Energy Saving Features

Design & Structural Features

• A white membrane TPO roofing system with rigid foam insulation underneath is built into every Markea Court townhome. This system reflects ultraviolet (UV) radiation and greatly improves energy efficiency of the townhome by reflecting heat in the summer and reducing heat loss in winter months. Its Energy Star rated, and keeps your roof’s average temperature about 60 degrees (Fahrenheit) cooler, so the roof mounted A/C units can work at maximum efficiency.

• A Bryant 90 percent efficient furnace and Bryant 13-Seer energy-efficient air condition unit is installed on the middle floor of each residence.  This HVAC system uses 16 percent less natural gas as compared to standard 80 percent efficient furnaces, and its central location in the home means that your cooled or heated air, and hot water, travel the least possible distance within your home with the least amount of thermal loss during circulation.
• 2 x 6 frame construction allows for more insulation and higher energy efficiency.
• Blown in cellulose insulation provides R-21 rating (R-13 is the minimum required for building code, and what most homes are insulated with). The higher the rating, the greater the thermal insulating benefit to the homeowner.

Interior Finish Features

• All appliances installed in a home are Energy Star rated by the federal government. For more info in Energy Star, go to http://www.energystar.gov.
• High grade Anderson Windows feature polycarbonate glazing and low-e door and window glass. And for those curious just what "low-e" means (as we were), it stands for "low emissivity."
• Light fixtures are low wattage, high output G-24 throughout. These reduce heat and energy consumption from standard bulbs by 70 to 80 percent. The bulbs last up to 10 years and contain no mercury. Energy Star rated.
• Toilets will be dual-flush, and are projected to save 18,000 gallons of water per home, per year.
• High volume bath fans (greater than 1 cubic ft per second) reduce moisture and improve air quality within the bathroom.
• Integrated recycle bins in kitchen and pantries.

Exterior & Landscaping Features

• Markea’s landscaping features draught tolerant plants and trees.  39 new trees will be planted on the community’s .69 acre parcel. The grass planted will be Desert Fescue (bonsai grass) which requires 45 to 75 percent less water than a typical lawn, and 50 percent less mowing.

Smart Land Use

• The higher density of this project (than the housing it replaced) is a much more efficient use of the land.
• Prior to demolition, the derelict homes originally on this site were handed over to salvage crews to re-use and recycle all salvageable materials from those structures.

Sustainability

We care about how and where materials are grown, made, finished and transported.

• That’s why our hardwood floors are engineered. Engineered flooring uses significantly less slow growing timber by using fast growing hardwood recycled wood as a ply base. This multi-layer construction method produces a product that has superior performance and durability, and uses fewer trees to produce than solid hardwood.
• Markea’s custom cabinets are from Mountain Tech Cabinetry of Salt Lake City.  They are certified by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers of America in the Environmental Stewardship Program for using sustainable resources, utilizing environmentally responsible construction practices, minimizing construction waste and keeping manufacturing plant emissions low.
• All framing lumber used will be from sustainable forests. FSC Certified Wood.