| Energy Saving Features: |
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House Wrap installed under siding prevents energy loss through walls |
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Insulated hot water pipes |
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Tankless hot water heaters |
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Compact Fluorescent Lighting (some with dimmer
switches) inside and out |
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All Energy Star® appliances |
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Double paned windows with Low-E glass |
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Solar walkway lights |
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Greenguard Insulation |
| |
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| Air Quality Features: |
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Electronic air fi lter for furnace |
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Low/No-VOC paint inside |
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Recycled content Carpet with low-VOC’s |
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Formaldehyde-free insulation |
| |
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| Forestry Preservation Features: |
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Fiber-Cement Siding |
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FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) Certifi ed Wood
Flooring |
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Preservation of existing mature trees on site |
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Engineered lumber for fl ooring and structural components |
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Recycled content decking materials |
| |
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| Water Saving Features: |
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Water-effi cient landscape design with drip system on electric timers throughout |
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Flow reducers installed at faucets and showerheads |
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Dual-fl ush toilets |
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The Santa Cruz City Council awarded Brooks Properties the “Green Building
Award,” which was presented Tuesday, March 25, 2008. The award, presented
by Mayor Ryan Coonerty, cites the developer for its residential development at
Belvedere Terrace, which “met the highest environmental building standards set by
the City of Santa Cruz Green Building Program.” |
| “For us, the definition of
high environmental standards
goes beyond the typical green
building practices that are
becoming common today,” |
 |
said William Brooks, company president.
“Many builders have started to use rapidly
renewable or recycled materials in their projects, but we have taken a much
broader viewpoint. For us, it’s a four-step approach with all of our projects.”
First, all Brooks Properties projects are in-fill so they do not create sprawl. Built
only on existing city lots, each project helps to preserve the city’s greenbelt – a
most valued and treasured asset. This approach is consistent with the City of
Santa Cruz General Plan for housing creation.
Second, all projects are on transportation corridors, allowing residents to take
advantage of public buses and bike routes, thereby reducing the carbon footprint.
Third, all projects are within walking distance to neighborhood shopping. This
helps support locally-owned business, minimize vehicular traffic and revive the
neighborhood as the center of urban life for people of all ages.
And finally, all projects incorporate significant green building features. By including
and going beyond the more typical use of sustainable and recycled materials,
homes developed by Brooks Properties include energy-saving features such as
tankless water heaters, insulated low-e windows, and Energy Star appliances.
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