Ready for the New Energy Code
Christian Builders is striving to become recognized as this areas premier energy efficient homebuilder. With Minnesota leading the building industry in energy efficient construction techniques, we have already incorporated many of the new Energy Code 2000 regulations into our homes and we are ready to lead the way in the new millennium.
Christian Builders was involved with both Energy House I and Energy House II in the city of Elk River. We were also selected as one of three builders nationally to participate in a nine-month research study utilizing one of our energy efficient homes. Monitors that detect air quality, temperature, ventilation rates, and heat flow gathered and electronically transmitted data to the National Association of Home Builders headquarters.
Energy House I
Christian Builders, Inc. built this award winning home in conjunction with the Minnesota Suburban Northwest Builders Association as a demonstration for the city of Elk River. The goal of this home was to provide an energy-efficient, affordable home that has a healthy indoor environment. This goal was achieved by using high levels of insulation, good sealing techniques to prevent air infiltration, and a heat-recovery ventilation system that introduced fresh air into the home while recovering heat from outgoing air. In addition to energy efficiency, Christian Builders addressed resource efficiency by using carpet that was made from 75% recycled materials and carpet padding made from more than 50% recycled content.
Energy House II
Energy House II was constructed as a cooperative effort between Christian Builders, Minnegasco, and the Minnesota Environmental Initiative. Utilizing high levels of insulation, advanced sealing techniques (to help prevent air infiltration) and a heat-recovery ventilation system (to introduce fresh air into the home while recovering heat from exhaust air), we were able to produce one of the most energy efficient homes available.
This home was based off of our "Seville" plan which is a beautiful 2,574 SF rambler designed with natural lighting, open spaces, and family comfort as priorities. This home designed and built exclusively by Christian Builders has open vaults, columns, custom maple cabinets, maple floors, a home office, in-floor heating in the finished walkout recreation room, and a total maintenance-free exterior. This home, built in 1999, also featured a Category 1 energy-efficient package. At the time, Category 1 construction was defined by the Minnesota Energy Code adopted in 1994, was an upgrade to Category 2, and was optional.
Energy House II now exceeds the new Minnesota Energy Code Standards that were set in May of 2000.
