What is Green? 

Green building is an outcome of a design which focuses on increasing the efficiency of a building's  use of energy, water and materials, while reducing building impacts on human health and the environment.  Through better siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal, a building can remain green throughout its entire life cycle.  Ricci Bros. can work with you in designing and building a truly green project that will remain efficient and environmentally friendly long after our crews have gone.

Green buildings are designed to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment by:

• Efficiently using energy, water, and other resources
• Protecting occupant health and improving employee productivity
• Reducing waste, pollution and  environmental impact.

What is Certified Green?      

There are dozens of organizations that certify a building as being 'green'  The criteria varies widely and can be confusing and even overwhelming to the client as well as the architect and builder. 

The United States Green Building Council's well known LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Program is favored by architects and planners for commercial buildings.  While LEED also has a residential component, LEED For Homes uses a single standard for both new homes and remodels.  If you are building a new home or if your project is a total gut renovation, LEED is a favorable standard and has many advantages. 

For other project scopes such as renovations and additions, there are several alternative organizations that certify projects as being green. 

• National Association of the Remodeling Industry NARI
  
• National Association of Home Builders NAHB
  
• Green Advantage
  
• Building Performance Institute
  

Every project is different. Ricci Bros. will  work with clients, architects and designers to determine the best means of achieving the maximum efficiency and highest ratings wherever possible.  We incorporate our own green ideas into your plan as well.  Our tradition and heritage comes not only from our craftsmen ancestors but also our connection to the land and the environment.  Our projects do not end with the exterior of the building.  We strive to incorporate the surrounding land into each project.  The landscape and garden are equal components of the building.

Common Sense

The majority of recyclable waste that is generated on most construction projects comes from packaging and construction materials. At Ricci Bros. we make sure that all packaging and other associated materials are properly recycled and not added to landfills.  We sort construction debris at our warehouse facility.  Much of the excess lumber and other wood products go into smaller projects in our shop.  We build furniture and even create sculpture from otherwise wasted material. Other construction materials are carefully evaluated and whenever possible are re-used, donated or saved for future use. 

We purchase materials from local suppliers whenever possible. This reduces transport costs and impact to the environment.  In supporting local businesses we also strengthen our ties to the community and our neighbors.

We have recently added our first hybrid vehicle to our fleet.  As they become more applicable we hope to add more higher efficient vehicles.  We do our best to reduce unnecessary driving and maintain our vehicles to achieve the best efficiency and least emissions.

Whether we are building a new house or adding a deck to your existing home, we strive to eliminate toxic materials including using low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints, stains and sealers. We want to keep your property, family and pets safe.