Greening Greenbush, MN Project

Certificate recognizing Dovetail Partners as "a builder participating in the LEED for Homes Pilot Demonstration, with a commitment to actively promoting the transformation of the mainstream home building industry toward more sustainable practices."

Project Description:

An increased demand for housing due to the recent expansion of Central Boiler/Central Fireplace has prompted Greenbush, MN to donate 5 lots to build eco-affordable homes. Dovetail Partners, Northwest Community Action Alliance, and the City of Greenbush have partnered in bringing together interested community members and other stakeholders to establish the resources needed to build homes in Greenbush that demonstrate development opportunities and green building innovations and meet this housing need.

The criteria set forward by the partners for the project are to build affordable, energy-efficient, 1,300 square foot, 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom homes with curb appeal. Dovetail Partners developed a floor plan that is registered as meeting the green building requirements of the United States Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards for new home construction (LEED-H). (click here to download floorplan, pdf 16k) The use of recognized green building standards was part of meeting the green goals for the project  and also offers educational opportunities for local contractors on the LEED process. Some examples of green techniques that are incorporated into the plan's design are a locally-manufactured fireplace from Central Boiler, an in-floor radiant heating system, a detached garage connected by a breezeway, passive solar design, natural lighting, and advanced framing techniques. One aspect of the project is to offer training to local contractors during the construction process and demonstrate that green building is really just “good” building.

The project is currently seeking a buyer from the local community so that construction can begin.

Project Goals:

• Demonstrate the use of green, affordable housing as an economic development tool.

• Provide education on green building to the community.

• Utilize as many local vendors as possible in order to provide education on green building practices for their future use, and also to give them an edge in their rural building market.

• Use as many local products and materials as possible, to support the community economically, pave new avenues for suppliers to get their products out there, and minimize material transportation costs and impacts.

• Obtain LEED-H certification or Energy Star certification.

• Build the project in a way that encourages a sense of community.

• Manage project so it may be easily replicated locally.

  
  
  

Green Design Elements:

FSC-certified lumber and materials

Locally sourced materials and local vendors

In-floor radiant heating system

Low-VOC paints and adhesives

Prefabricated panels instead of stick frame

Passive solar heating/cooling

On-site stormwater management

Energy-efficient appliances

Low-flow water fixtures