious action right now to preserve our glorious environment. If this topic is of marginal importance to you, that’s okay too. The steps we’re taking are going to make your life easier and more comfortable, and will save you real money on your utilities.
Todays Homes is building more new homes in more Colorado Springs communities while actually shrinking the environmental impact legacy of the families that buy them. We’re ahead of the pack on this front, and we aggressively hold all our contractors and vendors to the same standard. Here are a few of the items currently on our Environmental Stewardship Punch List:
Solar Shield Windows
These windows reflect more radiant heat energy and reduce UV transmission, keeping the heat out during the summer. They also have improved thermal efficiency, which keeps more heat in during the Winter. This is a perfect combination that dramatic reduces the impact of the weather outside on the home’s interior climate. End result, a substantial reduction in energy use.
Energy Star Appliances
Energy Star-qualified appliances must meet strict efficiency guidelines and incorporate advanced technology that reduces energy use by 10 - 50%.
Every appliance installed in a new home by Todays Homes carries the Energy Star. Your energy savings are not limited to an isolated appliance, but are received across the board.
FSC Certified Wood Products
All of our wood products, from framing lumber and wooden casings, to mouldings, door trim, window sills and hardwood flooring, are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
Air Tightness Infiltration and Exfiltration
The single greatest source of heat loss in a home has been identified by Todays Homes and dramatically addressed. We now inject urethane foam-fill into the joist spaces and super-seal the air/vapor barrier. These measures are then tested and independently inspected.
Xeriscaping
Because we build along the drought-prone Front Range, we use aggressive water saving methods on all of our landscape projects. Recycled wood mulch is used to keep soil moist, and we plant hardy wild grass mixtures, rather than thirsty urban lawns. We scrupulously select a variety of native trees, bushes, and shrubs. We then accent it all with the most drought resistant perennial flowers, providing a thrill of color and visual refreshment. The result: Gorgeous, unusual and utterly water-miserly. Todays Homes landscaping is environmentally responsible and horticultural high art.
Additional Eco Friendly Features
- Gypsum wall board is made from 100% recycled paper
- Low Vulatile Organic Carbon (VOC) Paint and lacquers
- Gas fireplaces with electronic start
- Pre-finished hardwood
- Insulated garages