2017 Sustainability Report

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Jocelyn Fields
6 years ago
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1 2017 Sustainability Report

CONTENTS What s New in 2017: A Solar Farmhouse, Material Sustainability Updates 3 2017 By the Numbers: Energy Use, Waste, Water, Green Building, Shipping, Community 4-5 2017 Recognition and

2 CONTENTS What s New in 2017: A Solar Farmhouse, Material Sustainability Updates By the Numbers: Energy Use, Waste, Water, Green Building, Shipping, Community Recognition and Certification 6 Energy Codes Explained 7 Spotlight: Passive Solar Design 8-9 Case Study: The New Off-Grid Living Deltec employees volunteer their time to use scrap lumber from our manufacturing process to build nest boxes for the Carolina Northern Flying squirrel. More on our 2017 community involvement on page 5 2

WHAT S NEW IN 2017 A Modern (Solar) Farmhouse If there s one architectural style that is timeless, it s the Farmhouse.

home, making the remaining 1/3 easy to power with renewable energy.

3 WHAT S NEW IN 2017 A Modern (Solar) Farmhouse If there s one architectural style that is timeless, it s the Farmhouse. Now Deltec offers this classic design in a high performance home, featuring our super-insulated building shell package and passive solar design, with options for additional sustainable siding, fresh air ventilation, and solar hot water. The Solar Farmhouse adds yet another architectural style to our Renew Collection, pre-designed floorplans in appealing architectural styles that are designed to use 2/3rds less energy than a typical home, making the remaining 1/3 easy to power with renewable energy. Material Sustainability Updates In 2017 our exclusive supplier of truss lumber, Beadles Lumber (now owned by Canfor Southern Pine), achieved the Sustainable Forestry Initiatve (SFI) Certified Sourcing certification. We re proud to add them to the list of our other SFI Certified material: plywood by Georgia Pacific and stud lumber by Weyerhaeuser. The Sustainable Forestry Initiative supports sustainable forest management. The Solar Farmhouse features a new sustainable siding choice: Boral TrueExterior polyash siding. This product is Cradle to Cradle Certified Bronze, and contains a minimum of 70% recycled content. Cradle to Cradle Certified products are evaluated for material health, material reutilization, renewable energy use and carbon management, water stewardship, and social fairness. Boral TrueExterior siding offers the look of wood with the durability and low-maintenance benefits of polyash, a material made from recycled content from coal power production. 3

2017 BY THE NUMBERS Waste Manufacturing Waste Diverted From Landfill 81.

7% 1% 18% Waste Streams 2% Cardboard/Paper/Glass/Steel 8% Donated or Reused

Material utilization goals in our factory helped increase our diverted waste

Our five-year average remains strong at 80% and we continue monitoring local

Electricity Electricity (Megawatt-Hours) 392 392 302 302 68 75 2017 2016 We

2017 compared to 2016, so we bought more wind power to operate with 100%

We continue to see energy savings benefits from lighting and insulation

Wind Power Purchased Power Generated on-site w/ Solar Used in Production

Though our manufacturing process does not use a significant amount of water,

4 2017 BY THE NUMBERS Waste Manufacturing Waste Diverted From Landfill 81.7% 80.3% 79.7% 1% 18% Waste Streams 2% Cardboard/Paper/Glass/Steel 8% Donated or Reused Mulch/Boiler Fuel Scrap Metal 5 Year Average % Landfilled Waste Material utilization goals in our factory helped increase our diverted waste percentage last year. Our five-year average remains strong at 80% and we continue monitoring local recycling markets for opportunities to add recycling streams. Electricity Electricity (Megawatt-Hours) We used slightly more energy and produced slightly less with our solar array in 2017 compared to 2016, so we bought more wind power to operate with 100% renewable energy. We continue to see energy savings benefits from lighting and insulation improvements made to our 50-yearold facility in the past four years. Wind Power Purchased Power Generated on-site w/ Solar Used in Production Water Our 2017 water use was well below average for a company of our size. Though our manufacturing process does not use a significant amount of water, we are adding a process that will use some water, so we will use the 2017 numbers as a baseline measurement. 100k gallons Used in our office and model homes, well below the average 920K gallons per year for an office of our size. Source: US Energy Information Administration 2012 survey 4

Green Building Impact projects which took advantage of our free green building consulting services projects exceeding IECC 2012/2015 energy efficiency levels (new, more stringent US energy code) by

5 Green Building Impact projects which took advantage of our free green building consulting services projects exceeding IECC 2012/2015 energy efficiency levels (new, more stringent US energy code) by at least 20% 51.0% 49.0% project exceeding IECC 1009 energy efficiency levels (the average US energy code) by at least 20% 72.5% projects using renewable energy 8.8% projects receiving 3rd party green building certification 15.7% projects using advanced passive solar design principles 9.8% projects verified to incorporate mechanical fresh air ventilation 38.0% Shipping Energy Every Deltec structural shell is built in our manufacturing facility in Asheville, NC and shipped to the customer s site, typically in an enclosed tractor trailer or shipping container. In 2017, we partnered with Appalachian Offsets, a WNC non-profit, to purchase carbon offsets for our 2017 shipping miles. These offsets are helping fund a solar array for Isaac Dickson Elementary School here in Asheville. Community Service Deltec Homes employees volunteered a total of 220 community service hours to Meals on Wheels, NC Wildlife Squirrel Box Building, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue construction projects, and community education on green building Goals In 2018, we are expanding our manufacturing facility to bring in our sister company, Delkote Machine Finishing. Though this expansion will increase our energy and water use, it provides Delkote with a facility that offers greater energy efficiency and recycling opportunities. Our 2018 goal is to maintain our 2017 energy use plus up to 75% of Delkote s energy use at its old facility.

2017 CERTIFICATION AND RECOGNITION Certified B Corp Deltec Homes remains a Certified B Corp Certification, an honor given to companies who meet the highest standards of verified social and

We completed our re-certification for 2017 with a slight improvement in our overall score on the B-Impact assessment.

We are proud to be Living Wage Certified, an official recognition of our efforts to promote a just and sustainable local economy through the Living Wage program of Just Economics in Western

Energy Star Homes Deltec Homes have always been easy to certify under the Energy Star for Homes program, and since Energy Star for Homes 3.0 rolled out in 2012, many have.

6 2017 CERTIFICATION AND RECOGNITION Certified B Corp Deltec Homes remains a Certified B Corp Certification, an honor given to companies who meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance. The process is rigourous and entails an assessment that weighed and scored our company on metrics of governance, workers, community, and environmental stewardship. We completed our re-certification for 2017 with a slight improvement in our overall score on the B-Impact assessment. Living Wage Employer A community is only as strong as we make it, and in order for a community to thrive, it is critical that its inhabitants earn enough money to be self-sustaining members. We are proud to be Living Wage Certified, an official recognition of our efforts to promote a just and sustainable local economy through the Living Wage program of Just Economics in Western North Carolina, the largest program of its kind in the United States. Energy Star Homes Deltec Homes have always been easy to certify under the Energy Star for Homes program, and since Energy Star for Homes 3.0 rolled out in 2012, many have. In fact, in 2017, our local building company, Deltec Building Company, built 100% of eligible homes as Energy Star. NC GreenBuilt Homes There are a lot of green building programs that go further than energy efficiency, and we choose to partner with the local non-profit Green Built Alliance to support their NC GreenBuilt Homes Program. In 2017 we built one home to the Green Built NC Standard. 6

Deltec and Building Energy Codes The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is the model energy code used in the US for residential construction.

These requirements vary by US climate zone, with colder climates requiring stricter energy efficiency measures than warmer climates.

7 Deltec and Building Energy Codes The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is the model energy code used in the US for residential construction. It sets insulation, window performance, and other energy efficiency measures required by the law. These requirements vary by US climate zone, with colder climates requiring stricter energy efficiency measures than warmer climates. The IECC is updated every three years and gets more strict with each update, though different states adopt new versions at different paces. Some states still follow very old energy codes or no energy code at all, while others quickly adopt the newest IECC or even write their own, stricter versions. Therefore, the question does this home meet energy code? or more importantly does this home exceed energy code? depends very much on location. Us Climate Zone map used by most state code programs. Higher numbers indicate colder climates, and higher insulation R-value requirements for walls, roof, floor, and for windows. Knowing the variations of energy codes across the country, we offer energy efficient options that can be added to your Deltec shell and will put your home well ahead of the curve in most locations. These options include our Energy Wall with 2x6 framing plus R5 exterior insulation, Double Stud Wall with two layers of 2x4 studs, Energy Saver and Energy Saver Plus trusses, and Energy Star Certified windows. Each year we track the percentage of projects that incorporate these energy efficient options and can exceed the 2009 IECC, which is the most adopted version in the US, by at least 20% based on energy modeling. In 2017, we began tracking those who can also exceed the 2015 IECC, the most stringent model energy code yet, by at least 20% (page 5). States adopt new versions of the IECC codes at different rates. Newer codes are published by the IECC every 3 years and tend to increase efficiency measures required with each new version. According to analysis for the Department of Energy, the provisions in the 2009 IECC reduce average energy costs by 10.8%, and the 2012 by 32.1%, compared to the 2006 IECC 1. The 2015 IECC delivers an additional 0.98% energy savings over the This level of efficiency is a common performance goal for clients seeking Energy Star for Homes Certification of course, some of our clients take energy efficiency much further than this. 1. DOE Building Technologies Program. April National Energy Cost and Cost Savings for New Single- and Multifamily Homes: A Comparison of the 2006, 2009, and 2012 Editions of the IECC. 2. WV Mendon et. May IECC: Energy Savings Analysis. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory 7

SPOTLIGHT: PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN Since the beginning of time, people have used the shape and placement of their homes to maximize comfort and minimize energy use.

8 SPOTLIGHT: PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN Since the beginning of time, people have used the shape and placement of their homes to maximize comfort and minimize energy use. Using the guiding principles of the passive solar design, you can take advantage of the sun s movement throughout the year to reduce heating and cooling bills. Orientation Large, south-facing windows in an open living area allow direct sunlight to heat the space in winter, reducing the demand on the heating system. The appropriate area of south-facing glass is calculated as a ratio of the floor area of the home, based on climate zone and level of passive solar being pursued. Shading The overhang is thoughtfully selected to shade the south-facing windows in the summer, reducing demand on the cooling system, and leave them unshaded in the winter, allowing heat gain. The length is determined based on home s wall height, window size, and latitude. Thermal Mass Dense material inside the living space, such as stained concrete or tile floors, slate wall tile, or other thermal mass absorbs the sun s heat from the windows and stores it, keeping the room at a more constant temperature throughout the day, and the year. The required surface area of thermal mass is calculated according to the square footage of south-facing glass. Super-Insulation The level of insulation in the walls, ceiling, and foundation should go well above local code requirements to take advantage of the heat gained from the passive solar sunspace. Slab foundations in particular should be insulated to isolate concrete temperatures from the ground. 8

Levels of Passive Solar Design This time-honored design is widely used on Deltec projects and our green building department can work with you to incorporate some or all of its principles at one of

True Passive Solar uses south-facing glass at a ratio of 10%-15% of the floor area of the home per level, and often uses a high-solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) Low-E coating to allow in as much as

9 Levels of Passive Solar Design This time-honored design is widely used on Deltec projects and our green building department can work with you to incorporate some or all of its principles at one of two different levels. True Passive Solar uses south-facing glass at a ratio of 10%-15% of the floor area of the home per level, and often uses a high-solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) Low-E coating to allow in as much as 50% of the heat from sunlight that strikes these windows. East and west facing glass area is reduced to 3% of floor area to reduce overheating from low angle sun, and north-facing glass is also reduced, to limit heat loss through cold north windows. Interior thermal mass Passive solar home in Asheville, NC that uses south facing glass, overhangs and awnings, and thermal mass in the form of a stained concrete floor. and super-insulation are critical to absorb and store the heat harvested from the solar gain space. Proper overhang lengths for latitude are used, and on two-story designs, awnings are used over lower level south-facing windows. These design features together can reduce a home s heating and cooling bills up to 1/3. True passive solar design is appropriate for clients with south-facing views in cool, cold, or desert climates. Sun Tempered Design also utilizes overhang length designed for latitude and south-facing window glass, but at a lower ratio to the floor area (up to 7%) to avoid overheating a space that doesn t contain thermal mass to absorb and store heat. Sun-tempered design still benefits from reduced east, west, and north-facing glass, but these principles may be balancing against views that call for larger windows on these sides. The heating and cooling benefits are not as extensive as with passive solar design, but south-facing sun spaces can still A sun-tempered design uses a reduced amount of south-facing window glass to avoid overheating a room that does not contain thermal mass to absorb extra heat. reduce heating demand compared to spaces with no passive principles applied. Sun-tempered design is a good path for those building in milder climates, those who are unable to work thermal mass into their design, or have views in non-southern directions to take advantage of. 9

CASE STUDY The New Off-Grid Way Of Life Peter and Jenna Hernandez built a Deltec home in a truly

) They took our base Ridgeline design and made it their own and used some of the most cutting-edge

Insulation Deltec Energy Wall with 2x6 framing insulated with R26 closed cell spray foam +R5 exterior

ventilation system, 22 KW off grid solar system with batteries, propane tank water heater with shunt

10 CASE STUDY The New Off-Grid Way Of Life Peter and Jenna Hernandez built a Deltec home in a truly idyllic setting. We re a little jealous (okay, we re very jealous.) They took our base Ridgeline design and made it their own and used some of the most cutting-edge technologies to heat and cool the home with electricity, while being completely off the grid. Insulation Deltec Energy Wall with 2x6 framing insulated with R26 closed cell spray foam +R5 exterior XPS for R31 total, R45 closed cell spray foam in roof, Energy Star windows with Low-E glass tuned for passive solar design. Systems Mitsibushi mini-split heat pump and AC system, Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) fresh air ventilation system, 22 KW off grid solar system with batteries, propane tank water heater with shunt power input for days when solar array overproduces, LED lighting and ultra-efficient appliances. Other Cradle to Cradle Certified Bronze siding, sun tempered design, direct-vent fireplace, Energy Star Certification in progress. 10

The home is heated and cooled by two Mitsubishi mini-splits. A ductless unit, pictured upper left, serves the great room and kitchen.

We looked into this siding for ourselves on their suggestion, and decided to offer it going forward as an option for our new Solar Farmhouse model.

Sun tempered design with south-facing windows tuned to allow solar heat gain is a crucial design element in this off-grid home, as heating energy is the biggest draw on

11 The home is heated and cooled by two Mitsubishi mini-splits. A ductless unit, pictured upper left, serves the great room and kitchen. Meanwhile a shortducted mini-split, hidden in a conditioned attic area, serves the bedrooms in the back half of the house with small ducts coming off of this smaller, more energy-efficient air handler. Peter and Jenna chose Boral TrueExterior Cradle to Cradle Certified Bronze siding because of the environmental considerations in a product with high recycled content. We looked into this siding for ourselves on their suggestion, and decided to offer it going forward as an option for our new Solar Farmhouse model. Thanks for the tip, Peter and Jenna! Sun tempered design with south-facing windows tuned to allow solar heat gain is a crucial design element in this off-grid home, as heating energy is the biggest draw on the off-grid solar array. Passive solar or sun tempered design is a key feature of our Ridgeline model. Off-grid solar arrays rely on batteries to store energy produced by the sun, as Peter s site has no connection to the electrical utility at all. Peter s home uses very energy efficient systems, combined with 22KW of solar and the backup batteries and charge controllers pictured here. Battery system is wired to direct excess power to the propane water heater during periods of excess solar production. 11

12 69 Bingham Rd. Asheville, NC deltechomes.com

RENEW COLLECTION 2017

RENEW COLLECTION 2017 The feel and views of a round house were prime reasons we decided to build a Deltec. In addition, they had several other benefits that were attractive to us: double stud walls, in-house