As trusted green home builders in the Dallas area, we know how exciting it is that Dallas stands out in more ways than one. Considered one of the most desirable places to live in the country, Dallas is one of a very few large cities working toward becoming ‘carbon neutral’ by 2030. In fact, as a result of the green building code, the city hopes to become the greenest in the United States in just a few short years!
Originally implemented in 2009, the Green Construction Ordinance entered its final phase last month. Prior to this, Phase 1 of the ordinance focused primarily on conserving water, making homes and buildings more energy efficient, and the heat island effect. In 2011, one goal was to cut water usage by 20 percent; in order to achieve this, the ordinance required that landscaped flower beds in buildings were watered using drip irrigation. Green or cool roofs are required under the ordinance which cover at a minimum 1/2 of the roof’s area in addressing the heat island effect.
On October 1 when Phase 2 rolled out, a comprehensive building standard was added. This standard means that from this point forward, contractors for both commercial and residential building projects should meet minimum certification requirements of the IgCC (International Green Construction Code), LEED, or Green Built Texas.
Numerous states and cities are now working to “catch up” with Going Green Dallas in regards to green building practices, a fact we can be proud of. The new green building code is historic, unlike LEED which is voluntary in that it creates mandatory minimum standards which are enforceable; these minimums may apply to energy and water efficiency, building waste, materials, and more. In the history of the national energy code, this one’s the largest in regards to increased energy efficiency. In fact, when compared to the 2006 code, the new code requires that all new construction and renovated buildings and homes more than three levels high achieve 30% more in energy savings.
At Bud Bartley Family of Builders, we’re way ahead of the game when it comes to the construction of green homes in Flower Mound, Highland Village, and other surrounding cities in the Dallas area. As a trusted green home builder for more than 30 years, we help homeowners achieve their dream homes while reducing their carbon footprint and enjoying substantial savings on utilities. Call us today, or come by and check out our portfolio!
