Page 33 - Green Builder September-October 2018 Issue
P. 33
Annual Building Science Report 2019 EFFICIENCY MATTERS
Assurance department to develop continuous improvement
across all of its departments, including construction, purchasing,
architecture, warranty and vendor-partner relations. The QA
department has implemented an inspection software called
FTQ, worked with project managers to develop new quality
inspection checklists, established a process for internal audits
of the inspections, worked with other departments to review
warranty issues, and established new training programs for sta,
vendors and trades.
Thrive also reviews its construction processes continuously
with weekly visits to all construction sites. A QA consultant does
annual spot checks to benchmark progress on quality and safety
initiatives. In addition, as a DOE ZERH builder, Thrive Home
Builders has every one of its homes performance tested by a third-
party home energy rater. “The ultimate objective is to deliver the
highest level of excellence for our customers through exceptional
performance by every member of Thrive Home Builders,” says
Rectanus. GB
KEY FEATURES
DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Path: Performance.
Walls: Double walls, 2-by-4 24-inch o.c. advance framed, staggered
studs, 9.5-inch, R-41 blown fiberglass. Sprayer-applied sealant; 1/2-inch
OSB; corrugated housewrap; fiber cement and stone siding.
Roof: Ice-and-water shield; waterproof underlayment; metal drip edge;
30-year asphalt shingles.
COURTESY OF THRIVE HOME BUILDERS sealed top plates.
Attic: Vented attic; R-50 blown fiberglass; 14-inch raised heel trusses;
Foundation: Basements with R-19 blanket insulation on interior of
unfinished walls; R-15 in cavity of finished walls; 4-inch gravel and
vapor barrier under slab.
SHGC=0.28.
‘Star’ light, ‘Star’ bright. Energy Star-certified windows and appliances, Windows: Energy Star double-pane, argon-filled, vinyl-framed; U=0.21,
combined with efficient lighting, boost the home’s energy savings. Air Sealing: 4.35 ACH 50.
Energy Star windows, appliances and ecient lighting further Ventilation: Continuous exhaust fans.
energy savings. Each home is equipped with an internet-based HVAC: Central air-source heat pump HSPF 9.0, SEER 15.5, plus 97.4
system to track the home’s solar energy production and electric AFUE backup gas furnace. Ducts in conditioned space.
consumption. Hot Water: 0.97 EF tankless gas water heater.
Lighting: 100 percent CFL.
NOTHING BEATS FORWARD THINKING Appliances: Energy Star refrigerator, dishwasher, exhaust fans.
Rectanus credits Thrive’s commitment to DOE ZERH certi cation
with helping to position the company as a forward-thinking, Solar: 6.2-kW solar PV.
conscientious builder. This helped to secure Thrive’s selection as Water Conservation: WaterSense fixtures, “smart” hot water recirc;
the builder for RidgeGate from a eld of much larger competitors, drought-tolerant plants, drip irrigation.
according to Rectanus. In addition, Thrive’s success at RidgeGate ( Energy Management System: Internet monitoring of PV production
of the
units were sold before the model was completed) gained and energy use.
it an opportunity to acquire a parcel across the street to construct Other: EPA Indoor airPLUS; low-VOC paints; low-formaldehyde wood
an additional units. products. Shear walls; reinforced framing and roof. Excavation to 30-
While Thrive could just stay the course, the company has foot depth to replace high-expansion soils. Active radon ventilation
system. Ducts cleaned.
charted a path forward. In Thrive created an internal Quality
www.greenbuildermedia.com September/October 2018 GREEN BUILDER 31
14-36 GB 0918 DOE.indd 31 9/21/18 11:31 AM
