Thursday, April 22, 2010

Commitment to Building ENERGY STAR® Qualified Homes



The Area's Most Energy Efficient Builder

On Top of the World Communities, Inc. has always been environmentally-minded over the years. From our commitment to ENERGY STAR® qualification of all new homes starting in 2000 to the relocation of animals displaced during land development to using water-saving techniques in landscaping, we have sought to be good stewards of the world’s resources. The building products and techniques used in the construction of a home as well as the decorative elements we offer that make

a home personally yours, are all a part of On Top of the World’s increasing support of environmental sustainability.


Building a Eco-friendly Home – Building Now and for the Future

The homes we build are of the highest quality. We continually strive for excellence in building the most energy efficient homes. By incorporating the following products in our homes, we also provide energy efficiency. To date our lowest HERS (Home Energy Rating System) score on new home construction has been a 62, which is exceptional. We surpass ENERGY STAR guidelines with our homes scoring an average of 70. This compares to a typical existing home receiving a score of 130 and a standard ENERGY STAR qualified home at a score of 85. The lower the score, the higher the energy savings. But we’re not satisfied with 62. We will continue to improve our homes and the products we use to better this score for our homeowners and for the environment.


Low-E Double Pane Windows

• Tile Flooring

14 and 15 SEER HVAC Systems by Goodman

• Reflective Radiant Barrier on Roof Sheathing

• Recessed Can Lighting in Kitchen (IC-rated with sealed cans and CFL bulbs)

• ¾” Cellulose Foam Board Wall Insulation


Planting a Water Saver Yard

On Top of the World Communities is committed to using water-wise, Florida-friendly landscape practices and conservative irrigation design principles in its commercial and residential areas. Each neighborhood’s common areas are uniquely landscaped to create individual character, but all designs use drought tolerant sod and native plants/grasses which require minimal irrigation. In addition, we install drip irrigation systems with pressure regulated irrigation heads to promote water conservation. This commitment has earned On Top of the World recognition as a Florida Friendly Landscape Community.


Choosing Eco-friendly Vendors and Products

We want the products we use in our homes to be of the highest quality, to be beautiful to the homeowner and to support our commitment to sustainability. Because of this dedication On Top of the World chooses to partner with eco-friendly manufacturers who share our commitment to being “green.” These manufacturers use environmentally-friendly practices such as using recycled materials for packaging, using energy-saving methods during production, reducing fuel costs for shipping product, reducing production waste, and/or they offer products that provide energy or water savings to the end user:


Amarr Garage Doors

Centurion Stone

Cambia Quartz Countertops

Anderson Hardwood Floors

Color Wheel Paint

Quick Step Flooring

Mohawk EverStrand Carpet

Delta Faucets

Wellborn Cabinets


But we don’t stop here…


Encouraging Eco-friendly Practices

Curbside recycling programs are offered to our residents to encourage everyone to be eco-friendly. Waste Management provides this convenient service, known as single stream recycling. No separation of recyclables is required.