Watermark & Company is committed to Green Remodeling by following energy efficient standards that benefit both you and the environment. By investing in Green Remodeling, you can live more comfortably, reduce your energy consumption and expenses, and make an impact on preserving our environment. Below are a few standard features and Green Building practices that Watermark & Company uses regularly:

Reuse Lumber Materials
During the renovation of your home and based on arrangements with the Owner, any construction materials (such as dirt, lumber, siding, trim, etc.) that retain their integrity may be reused on your project or donated. Not only can this save you money, but it will also reduce the impact of construction debris on local landfills and natural resources.

We Recycle our Construction Debris and Trash
When you remodel a home, a large amount of construction waste is generated. However, items such as lumber, sheetrock, metal, concrete, plastics, cardboard, or aluminum cans are sorted and recycled reducing our impact on landfills, air pollution, water pollution, and energy consumption. If desired, documentation is available on what recyclable materials were pulled from the trash, the quantity of each material, and where these materials were diverted.

Energy efficiency and preserving our environment are not just priorities at our jobsites; we also maintain a “Green Office”. We use energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs, office supplies made from recycled materials, and we recycle most of our office waste.

Freecycling
“Freecycling”, a term created by The Freecycle Network, is when we give away usable materials, such as used appliances, fixtures, hardware, etc., instead of discarding them in the trash in an effort to lessen the burden on our local landfills. If during your home, kitchen, or bathroom renovation we encounter used materials that you are replacing or would like thrown away and that are still in fair condition, we will gladly donate these items to someone who can benefit from them. Freecycling reduces our impact on the environment, reduces the need to manufacture new goods, and serves the community.

Low VOC Paint
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals in paint that contaminate the air inside of your home. Watermark & Company uses Low VOC Paint, which is a safer alternative that has less odor and increases air quality in your home by reducing the emission of chemical compounds that can be harmful. Zero-Emission or NO VOC Paint are also available for your renovation.

Low-E Windows
Windows can be a large source of energy loss in a home. Low Emissivity (Low E) windows have a metallic oxide coating to reduce the amount of heat gained and lost throughout the year, substantially reducing the amount of energy used in your home. Watermark & Company encourages our clients to select a window with a U-Value less than .35 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) less than .39.

Radiant Barrier Decking & Sheathing
We use radiant barrier decking and sheathing, such as foil-faced OSB (Oriented Strand Board), under shingled roofs and on exterior walls to help reduce energy consumption. These radiant barriers reflect the sun’s heat and radiation, increasing the comfort of your home and allowing your HVAC system to be more energy efficient.

House Wrap and Foamed Penetrations
Watermark & Company installs house wrap, along with foaming any exterior penetrations or gaps, to add another layer of protection to your home. Studies have shown that house wrap can reduce outside air infiltration by as much as 50%. Reducing this infiltration of outside air reduces the energy required to cool or heat your home, and helps you save money on energy bills. House wrap also helps keep out airborne pollutants that can otherwise penetrate your home.

Cement Board for Shower and Tub Walls
Often, mold is found in shower and tub walls due to the installation of paper-backed products (such as drywall or greenboard) behind the tile. By using cement board tile backer in shower and tub walls, you can greatly reduce the presence of mold in these wet areas.

Mechanical Systems
For any new HVAC system, Watermark & Company properly calculates all heating and cooling loads using ACCA Manual J and sizes the equipment accordingly. All of our cooling equipment has a rating of 14 SEER or better with R-8 ductwork. When feasible, we encourage locating the heating and cooling equipment within the building envelope and not in an unconditioned space, such as the attic.

R-8 Ductwork
R-Value stands for Resistance to Heat Value. The higher the number, the more resistant your ductwork is to heat gain or loss. Extreme seasonal temperatures can cause significant energy usage to heat and cool air that may be lost through ductwork surfaces, making your HVAC system work harder. The installation of R-8 ductwork increases the efficiency of your HVAC system while decreasing your energy bills.

Performance Testing of HVAC Systems
For complete HVAC system installations, Watermark & Company will hire an independent 3rd Party Inspector to perform a Duct System Leakage test, a System Static Pressure test, and an Air Balancing System test on the heating and cooling equipment. These performance tests are conducted to insure that your HVAC equipment is running optimally and efficiently.

Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless Water Heaters, or “Demand” water heaters, heat water on an as-needed basis using less overall energy than conventional water heaters, which can result in savings for homeowners. There is no standby energy used to maintain the temperature of the water and there is less water wasted while you wait for a remote faucet to warm up. Tankless Water Heaters are smaller in size and can provide an endless amount of hot water while reducing energy bills. You are free to choose any code-compliant water heater for your renovation, however, we encourage the use of Tankless Water Heaters.

If you do have a conventional water heater, and it is located in an unconditioned space (such as the in the garage or attic), one way you can reduce your energy consumption is with a water heater blanket. Water heater blankets are easy to install, are economical to buy, and can reduce energy loss by 25% to 45%.

Plumbing Fixtures
Low volume toilets and low flow water fixtures can make your home more efficient and reduce your impact on the environment, all while saving you money on your utility bill. Again, we will be happy to install whichever plumbing fixtures you choose, but please keep these water conservation fixtures in mind when making your selections.

Lighting
The installation of Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) and other Energy Star compliant light bulbs significantly reduces energy consumption and will provide savings in your home. Unlike incandescent light bulbs, Energy Star rated light bulbs provide quality lighting using less energy without emitting as much heat, and they last longer too. CFLs and Energy Star compliant light bulbs have a greater impact in light fixtures that remain on for longer periods of time, such as in the kitchen, living or family room, and bedrooms.

Cellulose Blown Insulation
Cellulose is a natural wood product, predominantly composed of recycled newspaper. Unlike most insulation, Cellulose Blown Insulation does not contain formaldehyde (a known carcinogen) or glass fibers that cause itching. Watermark & Company installs Cellulose Blown Insulation in attics which has a high R-rating and is easier to install in irregular spaces. And, it is often more economical than standard fiberglass batt insulation.

We Shop Locally!
Whenever possible, Watermark & Company purchases the majority of our materials from local businesses. Shopping locally makes a positive impact in our communities and benefits the local economy, ensures choice and diversity among local vendors, and maintains community character. For example, our custom cabinetry is manufactured locally using non-toxic, Low VOC, eco-friendly adhesives.