Green building remains one of the biggest buzz words in the industry as more and more homebuyers and builders realize the benefit of building with an eye toward sustainability. This year the NextGen “Builders Challenge” Home includes more green features than ever before. Working from the top-down, you’ll find DECRA Shake XD™ roofing, made from steel substrate that contains upwards of 25% post-consumer recycled steel content, and is 100% recyclable at the end of its life. Integrated into the roofing are Aide Solar panels, bringing 3kw of solar power into the home.

At the NextGen “Builders Challenge” Home builders will also learn how to earn up to 53 points toward National Green Building Certification with ICYNENE’s LD-R-50™ insulation. Using 100% water-blown technology, this insulation exceeds renewable content requirements through the use of natural castor oil, is free from HFCs and PBDEs and is classified as a low emitting material.

Just a sampling of the other green finds in the NextGen “Builders Challenge” Home include:

• Radiant heating by STEP Warmfloor that’s made from recyclable, non-hazardous materials;
• Aspect Peel & Stick metal tiles that bring the modern, sophisticated look of metal to a backsplash, wall or cabinet at a fraction of the cost and are 100% recyclable and made from 50% recycled materials;
• Rubbermaid® wire shelving -- the FIRST closet system to be certified to the GREENGUARD Children & Schools(sm) standard. The shelving system emits very low levels of VOCs and is made from 100% recycled steel, and the wire systems are 100% recyclable with construction waste;

And

• A wireless lighting system by Verve that reduces the amount of copper wire used in home construction, is self- powering (which means fewer batteries clogging landfills) and supports 100% whole house dimming – lowering energy costs and extending bulb life.

Gone are the days when recycling efforts in the home just meant separating your bottles and cans. In the NextGen “Builders Challenge” Home you’ll see just how far green living has come.