WBA Foundation

The ribbon cutting for the Wisconsin Trend Home was held Friday, August 13, 2010. Attendees  toured the home after the ceremony to learn about the cutting-edge green building techniques and products used throughout the home. Press Release

The Wisconsin Trend Home™ 2010 version broke ground April 15, 2010 in Appleton. The Trend Home is a new home construction project that will serve as an educational and research tool for housing professionals and as a source of information for the general public regarding green building products and techniques. Accomplished as a partnership between the WBA Foundation and Schmidt Bros. Custom Homes, proceeds from the sale of the home will benefit the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit WBA Foundation to fund future education and research projects for the housing industry in Wisconsin.
        
Because the home is located in the jurisdiction of Valley Home Builders Association (VHBA), whenever possible, all subcontractors and suppliers working on the home will be VHBA members. In addition, a small percentage of the proceeds will benefit the VHBA Fund of the WBA Foundation to support education, research and charitable aid efforts in the Fox Valley area. 
Built to NAHB Green Building Standards,
•    Lot design, preparation and development
•    Resource Efficient
•    Water Efficient
•    Energy Efficient
•    Indoor Air Quality   
•    Recycling
•    Operation and maintenance instructions
•    Education for the owner and construction professionals

The Trend Home will achieve National Green Building Standard certification (Bronze level or higher) and Wisconsin ENERGY STAR® certification. The home will focus on demonstrating how sustainable building is attainable and affordable.

Lot design, preparation and development
From site preparation to landscaping, great care is being taken to maintain the natural beauty of the home site, include plants that appropriate for the climate and control erosion in a very eco-friendly way.
Examples of features of the WI Trend Home 2010 in this category include…
•    an infill lot as defined by the age of the subdivision
•    erosion control socks
•    home placement to best utilize sunlight

Resource-efficient features
The home size, floor plan and orientation on the lot take advantage of natural daylight to reduce lighting needs and use strategies to reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. Whenever possible, renewable and recycled-content materials are used in the home.
Examples of features of the WI Trend Home 2010 in this category include…
•    stack framing to reduce lumber use
•    SIS in place of OSB sheathing
•    Green flooring products throughout the home

Water-efficient features
Design features to reduce overall water consumption, such as plumbing fixtures and appliances, are important aspects of green homes. Other features may include programmed, low-volume irrigation systems, rainwater collection systems, wastewater treatment systems, and hot water recirculation systems also save water. Water efficiency reduces the home's utility bill and the area's total demand for clean water.
Examples of features of the WI Trend Home 2010 in this category include…
• Structured plumbing

Energy-efficient features
From insulation to the latest heating components, energy-saving features of green homes can include efficient lighting fixtures and bulbs and renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic electricity and water heating systems.
Examples of  features of the WI Trend Home 2010 in this category include…
•    Re-circulating plumbing for hot water, including heat recover stack to pre-heat water going to water heater
•    Solar panels
•    Energy Management System for controlling energy consumption
•    High insulation ratings – R10 under foundation floor; R20 for foundation walls; R33.5 for above grade walls; R60 in the attic
•    Windows will have U value of 0.19
•    Geothermal heat
•    Closed combustion wood-burning fireplace

Indoor air quality features
It's important to control the quality of the air inside a home. The heating, air conditioning and ventilation system (HVAC) must be appropriately sized for an efficient and properly ventilated home. Fans in the kitchen and bathrooms should cycle fresh air inside, and release stale air. Low-VOC paints and finishes and wall papers should be used as well.
Examples of features of the WI Trend Home 2010 in this category include…
•    Energy recovery ventilator (ERV) with dehumidistat
•    Garage fan to keep exhaust fumes from inside the home
•    Gasketed outlet boxes and other sealing efforts throughout the home
•    Goal is to set a new record for air tightness (general contractor Schmidt Bros. Custom Homes had the #1 air tight home in WI in both 2008 and 2009)

Operation, maintenance and owner education
The homeowner receives a detailed walk-through, owner's manuals for all the home's green features and maintenance checklists. Information is provided to the homeowner about area utilities and all final certifications remain with the homeowner for future information.
Examples of features of the WI Trend Home 2010 in this category include…
•    Through public events, tours and online and traditional media exposure, the WI Trend Home 2010 extends its educational reach to other homeowners who wish to “green” their homes
•    Homeowner will receive official certifications for the home’s compliance with the NAHB Research Center’s National Green Building Certification Program and the WI ENERGY STAR® program
•    The homeowner will also provide, for two years after occupancy, energy use and home comfort/satisfaction information. 
For more information contact Megan Taylor (608) 242-5151 x 24