Thermal Envelope Efficiency
Energy efficient homes are designed to encompass thermal envelope, which provides a strong barrier between the indoor and outdoor environment. Our energy efficient homes stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer; maintaining a comfortable temperature all year round. This is achieved through well-planned design and the use of state-of-the-art energy efficient building materials. A good thermal envelope can reduce the cost of utilities as much as 50 percent when compared to conventional homes. The long-term savings add up quick.

Optimum-Value Engineering
Also known as Advanced Framing; by spacing studs at 24" centers opposed to 16" we are able to use less lumbar and more insulation.

Insulation
Our energy-efficient homes are built with much higher insulation R-values than required by local building codes and found in typical homes. R-value refers to the ability of a material to resist heat transfer; the lower the number, the faster heat loss is. Typical homes insulation might be rated at R-11 in the walls and R-19 in the ceiling; respectively we use R-21 in walls, R-21 with an extra layer of R-4 on sun bearing walls, and R-38 in the ceiling.

Windows
The typical home looses more than 25% of its heat through windows. We take this into account when drawing blueprints and ensure large windows or sliding glass doors are facing the south, north, or shaded by a tree if facing east or west. Additionally we tend to use double-glazed, argon-filled, low-e2 windows with a U-factor of 0.38 and solar heat gain coefficient of 0.37.

High Efficiency Appliances
Appliances with high operating efficiency are typically more expensive to purchase than budget appliances.  Over time, high efficiency appliances will pay for themselves time and time again. Furthermore these high efficiency appliances emit fewer pollutants, increasing the homes value and attractiveness when resold. We use the latest in technology when fitting our homes with water heaters, dishwashers, HVAC, and refrigerators.

Green Building Materials
Green construction and sustainability go hand in hand. At Norton Construction our green homes are designed using durable materials, which have the least impact on the environment. When selecting materials we make a conscious effort to buy from local suppliers when possible. Some of the benefits of green building materials include:

• Recycled salvaged and refurbished content
• Higher energy efficiency
• Locally sourced materials
• Reusable / Recyclable
• Durable/Longer life expectancy: lower maintenance costs.
• Non-Toxic/Low VOC Carpet: Improved indoor air quality.
• Non-Toxic/Low VOC Paint: Improved indoor air quality.

Construction Waste Management
When designing a green home we have to consider all aspects of the construction process in an attempt to minimize waste. On average our cost to dispose of our waste at our job completion runs under $100. A typical builder pays on average $511 in construction waste disposal. The importance is not just the cost savings but also the reduction of waste. Recent studies show that mixed construction waste accounts for over 40% of the total waste intake in landfills nationwide.

At Norton Construction, we utilize new energy efficient technologies and sustainable materials to focus on maximizing your home's efficiency, occupants’ health, while minimizing its impact on the environment.

Every step of our construction process is custom tailored to ensure maximum comfort and efficiency. Our unique design for each home is all encompassing. We work closely with our architects and clients throughout the entire process to ensure our clients satisfaction. Our clients will all attest that our quality of work and craftsmanship is remarkably unrivaled.

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