Green Living – LEED
RCC’s communities will be designed to set the highest standards in eco-conscious sustainable living. Each community will strive to obtain Gold or Platinum certification in “Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design” (“LEED”). Green building materials will be used where feasible and features will include super-insulated, floor to ceiling windows designed to maximise natural light. Homes will have individual water meters and HVAC and openable windows in order to reduce consumption and promote energy saving.
This will all be achieved through a fully integrated design, construction and operational process starting at the conceptual phase with the executive and local project architects, designers and engineers.
The LEED process includes a very strict design, engineering, and construction program that minimizes air infiltration and protects against energy losses by providing a tight building envelope. At the same time, once completed, the building’s air-handling design must refresh the indoor air while preventing pollution intrusion. U.S. Energy Code Star rated appliances, energy efficient faucets to control the amount of water that is wasted, high efficiency air conditioning systems, non-Freon refrigerators, and glues, paints and stains with low Volatile Organic Compound levels must all be included. During construction, waste materials such as drywall and rebar must be segregated and recycled, and the landscaping irrigation systems must be designed where possible to use reused water.
