Green Building

Richstone has been a leader in employing sustainable features and methods. We take pride in informing our clients about green systems, methods and materials. Clients review associated costs and benefits as part of our budgeting process.

As a founding and current Board member of the MBIA Green Building Council, we have current knowledge on federal, state/local and utility company rebates available for green features. We are expert in green building certification programs including EnergyStar™; the National Green Building Standard™ (ICC 700) and various LEED programs.

Examples of Green Project features:

• Installation of Geothermal Heating / Air Conditioning Systems, including transfer of heat energy from air conditioning to pre-warm cold water before it enters the hot water heater.
• Home Energy Audit guidance and subsequent improvements, and including Maryland and BGE-associated rebates.
• Construction of a “living roof” on a home addition.
• Advanced insulation and leak sealing. Methods have included whole-house spray foam insulation and dense-pack cellulose made from old newspapers.
• “Deconstructing” bathrooms, kitchens, and other installations instead of “demolishing” them; salvaging building materials for re-use or tax-deductible donation.
• Transport of construction refuse to a sorting center, where more than 70% of the waste materials are recycled.