Real estate developer Steven Blanchard called the project the “Costa Mesa Green Home,” and set a goal to build the greenest home in OC. Although Blanchard has won the race to be the first to place a LEED® Platinum plaque on the side of an OC custom home, other homes in the area have also been built to such high environmental standards. Not all homeowners and builders choose to pay for the additional engineering documentation, inspection and third-party testing required to obtain a rating from the USGBC or one of many other green building programs out there. Gangloff says “Building a green home is easy, certification is not. But, certification lets the homebuyer know exactly what level of quality and environmental stewardship you are shopping for.” Contractor Jason Gonterman adds “Much of the value in green construction is not seen on the surface. Without documentation, a homebuyer can only take the builder’s word that behind the finishes, the home is built with more sustainably manufactured, healthy and durable materials.”

In green construction, preference is given to environmentally preferred building materials. Products extracted, processed and manufactured locally require less energy to transport, easing air pollution and reducing global warming. Saving natural resources used in the manufacture and transportation of building products also includes building a durable home that requires less replacement of materials in the future due to damage from water, wind, sunlight, pests, natural disasters and everyday wear and tear. LEED® for Homes requires the Architect to create a checklist of durability measures to be completed by the Contractor and inspected by a third party official. The Architect’s drawings also must include more detailing of waterproofing, insulation and ventilation around the house envelope. With its high performance design and rooftop solar panels, the house exceeds the requirements of California’s Energy Code by 40 percent. Electrical bills should be zero dollars except for the standard add-on fees.

A summary of green features include:

• Old house materials recycled & donated to Habitat for Humanity
• Old house used for fire fighter training before deconstruction
• New house built on infill lot near infrastructure, garage re-used
• House oriented for solar gain, prevailing winds, shade opportunities
• Extreme care to stop water, air, radon and insect infiltration
• Durable materials chosen to minimize replacement waste and cost
• Forest Stewardship Council certified lumber from sustainably managed forests
• Use of engineered lumber from small trees, stronger than conventional
• Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) materials chosen
• Ventilation designed for high indoor air quality, low cost cooling
• Energy Star® Indoor Air Package requirements met
• High efficiency air conditioner, filters
• Walls and windows highly insulated, carefully installed
• Radiant barrier installed under reflective color metal roofing
• No water, native landscape installed by Back to Natives Restoration
• Permeable pavers prevents storm water from deluging streams
• Greywater system filters shower water for re-use in toilets, irrigation
• Low-flow plumbing fixtures and high efficiency appliances
• Tankless water heaters installed near point of use
• Photovoltaic panels designed for 100% electrical load
• Energy Star® Advanced Lighting Package installed with many LED fixtures.

The “Costa Mesa Green Home,” is for sale. For more information and a schedule of open house dates, contact Liz Noriega at 714-501-1248.