Eco Achievers

Dec 2014

Performed a home energy audit for a client who wanted to see how well sealed their renovations had resulted. The audit revealed that while the majority of the work had been done very well, there was some interesting hidden ductwork that affected proper chimney drafting, which was causing drafty comfort issues and potential health concerns. Eco Achievers identified the problem and possible solutions needed to address the situation.

$400

Highland Park, IL

Oct 2014

Eco Achievers provided performance testing for this joint project with a local colleague. The homeowners are a tech-loving family with lots of gadgets and home entertainment features. Our visit was to determine the overall efficiency of the home and mechanical systems, as well as to assess the possibility of solar panels in an effort to lower the family's carbon footprint. After testing the furnace and water heater, it was discovered that both units were not drafting properly and that the old furnace produced higher levels of carbon monoxide than recommended. We walked the homeowner through the process of our testing, and explained the urgency of the matter as their family theater room was right next door. The home was average in terms of unwanted air leakage, however it was is still an issue. The home is situated on a large property, so they have the fortunate opportunity to address the matter from the outside. Our recommendation was to add continuous foam board on the exterior, which would minimize air leakage and provide extra insulation. Solar panels ended up not being an option due to the the construction of the roof. However, they were removing the family pool in the back yard, which made the possibility of geothermal energy for heat and hot water an efficient and eco-friendly alternative.

$500

Naperville, IL

Nov 2013

The homeowners on this project were passionate about making their home's expansion and remodel extremely healthy and reduce their energy costs. Eco Achievers got involved a little later than ideal, just before insulation was installed. We helped ensure the contractors hit all the important areas behind the walls and did thermal imaging and diagnostics to prove to the contractors some areas they thought were okay needed to be immediately improved. The end result was a very comfortable and low-energy home built over 100 years ago, but one that uses 40% less energy than a standard home built to minimum codes in 2013. The home uses a geothermal energy system for HVAC and domestic hot water. It includes one of the first residential greywater systems in IL, anticipated save 20-30% on indoor water use by recycling water from tubs/showers into toilets. To further conserve energy and water, the home utilizes Energy Star appliances, an induction cooktop, WaterSense and water efficient plumbing fixtures, high performance windows and insulation (mostly through dense-pack cellulose essentially recycled newspaper), and LED and high-efficiency lighting. Materials and finishes are reclaimed, recycled, and/or locally-sourced when possible. From a health standpoint, indoor air quality is maximized with 0-VOC sealants, varnishes, and paints, and an HRV (heat recovery ventilator) system optimizes heat distribution and refreshes indoor air. The home is pending a LEED Gold certification level.

$3k

Oak Park, IL

Jul 2016

*This project site is still under construction* Bloom on Marquette is one of eight homes to be built at 67th and Marquette. What makes this home different from all the other net-zero energy homes being built? A few things… According to the builder himself: “Cost of Construction. This home design is the lowest priced net-zero energy home on the market in Chicago, and it rivals the cost of less well built homes.” This home comes with 8kw solar array on the roof and can be built on any standard city lot. July 23rd and 24th, 2016 this model home will be open for tour. It’s centrally located steps away from the Lake, the 67th street Metra station and the University of Chicago. The builder adds, “Innovative design and attractive pricing make this home a good fit for urban infill applications where the homeowner or developer is looking to make green more possible for moderate income households. The design doesn’t forget that the consumer demands luxury in the new home market and delivers an incredibly quiet and comfortable space with sustainable luxury finishes throughout. The Bloom Home can be built on almost any standard city lot and will deliver an incredibly efficient home even without the installed solar system.”

Chicago, IL

Jul 2016

LEED-certified multifamily project (Pending) Situated on a wooded, secluded island by Carlson Center in Minnetonka, this five-story 174-unit apartment building is currently pursuing LEED certification through the US Green Building Council (USGBC). A unique multifamily development, this project stands out for its luxury and location on a green oasis with water in every direction. In addition to your standard apartment amenities such as its fitness center, clubhouse, and a lap pool, The Island Residences at Carlson Center is surrounded by trees and nature trails offering an exquisite indoor-outdoor lifestyle. It's like a vacation at home-- this property features a canoe/kayak/paddleboard landing, an outdoor community fire pit, and an outdoor terrace. This urban oasis is also quite easily accessible just off of Interstates 394, 494 and SR 12. These luxury apartments feature ENERGY STAR appliances, quartz countertops and ample storage with walk-in closets, and a pantry in most units. Each unit is equipped with individual climate control and programmable thermostats, roller shades, LED & fluorescent lighting. With between-unit insulation and high-efficiency mechanical systems, occupants are sure to enjoy their luxury lifestyle at a fraction of the cost of a conventional home or apartment. Additionally, The Island Residences at Carlson Center boasts extensive air sealing measures ensuring residents won’t be bothered by odor migration. This is called "Compartmentalization." So, no more smelling cooked chicken or smoke from the neighbors next door! Compartmentalization helps prevent fire from spreading as quickly across a building, as well. Eco Achievers worked on this project with developers, Trammel Crow Co., as a third-party rater. If you would like further details about The Island Residences at Carlson Center or want to learn more about the services we offer, please check out our services page or contact us! We can help you achieve the cost-saving, sustainable building you want.

Minnetonka, MN

Jun 2016

The Libertyville SmartHaus is an attached single family home designed for aging in place. Built with an accessible design and to LEED standards, these homes feature main floor bedrooms, open floorplans and a thoughtful design and materials selection. The SmartHaus also includes wheelchair accessible covered parking. This home was rewarded a preliminary LEED Platinum rating! Eco Achievers provides consulting, energy rating, and third-party verification services to help deliver sustainable, high-performance homes. Experience with Energy Star, LEED, NGBS, and GreenStar programs.

Libertyville, IL

Jun 2016

The High-Performance Four Square is a right-sized Passive House (seeking PHIUS+ certification) designed to be healthy, efficient, affordable, and fit to its neighborhood. As a Passive House, it uses only a tenth of the heating energy of a built-to-code home, and about 65% less energy overall; it is also designed to be Zero Energy Ready, meaning that with the addition of a solar electric array, the house can produce as much energy as it uses. Indoor air quality and occupant health are a primary objective as well, so no-added-formaldehyde panel materials, no-VOC, non-toxic paints, and Greenguard certified sealants, caulks, and adhesives were used along with a continuous demand-controlled ventilation system to provide superior air quality. The site is small, with large zoning setbacks, so the space planning was crucial to bringing a good layout together with high performance. This house for a family of six packs a lot into a small package: although only 2,000s.f. above grade (2,350s.f. interior conditioned floor area including basement), it has five bedrooms, 3.1 baths, an office, a walk-in pantry, and a rec room on top of the open living spaces. Outside the thermal envelope is a 2-car garage and mudroom

Hinsdale, IL

Jun 2016

Gut renovation transforming an abandoned 3 flat in Logan Square to an inviting single family home. The new insulated slab allows for radiant in floor heating. Geothermal and high velocity system align with radiant on all floors to produce an efficient, comfortable space. Air sealing, properly insulated walls and radiant roof allows for a quiet space. American hardwoods cover the floor and locally sourced windows allow the right amount of sunshine. An open staircase increases the air flow throughout. Specialty air cleaning drywall and no voc paint allow the space to finish and clean up nicely.

Chicago, IL

Dec 2015

Park 205 is a three-story 115-unit luxury apartment development with ENERGY STAR appliances and efficient LED/ fluorescent lighting. The homes also feature fiberglass and spray-foam insulation and low-e insulating windows, attaining a HERS index score of 85. Vapor barriers and water-proof sealing promote increased durability. The interior consists of Green Label Plus flooring and low-VOC paints for healthier indoor air quality. Landscaping design involved limited turf, with 62% of installed plants being drought-resistant. Property location ensures high walkability with access to a nearby Metra station. Investigating local options for waste diversion and documenting diversion rate meant better management of construction waste. Park 205 will be the first LEED-certified multifamily development in Park Ridge and is featured on the 2015 GreenBuilt home Tour, along with several of our other homes as part of our goals to expand knowledge and understanding of sustainable building science. Trammell Crow recently sold Park 205 to L&B Realty Advisors for $48 million. If you're interested in learning more about this project and its features, or our green certifications and performance testing, please contact us!

Park Ridge, IL