Green Leaf Construction OUR ETHOS

Environmentally Conscious Building

Green Leaf Construction operates on the philosophy that energy smart techniques should be incorporated into every project, regardless of the environmental focus from the owner perspective. By integrating these techniques into every design and build project, we ensure that each project is more sustainable, more energy efficient, and healthier for the occupants and environment. We are committed to ensuring that each project is as environmentally sustainable as possible by seeking out locally sourced products, creating intentional energy smart designs, and providing expert advice on the most efficient and affordable products for each project.

Energy Smart Insulation Techniques

Green Leaf contracts with the best insulation companies in the region to ensure exceptional quality and end product. Dense pack cellulose insulation is created when cellulose is blown under pressure into an enclosed wall cavity. (Photos by Patrick McCombe)

Cellulose insulation is one of the most environmentally-friendly insulation options available. Dense pack cellulose insulation is made of recycled materials, is non-toxic and is highly flame and pest resistant.

Spray foam insulation is substantially more energy efficient than traditional fiberglass insulation.

Because spray foam insulation contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, it is not as environmentally-friendly as other insulation options. Green Leaf, balancing the spray foam advantage that is gained through excellent home energy efficiency with the disadvantage of the poor long-term environmental implications, uses spray foam when necessary for specific contexts.

Spray foam insulation helps protect against problems associated with moisture, significantly reducing the likelihood of future mold or mildew issues. An excellent insulation job ensures a tight thermal envelope, virtually eliminating building heat loss. Green Leaf uses a combination of insulation types to best meet the needs of each unique living space.

The solar advantage

Harnessing energy from the sun, either through active mechanical systems such as solar PV and solar hot water arrays, or through passive solar design makes a building far more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

Solar PV (photovoltaic) cells convert sunlight directly into electricity, generating enough power for the household year-round. When excess power is generated, homes can sell their power back to the utility grid.

This Green Leaf-built Cumberland home derives 97% of all energy use from solar-generated electricity. This solar array was installed by Assured Solar Energy in North Yarmouth, ME.

Passive solar refers to the harnessing of the sun's energy without the use of active mechanical systems.

Passive solar homes are oriented toward the south, have large south-facing windows, and have an open layout to more easily disperse natural heat throughout the house.

Passive solar homes also have natural day-lighting, minimizing the need for artificial lighting during the day.

Efficient Mechanical Systems

Air Source Heat Pumps use reverse refrigeration techniques to deliver efficient heat transfer from cold air, essentially sucking the heat out of cold air to heat the home.

Heat pumps are three to four times more effective at heating than a traditional electric heater using the same amount of electricity. Units are easily placed on site or affixed to buildings as in the photo above.

Combined with excellent insulation in an air-tight shell, air source heat pumps are one of the most efficient heating options for our extreme Maine environment.

Heat pump water heaters function conceptually the same as air source heat pumps but use the technique to heat water instead of air.

Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV) essentially act as the “lungs” of the house, filtering out the dirty air and bringing in fresh air to ensure a healthy living environment.