Environmental Stewardship and Green Building
The Green Building movement has at its core the intent to build homes that are in
harmony with their environment both ecologically and aesthetically. The pursuit
of ecological harmony in the design of a new home can be complex, as a review of
the Green Building materials and certification literature will attest. The aesthetic
component, while more difficult to quantify, is a cornerstone of Green Building
at Connor Homes.
Our company continually weighs the environmental impact of the materials we use
and the methods we use for production to assess and mitigate their environmental
impact. Our factory production creates far less waste material than is found in
site-built construction. This not only saves material from the landfill, but results
in more efficient construction costs. We also design our homes using materials,
doors, windows etc. that enable the home owner to qualify for energy star rated
programs and LEED Certification in their local areas. We also consider orientation
and site development for each home to properly assess the impact of local elements
including solar advantages in our designs.
Sustainability of resources is an important piece of the Green Building philosophy
at Connor Homes, and we lead the industry in addressing this important aspect of
Green Building. It is our sincere belief that durability that allows a home to sustain
itself on the landscape is one of the most important ways that a home can be a positive
force in the sustainability of resources. Many of today’s new homes are built using
structural components made from building products that have a less than fifty year
life expectancy. Our homes use only structural components that we know have withstood
the test of time, so that our homes, given normal routine maintenance, will last
indefinitely, and will not have to be rebuilt in fifty years or less, but remain
on the landscape for many generations.
As part of our ongoing commitment to Green Building, Connor Homes continually examines
and tests new building materials, equipment, procedures, and designs so that our
customers can be assured that their new home is in both ecological and aesthetic
harmony with the environment.
Lastly, the ability of a home to sustain itself on the landscape has much to do
with its inherent architectural beauty, as a beautiful home benefits from a more
motivated stewardship. While it may be difficult to quantify beauty, it is our belief
that architecture rooted in classical forms has proven its aesthetic durability
over many centuries, and therefore can rightfully claim its prominent position in
aesthetic considerations.
"And they are energy star rated if built to spec!"
Homeowner
Great Barrington, MA