We recently attended Greenbuild 2015, an international conference and expo that promotes sustainable building practices. The event features three days of speakers, networking, showcases, LEED workshops and green building tours.

Nearly 20,000 architects, engineers and related audiences attended the event, and more than 500 brands took to the Greenbuild 2015 expo floor to demonstrate their commitment to the green movement.

One annual highlight of the Greenbuild event is a show home with practical, affordable features as well as state-of-the-art products and technologies. These features are designed to maximize a home’s sustainability and performance while also providing a range of comfort, health and security benefits.

Renowned builder Tedd Benson and Unity Homes partnered with Hanley Wood, BUILDER magazine, Huber Engineered Woods and the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute to design, construct and install this year’s 1,620-square-foot Greenbuild Unity show home. The net-zero energy home is LEED Platinum certified and WaterSense recognized.

Here are three top takeaways from the 2015 Greenbuild Unity show home:

1. Modern, contemporary design can appeal to homeowners who value sustainability. Buyers considering smaller homes and modular homes can achieve a clean, sleek interior design. Energy-efficient stainless steel appliances, bright neutral colors and clean lines are found throughout the 1,620-square-foot Unity Home.
2. Modular homes are a growing trend in the affordable residential housing sector. Modular homes are often constructed inside a factory. Therefore, they are made faster than traditional homes and tend to be more affordable. Construction is conducted in a controlled climate, and there are rarely costly interruptions.
3. The depth of energy-efficient products for homeowners and builders is increasing. A variety of energy-efficient offerings, such as Huber Engineered Woods’ AdvanTech Flooring and ZIP System® Sheathing, were exhibited throughout the show home. AdvanTech flooring and ZIP System® sheathing decrease homeowner utility bills by protecting the structure from unwanted air and moisture on all sides.

If you have questions or would like to learn more, feel free to contact me at kpanther@wrayward.com.