SEATTLE — Greenfab has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for a new home built in Seattle. The prefabricated, modular home is the first to be certified LEED Platinum in the state of Washington.

The home is part of Greenfab’s 1300 Series and is located in the Jackson Place neighborhood of Seattle. The 1,870-square-foot, three-bedroom home focuses heavily on reducing energy use by incorporating R-26 exterior walls, which are 35 percent better than code (R-17); Energy Star rated appliances; energy recovery ventilation; electric heat pump heating; backup electric radiant heat; and a GE hybrid heat pump water heater. A digital monitoring system collects and measures real-time data about weather, energy, and water use, and provides constant feedback to troubleshoot and monitor performance through an interactive iPad/iPhone based application. Necessary wiring for solar panels in the roof has also been installed and approved for future use.

According to Greenfab, the homeowner is assured of clean indoor air because all materials used to construct the home were stored and assembled in a controlled factory environment, meaning that there is no risk of mold or mildew. Traditional construction methods store building materials outdoors, making them susceptible to rain and damp weather and thus mold. The controlled factory environment also prevents dust and dirt from contaminating ductwork.

Water conservation strategies include a series of three, 300-gallon storage basins that filter and treat grey water from showers, bathroom sinks, and the washing machine. A 1,400-gallon above ground water storage cistern captures rainwater for on-site irrigation and toilet flushing. Low-flow plumbing fixtures and dual-flush toilets contribute to a significant reduction in water usage.

Greenfab’s 1300 Series is now available to homebuyers nationwide. For more information, visit www.greenfab.com.

Publication date: 04/02/2012