Rouse/Chamberlin Homes

Rouse Chamberlin Homes teams with non-profit to build green homes

Rouse Chamberlin Homes has always sought to “do the right thing” in all aspects from purchasing and developing land, building homes and treating customers with respect from start to finish. In August, Rouse Chamberlin joined the non-profit organization Green Communities Alliance and took the initiative to build certified “Green” homes. Member of the Green Communities Alliance include: home builders, municipalities, home builder associations, and utility companies. Green Communities Alliance awards the Living Green™ designation to homes that meet strict green building guidelines as developed by the National Association of Home Builders.

Building “Green” means that environmental responsibility – both locally and globally – is considered in every step of the home building and planning process. Rouse Chamberlin found through this certification process, that they have been doing the right thing, and that they already incorporated many of the elements of “Green” building into their current practices.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has established Green Building Guidelines which outline seven criteria for Green home building. Rouse Chamberlin’s sites and individual homes are evaluated and scored on the following criteria: 1) Lot Design, Preparation and Development;2) Resource Efficiency;3) Energy Efficiency;4) Water Efficiency;5) Indoor Environmental Quality;6) Operation, Maintenance and Homeowner Education;7) Global Impact.

The largest portion of green certification is placed on resource efficiency and energy efficiency. With energy costs unstable, being “Green” can save consumers on their average utility costs. Efficient home design, site design and land development practices also help reduce the impact on the surrounding environment. Site design principles such as strategically placing the roads and houses with the goal of saving the existing trees, and constructing onsite storm water retention and infiltration features influence not only the resource efficiency of each particular house, but also the entire subdivision’s overall environmental impact. The interiors of the homes are painted with low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints which helps lessen the ground-level ozone pollution and can help improve overall indoor air quality. With the help of Green Communities Alliance, Rouse Chamberlin will also be responsible for educating their homebuyers on local recycling and alternatives to toxic cleaning substances and proper disposal of household paints and appliances.

Homeowners can realize direct benefits by purchasing a green home through lower operating costs, increased interior comfort and improved environmental quality inside and out. Green building is not only good for the environment, it is good economics. New homes built by green guidelines can substantially save homeowners on energy costs, especially compared to the costs of operating a conventional existing home. By going green, Rouse Chamberlin Homes demonstrates it’s commitment to sustainability, and gains peace of mind in knowing that the homes they build are better for the environment, healthier for occupants and economical for the homeowners. Once again, Rouse Chamberlin Homes is doing the right thing.

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