DELTEC-sustainabilityreport2014web

2014 AnnualSustainability Report

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The Aster, a new model in Deltec’s predesigned, high performance Renew Collection

MOVING CLOSER TO OUR GOALS

It is now our third year of issuing a sustainability report. This past year we focused on growing our company while continuing our environmental stewardship.

Highlights include:

Shipping many unique, highly energy efficient and low-impact customer projects, ranging from tiny super-insulated houses to net-zero and near-net zero projects—each project custom to the particular green dreams of the home in question. Three case studies are on pages 3-4.

Making some headway in our waste reduction efforts, including donating scrap fiber cement siding and starting a new pilot program to save scrap plywood for donation to local wildlife box building campaigns.

Exciting upgrades in our plant to more energy efficient lighting, begun in 2014 and scheduled for full implementation in 2015, has the potential to reduce lighting energy use by an impressive 67%.

As exciting as these efforts are, we know our work is never done. We are continuing this spirit of improvement into 2015 with some new energy saving and waste reducing efforts and more new home designs to help our customers build homes that live lighter on the planet.

Leigha DickensGreen Building & Sustainability ManagerDeltec Homes

Sincerely,

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BUILDING THEIR GREEN DREAMS: Three Case StudiesWe look forward to working with people who share our passion for the environment. That’s why our Green Building Department offers free consultations for all homeowners. We’ll help you design your home and select the best options to meet your desired level of efficiency while being mindful of your budget. We’ll also assist during construction and can help achieve various green building certificates such as ENERGY STAR or LEED.

Here are just three of the custom green homes we worked with our customers to create in 2014.

CATHY F. and MARCY M.

Location: North CarolinaHome: 2 story 1200 sq ft round modelFoundation: Superior Wall pre-cast and pre-insulated concrete system, offering R24 in basement wallsWall System and R-Value: Deltec 2x6 Wall plus R5 Thermal shield offers an R24 wallCeiling R-Value: R-38Other Green Features: Closed loop solar water heating system with electric backup provides 70%-90% of annual water heating needs free from the sun. All Energy Star® appliances, LED lighting throughout home

The insulation and tightness of the house are amazing. We rarely use air conditioning as ventilation with windows open is excellent. We rarely turn the heat on upstairs, as the heat rises to the second floor.

-Cathy F.

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MARIE D.

Location: VirginiaHome: 1604 square foot ‘Ridgeline B’ from the Renew CollectionWall system: Deltec Double Stud Wall with 2 layers of 2x4 studs, insulated by homeowner on site with Roxul ComfortbattsRoof System and R-Value: 16” deep vaulted trusses filled with blown cellulose insulation, plus 2 inches of exterior EPS foam insulation, for an R70 roofFoundation: A sealed, insulated crawlspace creates a conditioned space to keep heating ductwork and a ventilation system, improving efficiency and performance. Sealed crawlspaces also handle moisture and humidity in a southeastern climate far better than a conventional vented crawlspace.Projected HERS Score: 20 (based on energy modeling) Other Green Features: factory-applied Frameguard™, a non-toxic mold and termite resistant framing treatment; heat pump water heater; high efficiency “mini-split” heat pump and AC system; fresh air ventilation system; 2.8 kilowatt battery backup solar array

MICHAEL W.

Location: North DakotaHome: 2 story 900 sq ft round model on a basement + 2 story 12x16 connector with 2 car garageWall System: Deltec “Energy Wall” featuring 2x6 studs, advanced framing, AirBlock gasket, insulated headers, and R5 Thermal Shield for R24 plus exceptional air-tightnessRoof System: Deltec Energy Saver Plus Overhang, sealed and unvented attic with high performing spray foam insulation Other Green Features: Triple pane windows, Deltec Energy Star® certified and low-waste metal shingle roof

“Deltec’s Renew Collection was the answer to building a home as close to net-zero as possible. The green department was valuable in providing me with resources, the latest research and overall guidance.”

-Marie D.

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Highland

Chestnut Aster

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The Highland model is one of three new Renew Collection designs. It offers a distinctly modern appearance as well as a larger footprint than other models, while still offering a super-insulated building envelope and the opportunity for passive solar design.

The concept at the heart of the Renew Collection - high performance homes designed to use two-thirds less energy than a traditional home - proved an overwhelming success, so much so that in 2014 we began developing three new models to add to the collection, bringing the total to nine.

Each of the nine homes can easily achieve net-zero living. The pre-designed floor plans enable a faster, more cost-effective build. Our goal is to make high performance and net-zero homes more attainable. Eliminating the time and costs that go into designing a custom home is a huge component of that.

Extensive research goes into designing a home that performs on this level. However, we want to have models that appeal to everyone, so it’s a challenge we’re eager to meet head on.

NINE HOMES, ONE VISION: MOVING NET-ZERO FORWARD

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2014 BY THE NUMBERS

SUSTAINABLE OPERATIONS: Waste Diversion

SOLAR PRODUCTION DATA

Total wind credits purchased371,845 kilowatt hours

Total energy generated by our array75,155 kilowatt hours

Total energy consumed 447,000 kilowatt hours

Operating with 100% Renewable Energy in 2014

16.8%

83.2%

Increase in waste diversion up from

last year

8%Total % of waste and scrap material from production that was donated,

reused, or recycled, instead of landfilled

83.8%

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IN 2

014

These energy efficient features on the homes we shipped in 2014 will save approximately 520 megawatt hours of electricity per year, compared to other types of new construction. That’s the equivalent of planting 770 trees.

Percentage of homes shipped by Deltec in 2014 that included at least one energy efficiency feature that exceeded typical new construction efficiencies

100%

Percentage of homes shipped by Deltec in 2014 that included energy efficiency upgrades that will reduce these home’s energy use compared to typical new construction by at least 30%

76%

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The Western NC Group of the Sierra Club awarded Deltec their 2014 Award for Outstanding Green Business of the Year. Local Sierra Club leader Ken Brame said they chose Deltec for the energy efficient homes they build, including a net zero collection, and the fact that Deltec operates with 100% renewable energy. Brame also cited Deltec’s commitment to reducing excess construction waste from landfills – currently at 83.8% – through recycling and reuse, with a goal of 0% landfill waste by 2016. Said Brame, “Deltec exemplifies the true meaning of being a “green business” and the Sierra Club is happy to recognize them for all that they do.”

RECOGNITION

A community is only as strong as we make it, and in order for a community to thrive, it is critical that its inhabitants earn enough money to be self-sustaining members. We are proud to have passed the rigorous application process and be recognized as Living Wage Certified, official recognition of our efforts to promote a just and sustainable local economy through the Living Wage Certified program of Just Economics in Western North Carolina, the largest program of its kind in the United States.

In order for recognition to be a critical component of success in the work environment, it should be meaningful to the company. When recognition comes from an outside ‘source’ and is linked to a company goal, we know we are headed in the right direction. We were thrilled to be recognized for our efforts by the the local chapter of the Sierra Club.

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COMMUNITY MATTERS

From Habitats for Humanity...

Habitat for Humanity remains a preferred donation spot for many of our excess usable scrap pieces of plywood and XPS foam board from our R5 Thermal Shield.

This year we added a new donation stream, donating pallets of our most popular siding: Allura fiber cement siding. Habitat for Humanity sells these scrap materials in the Asheville ReStore, where they can be purchased by community members for small projects around the house, rather than having to buy new, virgin material to serve the same purpose. Proceeds from the ReStore help to fund the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity’s building programs and cover administrative fundraising expenses.

...to Habitats for Critters

In 2014, Deltec sought out new partnerships to help increase our landfill diversion rate. Amongst these new partners was the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission. In September Deltec hosted a Squirrel Box Build Night, where a group of dedicated volunteers worked with the NC Wildlife Resource Commission and Wild South to build 62 boxes for the northern flying squirrel.

These boxes have been posted on NC-owned lands, providing a habitat and allowing wildlife managers to keep track of local populations.

Through these same organizations we also hosted a similar evening event for barn owls and, with our volunteer crew, built 31 barn owl boxes.

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Toys for a Good Cause

While it’s true we produce a lot less waste than standard construction practices, we still scrupulously recycle each and every piece possible, channeling it to various recycling initiatives. Last year we were asked by the talented artisans over at Apple Country Woodcrafters in Hendersonville, NC, to donate wood scraps for their toy making mission – they have turned out thousands of wooden toys for disadvantaged children since 1985, making this initiative our new favorite!

Deltec and Wild South: a Community Partnership

With community partner Wild South (www.wildsouth.org), we partnered with an anonymous donor in a campaign for matching donations, engaging the public in the active protection of our unique and vital Southern wildlife species and habitats. The Hellbender Wildlife Protection Campaign raised over $5,000.

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Meals on Wheels

Our commitment to enabling homeowners to retain their independence and remain living in their homes for as long as possible remains constant. Twice a week, Deltec employees spend a paid hour making deliveries for Meals on Wheels to the elderly and infirm in ‘our’ neighborhood.

Children First and the Family Resource Center

Deltec sponsored four neighborhood children for Christmas again, through Children First/Communities In Schools (CIS) of Buncombe County, a local non-profit committed to advocating and empowering children and families living in poverty. Just like last year, the children were asked to list something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read. Deltec employees chose what they wanted to buy from the list., and Deltec was happy to gift bicycles.

Brother Wolf Animal Rescue (BWAR)

We continue to support Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, a nonprofit, no-kill shelter that is home to up to 100 dogs, puppies, cats, kittens and other small animals 365 days a year. The demand for supplies to care for these animals is huge. Their greatest needs during the holidays are food and litter: A donation box was kept in the Deltec lobby for food, kitty litter, treats and toys, by whomever wanted to donate.

Our values go beyond the company. Sustaining local nonprofits through donations and various projects help keep our community thriving.

Connect with us

69 Bingham Rd ~ Asheville NC ~ 28805Tel 800.642.2508 ~ deltechomes.com