The 20 by 2020 Challenge

The 20 by 2020 Challenge

by | Mar, 2019 | Green Building

The 20 by 2020 Challenge is a local campaign to promote the development of 20 Passive House or net zero energy projects of 20,000 square feet or larger in King County by the year 2020 next year! The good news is that Zero Net Carbon buildings can make economic sense today. Passive House construction is a cost-effective means to revolutionize building energy performance, particularly for larger buildings. Many of the pioneering Passive House buildings in the US have been affordable housing projects. By establishing an ambitious energy target and using science-based design and modeling, Passive House buildings reduce energy consumption by as much as 75%. Couple this with rooftop solar or a contract for green power, and you’ve got a Zero Net Carbon building.

The 20 by 2020 Building Challenge will provide “proof of concept” that Passive House can propel our shift to a carbon-sustainable future. Passive House is the world’s leading standard for energy efficient construction. It combines building enclosure efficiency and passive solar strategies in a system for designing and building cost effective, comfortable, energy efficient buildings.

The major components of a Passive House include:

  • Super-insulated envelope
  • Ultra-high-performance windows
  • Airtight construction (0.6 air changes / hr at 50 Pascals)
  • Eliminating or reducing thermal bridging
  • Heat-recovery ventilation
  • Using passive heat sources (solar of course, but also equipment, lighting, and occupants).

Learn more here! 

Green Pathways Provides Opportunities in Social Justice

Green Pathways Provides Opportunities in Social Justice

by | Feb, 2019 | Tips + Inspiration

Got Green’s Young Leaders in the Green Movement steering committee won a resolution in 2015 to create 100 living wage green internships for low income young workers of color in Seattle. Since then, they have expanded to nonprofit and private environmental employers through the inception of the Green Pathways Fellowship Program.

The Green Pathways Fellowship Program was created through a partnership between Got Green and Rainier Valley Corps to provide opportunities in the green sector for low-income young adults in living wage entry-level positions in the environmental justice movement. With the City Council Approval of the 2019-2020 Seattle City Budget, Green Pathways Fellowship will be receiving $100,000 in 2019 and $164,000 in 2020.

If you are a community-based organization and may be interested in hosting a fellow, please visit this page. Or if you know someone who would be a great fit for this program, please recommend an applicant here.

Product Spotlight: Cumaru Decking

Product Spotlight: Cumaru Decking

by | Feb, 2019 | Green Building

Mighty House Construction’s latest detached auxiliary dwelling unit (DADU) includes WalkGreen® FSC Certified Cumaru Decking. Cumaru Decking is among the most resilient natural untreated decking materials available on the market today. Supplied by Green Home Solutions, Cumaru is a highly dense exotic hardwood that has a warm honey brown color with beautiful grain. Cumaru, also known as Brazilian Chestnut or Brazilian Teak, can be left untreated to age to a nice silver-grey or oiled to retain its warm brown color.

Widely recognized as the global “gold standard” for responsible forestry practices, Forest Stewardship Council ® (FSC) Certified products are sustainably harvested and ensure eco-friendly and economically viable forestry practices. The FSC Decking is one of the top decking products available in the market in terms of its strength, stability, durability and natural resistance to the elements. The FSC Decking does not contain any harmful chemicals or risk of contaminating water sources.

Decks are fantastic ways to maximize outdoor life in the NW! Mighty House Construction builds everything from backyard porches to decks large enough to celebrate all of life’s milestones.

See more photos in our Flickr Gallery

4-Star Built Green DADU With A View

4-Star Built Green DADU With A View

by | Jul, 2018 | Design + Architecture, Featured Projects, Green Building

This family had two tweens that needed their own bedrooms, and a home-based furniture business involving a lot of bulky inventory. They desperately needed more space! An innovative, 2+ story DADU (Detached Auxiliary Dwelling Unit) significantly expanded available living space, without tackling the structural challenges of increasing the existing home. Living Shelter Design Architects and Mighty House Construction collaborated on this project to include super energy-efficient building solutions; emphasizing healthy finishes for superb indoor air quality. Plus, it’s Built Green 4-Star Certified!

With total living space under 800 square feet, the expense of installing ductwork or a heat pump system just didn’t make sense. Instead, we chose cozy and efficient infrared radiant ceiling panels. Heated by an electric infrared coil, these units radiate energy down — heating the people and objects in the room directly. Spaces warm up faster & stay warm longer with very little electricity and zero maintenance, and no dust or allergens being blown around. Provided by Mighty Energy Solutions.

The DADU’s walls are filled with Havelock Wool insulation, and air sealed with “vapor smart” membranes. These membranes create an air barrier, but also allow trapped moisture to escape from the wall system. Sealing leaks in the building envelope is one of the best ways to improve energy efficiency and get the best performance out of your insulation. Havelock Wool insulation is as eco-friendly as it gets – it grows on sheep! Provided by 475 Building Supply.

 

Flexible, multi-use spaces help maximize square footage with a below-grade first level. The sunken patio and french doors, bring generous amounts of natural light to the DADU’s interior, and provide use of outdoor living spaces.

Recycled glass tile is produced on the West Coast by Oceanside Tile and Fireclay Tile. In 2103, Fireclay was the first company to recycle panel glass from CRT (the first 1/2” section of optical glass used in older computer monitors and TV sets) and incorporated it into an innovative line of lead-free glazed, glass tile. Oceanside provides 30% pre-consumer recycled glass content in their products.

The light shelf provides roof deck access and additional light in the stairwell and kitchen. Access to this top floor was custom designed by Living Shelter Design. This simple and innovative ladder uses a weighted pulley system to easily fold against the wall when not in use. When open, it is safe to climb and just as sturdy as a set of stairs.

Cork flooring is a rapidly renewable resource, as well as a sound and thermal insulator. This material is also anti- static, hypo-allergic, and completely impermeable. Other flooring in the DADU is FSC Certified Maple, which is plantation grown. It contains zero added urea-formaldehyde and zero VOCs (volatile organic compounds) adding to an even healthier indoor environment for occupants. Provided by Greenhome Solutions.

view from deck

Plus, a pretty breathtaking view of Mt. Rainier!

See more photos in our Flickr Gallery.