A Deeper Shade of Green
Our company is determined to do its part as a leading edge participant in the green building trade, which is the fastest growing sector of the construction industry. Every year, new products are designed and released on the market, and industry leaders are driving these innovations caused by consumer demand.
But most manufacturers’ definition of “green” housing is limited to energy efficiency. And even then, energy efficient appliances and state-of-the-art HVAC systems are generally sold to people and developers who can bear higher up-front costs.
Unity Homes, Inc. goes far beyond this definition: we believe that every home should not contribute to respiratory problems, cancer or other illnesses associated with building materials. Our specifications put this belief into practice.
Unity Homes Sample Floor PlanHere’s how the Healthy Building Network and Hickory Cosortium applied “green building” principles to the Unity Home prototype’s specs in North Gulfport:
- Low-VOC paints perform well while protecting occupants from exposure to chemicals linked to asthma, liver, kidney or nervous system damage and chemical sensitivity.
- Kitchen cabinets made with no or very low emissions of formaldehyde protect occupants from exposure to this chemical linked to asthma and cancer.
- Using Linoleum flooring made of natural ingredients (linseed oil, pine rosin and wood flour on a jute backing) instead of phthalate-containing vinyl or wall-to-wall carpeting eliminates a major collector of bronchial irritants that cause asthma attacks.
- Timed bathroom fan with computer control insures a healthy regular fresh air supply to inhibit mold growth, protecting walls and lungs.
- Aluminum termite shield and termimesh plug all penetrations eliminating the need for injection of harmful pesticides.
Materials that are particularly heavily utilized in affordably priced homes, like vinyl and formaldehyde, exacerbate the disproportionate health impacts suffered by low-income people in general. For example, childhood asthma rates are reaching epidemic proportions in low-income populations. The avoidance of products known to be asthma triggers – such as vinyl, particleboard, and wall-to-wall carpeting – will reduce asthma attacks in the home.
Energy Efficiency
Backed by the intellectual capital of our team of leading engineers and architects, Unity Homes are also exceptionally energy efficient. Unity Homes’ features translate into real savings on utility bills. As generations of Unity Homes evolve we will add renewable energy systems, such as solar hot water heating; and we will increase the amount of locally-produced materials that meet our environmental and human health criteria.
Unity Homes, Inc. marshals the cost savings generated by our innovative business model, and applies them to higher quality “green” materials and designs that provide long-term value to the consumer. The result: a house that is healthier to live in and less expensive to operate for the same price as a conventional “affordable” home.