Groom Construction builds first LEED home on Boston's North Shore

The US Green Building Council has developed the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system, which is now the national industry standard for the measurement of "green" building.

LEED for Homes promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes. A green home uses less energy, water and natural resources; creates less waste; and is healthier and more comfortable for the occupants. The superiority of a LEED home is achieved through lower energy and water bills; reduced greenhouse gas emissions; and less exposure to indoor toxins.

Groom Construction has received certification for its first project in the "LEED for Homes" Program. 436 Atlantic Avenue, Marblehead, Massachusetts, is the first LEED-certified residential project on the North Shore of Boston that meets the U.S. Green Building Council standards for sustainable design and construction. The project has already been designated an ENERGY STAR-labeled home. The ENERGY STAR Homes program is a national initiative by the Environmental Protection Agency aimed at encouraging energy efficiency. Groom Construction is pleased to have played an integral role in developing this residence, which will serve as an example to the community for building environmentally-sound homes.

Originally constructed in 1870, the home has undergone a total rehab over a two-year period. The owners desired to incorporate state-of-the-art energy conservation measures into the three-bedroom oceanfront home. A geothermal-powered HVAC system, highly efficient Icynene® insulation and Marvin® low-e argon windows were centerpieces, along with radiant floor heating and Energy-Star appliances. Other energy efficiency upgrades include a super-store water heater, programmable thermostats, a high efficiency gas furnace, and an energy recovery ventilation system.

The owners specified building materials to promote sustainability, such as Ecostar® recycled-rubber roofing shingles that are indistinguishable from slate tiles, Ecopavers® for pervious rain drainage of the driveway, WeatherBest® recycled decking material made from reclaimed plastic and waste wood, and built-ins fabricated from Kirei® board, a recycled sorghum product. Walnut floors were chosen as the wood was domestically grown and responsibly harvested.

Responsible water usage was addressed with installation of dual flush, high efficiency toilets, ultra-low water usage washing machine and dishwasher, and a programmed drip irrigation system.

Perhaps the most important aspect to the owners was the integration of systems and materials that would ensure excellent indoor air quality in their new home. To that end, Groom installed highly efficient air exchangers (to bring in fresh air, remove stale air, and recover heat) and a hydrostatic/HEPA Air filtration system. Materials were strictly vetted and included formaldehyde-free plywood for all interior construction, low-VOC caulks, sealants and glues for all finish work, low-VOC paints and finishes for walls, cabinetry and wood floors, cork flooring in basement, and wool carpets with "green" padding. For the kitchen counters, Silestone®, a no-VOC product was chosen. Electronic shade fabrics are Green Guard® certified (low emission), and cast-iron (rather than PVC) pipe was installed for all plumbing drainpipes.

Groom Construction began the rehab of 436 Atlantic Avenue in April of 2006 and completed the project in April 2008. Jim Velleco of Grazado Velleco Architects, Marblehead, designed the home, and Heather G. Wells Ltd directed all aspects of the project's interior design.

Within its Residential Division, Groom Construction specializes in the building of luxury residences and this project will represent its first LEED and ENERGY STAR-certified home.

For more information, visit http://www.usgbc.org/leed/homes.

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