Baltimore, MD, September 20, 2007: This 3 story 4 bed/4 bath Energy Star home at 1744 Johnson Street, designed and built by Baltimore area startup Green Building Alternatives, LLC (www.GBAlternatives.com), sports everything you'd expect from a new renovation in trendy Federal Hill, including the obligatory rooftop deck. With Riverside Park directly across the street, the Middle Branch Inner Harbor inlet to the south, and city skyline to the north, the views are spectacular. But, there is so much more that separates this dream home from any other in this crowded housing market.
One realtor who recently viewed the home said, "I applaud the owners for taking the green route on this rehab - it would be nice to see more of this in Baltimore. It is very well laid out."
According to an audit performed on the house by an independent home energy rater, the average family of four is estimated to save more than 40% on their utility bill. At today's rates, that translates into a savings of over $1,000 per year. And if saving the world is important to you, check out the stats on this house compared to a standard built home.
Air pollution reduction
- Carbon Dioxide - 11,210.95 fewer pounds of CO2/year
- Sulfur Dioxide - 75.53 fewer pounds of SO2/year
- Nitrogen Oxide - 40.26 fewer pounds of NO/year
How do these figures translate to real life?
- Equal to 2.23 passenger cars not driven for one year or
- Equal to 274 tree seedlings grown for 10 years
Water use reduction
- 2,500 gal/yr of water saved due to PEX plumbing system
- 3,050 gal/yr saved due to the Rain Barrel
Storm water run-off reduction - 250 gal/yr due to Porous Pavers
- 3,050 gal/yr due to the Rain Barrel
- 4,000 gal/yr due to Underground Rain Well
- 800 gal/yr due to Young Tree (1,600 gal/yr Mature Tree)
Green & Energy Efficient Features - Use of "old world" technology, featuring working transoms for increased airflow and light
- Whole house fan to reduce the AC cooling season
- Every light in the house is Energy Star rated
- Rainwater reclaiming and porous paves to reduce harmful runoff into the harbor
- FSC certified lumber when possible
- Recycled building materials, such as drywall, roofing tiles made of recycled tires, and carpet made of recycled 2-liter bottles
- Sustainable floors such as fast growing eucalyptus wood flooring
- Insulation made of recycled blue jeans
- kitchen island made of recycled glass and concrete
- Solar Tubes washing the home with natural light
- Wired for data, phone, and cable on just about every wall in every major room
Co-founder, Erik Steensen, a self-professed geek says, "This is a house I'd want to live in." He continues, "This house is not only green, it's user friendly in ways that non-technical people will appreciate, but it's also a tech junkie's dream come true." About Green Building Alternatives, LLC and its founders
Green Building Alternatives, LLC is a general contractor, expert in traditional and green building. Husband and wife team, Erik and Laura Steensen, co-founded GBA to fill the void for affordable, residential, energy efficient, green buildings. Laura comments, "There are lots of people who consult about green building but few who do the work, particularly on smaller scale residential projects."
Visit www.GBAlternatives.com for more information about the builder. Go to www.DreamGreenHome.com for a site dedicated to showcasing the house, complete with interactive floor plans detailing what's "under the hood", 3D renderings of the interior and exterior of the home and lots of photos.
For more information contact Green Building Alternatives, LLC at 410-528-8899 or
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