Tucson couple earns first Pima County Silver Certification for a green remodel
By Bonnie Lewis
Tucson Green Times – September 2009
“The most significant benefit we’ve realized from the process is a much higher quality, energy-efficient home,” says Troy Young. He and his wife Kristi have just completed the “greenest” remodel in Tucson, earning the first ever Silver Certificate from the Pima County’s Residential Green Remodel Program.
Troy and Kristi Young in their remodeled kitchen. Photo by James Patrick.The remodel on the Young’s midtown 1930s house included adding a master suite, family room, and office to their two-bedroom, single-bath home. Why did they decide to undertake this process rather than moving to one of the abundant newer homes on the market?
“We loved many things about our home - location, lot size, neighbors,” says Young. “So we made a conscious decision to stay in our home rather than relocate for the sake of more square-footage.”
The Youngs intended to participate in a green building certification program as they began planning their remodel. They considered LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System™), a third-party certification program, and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED for Homes certification is designed for new constructions or major remodels, which typically involve the addition of extra insulation to the existing walls and roof. -Read more...