Custom Builder • Architectural Millwork

Green Building

Merz Construction brings common sense green and sustainable building practices to our projects, while maintaining an emphasis on value, quality materials and superior craftsmanship. Through our LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program and USGBC (US Green Building Council) membership, we demonstrate to our partners and clients a commitment to green building and market transformation. Our LEED Accredited Professional can guide the project through the certification process or simply advise on environmental and sustainable issues.

The USGBC provides the construction industry with the tools necessary to build houses that deliver high performance inside and out. Through its LEED program, it has helped develop a national consensus for design and construction practices, and educational tools that support sustainable design and building practices. The LEED Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.

LEED promotes a “whole building” approach to sustainability through its five categories: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality and innovation in design. Green homes have much higher performance levels than homes built to the minimum building codes. Building green does not add a significant cost, but will reduce long-term costs.

Features of Energy Star qualified new homes include:

• Effective Insulation
• High-Performance Windows
• Tight Construction and Ducts
• Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment
• Efficient Products
• Third-Party Verification

Geothermal Heating Systems:

Merz Construction has extensive experience with geothermal systems.

“A geothermal heat pump heating system utilizes the free heat available from the earth to provide as much as 80% of a home’s total winter heating requirement, resulting in a heating system whose operating cost can be 25-40% lower than fossil fuel fired heating systems, while producing far less carbon dioxide than fossil fuel fired systems. Geothermal heat pump systems are virtually invisible from outdoors, require no exterior equipment, have very low maintenance requirements and can provide super efficient cooling during summer operation.”

-Mike Zimmerman, Allied Consulting Engineering Services, Inc.

Through our participation in the LEED and Energy Star programs, which provide a structure for energy efficiency and set high standards, third party testing verifies that we exceed the high standards set by these programs.