Drew Smith is now an Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP)

Building and infrastructure projects are requiring high quality integrated sustainability plans. Two Trails now offers clients the opportunity to achieve an Envision Certification for all infrastructure projects. Our COO Drew Smith has over 20 years of experience working on sustainable building projects and now can add the Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP) credential to his long list of sustainable credentials. He can successfully guide clients through the Envision verification process, providing clients the education they need to understand every milestone along the way. This is a wonderful opportunity to communicate a sustainability narrative to regulators and the public at large.

What is Envision?

Envision Certification measures the sustainability of infrastructure projects. Project owners can use the framework to incorporate innovations into their project during the design or construction phase to earn an Envision Certification, celebrating the sustainability of their infrastructure project. Similar to how the LEED Certification works for buildings, Envision is a certification for infrastructure projects that meets sustainability goals. Envision Sustainability Professionals lead project teams through the Institute of Sustainable Infrastructure Envision Verification Process. The use of Envision can benefit infrastructure projects in numerous ways including:

• Long-term viability through increased resiliency and preparedness

• Lower costs through management and stakeholder collaboration

• Reduced negative impacts on the community and the environment

• Potential to save owners money over time through efficiency

• The credibility of a third-party rating system

• Increased public confidence and involvement in decision-making

For more information on how Two Trails can help you build sustainability into your next project, or to learn more about Envision, please contact us here.

Two Trails has provided a decades worth of Sustainable Building Consulting Services for the NAHB International Builders Show The New American Home and The New American Remodel Projects

Parrish, FL – The NAHB 2019 International Builders Show held in Las Vegas, NV at the Las Vegas Convention Center is the culmination of building industry professionals meeting on new initiatives, learning about best practices and the latest products showcased by industry manufactures. This year marks Two Trails 10th year as the Sustainable Building Consultants for the two showcase homes.  During the show duration the homes are expected to be viewed by over 7,000 show patrons in 3 days.

The New American Home and The New American Remodel is one of NAHB’s most successful and visible programs produced and presented by the NAHB Leading Suppliers Council. The design, construction and amenities are market driven, and showcase the latest in innovative products for the future of home building. The show home demonstrates Builders' Best Practices, concepts, materials, designs and construction techniques that can be replicated – in whole or in part – in housing built any place and in any price range.  Incorporating such elements as the ICC 700 National Green Building Standard, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, safety and universal design as well as market value is a principal goal of The New American Home program. It’s mission is to show that housing performance can be incorporated into the most simple or most complex homes, and that it’s equally as important as aesthetics.  Two Trails has also been chosen to be the Sustainability Building Consultants and Verifiers for The NAHB (National Association of Builders) 2020 New American Home and The New American Remodel Home. 

The 2019 New American Home. Office over looking the man cave.

The NAHB showcase homes are very demanding projects.  In most cases the building timeline is accelerated in order meet the deadline of the International Builders show.  The homes design has to take into account the amount of people touring the home, suppliers contributions integrated into design and above all the homes must be certified to the National Green Building Standard. Achieving this task takes a tightly integrated team from design to completion.  Below you will find the highlighted sustainable features of The New American Home and The New American Remodel.

The 2019 New American Remodel: Drew Smith presenting the multiple Sustainable Certifications the home received.

THE 2019 NEW AMERICAN HOME: SUN WEST CUSTOM HOMES

Thermal Shell

• Unvented and air sealed attic with a combination of Owens Corning roof insulation sheathing (R-10) and Owens Corning PROPINK Complete™ Blown-in (R-57)

• Western Windows and patio doors with low-e coating and argon gas fill to limit solar heat gain and optimize air tightness

• Owens Corning PROPINK Complete™ Blown-in Wall System (R-46)

• Owens Corning FORMULAR™ Exterior Wall sheathing Insulation (R-10)

• Owens Corning Slab Insulation (R-10)

• AeroSeal’s AeroBarrier aerosol thermal envelope sealer utilized to further reduce envelope leakage

• Large overhangs to aid in protecting the home from the harsh Nevada sun

• Light colored exterior to assist in reflecting the sun

HVAC

• Mitsubishi’s Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Ducted Split-System Heat Pump HVAC system provided space conditioning

• Variable speed compressors in outdoor heat pump units adds efficiency and quietness

• Lifebreath’s Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) quietly provides fresh air while reducing the loads on the HVAC system

• Mechanical ventilation with humidistat or occupancy controllers provided by Panasonic

• Space conditioning system located entirely within the conditioned space

• Total Duct Leakage tested at 4.5 CFM25 per 100 sq.ft. and confirmed to be within ENERGY STAR® parameters

• Duct Leakage to the Outdoors tested at 2.0 CFM25 per 100 sq.ft. and confirmed to be within ENERGY STAR® parameters

Hot Water

• Bosch ENERGY STAR®-rated tankless water heaters with an efficiency (EF) of 0.99

• Insulated hot water lines utilized throughout the project to reduce heat loss

Electrical

• 100% energy-efficient LED lighting for all interior and exterior lighting

• Thermador’s ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances, including dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer, and clothes washers

• Pentair ENERGY STAR®-rated variable speed pool pumps

Energy Efficiency and Innovation

As one of the NAHB’s official show homes, The New American Home (TNAH) 2019 is a symbol of energy efficiency and innovation. The home exhibits innovative products from manufacturers all over the world.  A noteworthy feature of TNAH 2019 is the proposed air tightness of its thermal shell.  AeroSeal’s AeroBarrier aerosol thermal envelope sealer was utilized before drywall had been finished.  The tested air changes per hour at 50 Pascals (ACH50) prior to AeroBarrier’s application was 14 ACH(50), and after application; 2.06 ACH(50).  A remarkable 679% improvement!

TNAH 2019 is designed to exceed the requirements for certification to the Emerald level of the National Green Building Standard™ (NGBS). Its energy-efficient features can be used in homes in a hot climate at any price point with similar energy savings. The home is also certified EPA Energy Star, as well as, the EPA’s Indoor airPLUS certification. 

Two Trails, Inc. worked closely with Sun West Custom Homes to ensure energy efficiency and innovation in TNAH 2019. This home has a registered HERS Index of 45. It is 55% more efficient than the average new code-built home.  At this level of energy efficiency, the home is designed to provide over $3,009 in annual energy savings to the home owner. 

 Water Efficiency

In addition to energy savings, this home’s calculated monthly water savings is a remarkable 58.17%.  This incredible water use reduction is made possible using low-flow water fixtures, natural indigenous landscaping, and a high-efficient irrigation system.

Proposed water saving features include:

• Kohler low-flow, EPA WaterSense certified 1.2 & 1.5 GPM lavatory faucets and 1.28 GPF toilets provides the indoor water use reduction

• High-efficient micro spray, drip-lines and irrigation controller contributed to the outdoor water use reduction

Designed Indoor Environmental Quality Features

Indoor Environmental Quality encompasses the conditions inside a home, and their effects on residents. The New American Home 2019 incorporated innovative strategies, creating an indoor environmental quality that enhance the lives of homeowners, protects occupants’ health, and improves quality of life. 

Indoor Environmental Quality strategies include:

• Sherwin Williams Low-VOC paints and finishes and low-VOC interior adhesives and sealants

• MERV 13 space conditioning air filters

• HVAC ducts sealed during construction to prevent pollutants from construction activities from entering the system

• Whole Building ventilation system configured to allow the correct amount of fresh air in to the home

• Eco-Friendly cabinets – Formaldehyde free and material certified by the Forest Stewardship Council

• Eco-Friendly flooring – Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label certified flooring products

THE 2019 NEW AMERICAN REMODEL: STUDIO G ARCHITECTURE

Proposed Thermal Shell

• Unvented and air sealed attic with a closed-cell spray foam insulation system (R-38)

• Windows and patio doors with low-e coating and argon gas fill to limit solar heat gain and optimize air tightness.

• Kingspan’s Kooltherm, Fi-Foil M-Shield, and spray foam insulation on exterior walls (R-37)

• Large overhangs to aid in protecting the home from the harsh Nevada sun

Proposed HVAC

• Daikin Mulit Split VRV Air Conditioning with a proposed SEER of 24.5

• Multiple Air Handling Units provide individual room climate control

• Mechanical ventilation provided by Air King

• Space conditioning system located entirely within the conditioned space

Proposed Hot Water

• ENERGY STAR®-rated tankless water heaters with an efficiency (EF) of 0.95

• Insulated hot water lines utilized throughout the project

Proposed Electrical

• 100% of all interior and exterior lamps are energy-efficient LED lighting

• ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances

• ENERGY STAR®-rated variable speed pool pumps

Designed Energy Efficiency and Innovation

As one of the NAHB’s official show homes, The New American Remodel (TNAR) 2019 is a symbol of energy efficiency and innovation. The home exhibits cutting-edge products from manufacturers all over the world.

TNAR 2019 is designed to exceed the requirements for certification to the Emerald level of the National Green Building Standard™. Its energy-efficient features can be used in homes in a hot climate at any price point with similar energy savings. The home is also targeted to be certified EPA Energy Star program as well as the Indoor airPLUS program and DOE Zero Energy Ready Home. 

Two Trails, Inc. worked closely with Studio G Architecture to ensure energy efficiency and innovation in TNAR 2019. This home has a preliminary HERS Index of 58! A fantastic improvement from the pre-remodel HERS Index of 135! It is 42% more efficient than the average new code-built home and designed to have a 43% reduction of energy usage from pre-remodel levels. At this level of energy efficiency, the home is designed to provide over $1,621 in annual energy savings to the homeowner. 

Designed Water Efficiency

In addition to energy savings, this home is designed to achieve approximately a 51% reduction in water use from pre-remodel levels.  This remarkable water use reduction is made possible using low-flow water fixtures and a high-efficient irrigation system. Water saving features include:

• Kohler low-flow, EPA WaterSense certified 1.2 GPM lavatory faucets and 1.28 GPF toilets

• Natural, indigenous landscaping, high-efficient micro spray, drip-lines and irrigation controller contributed to the outdoor water use reduction

Designed Indoor Environmental Quality Features

Indoor Environmental Quality encompasses the conditions inside a home, and their effects on residents. The New American Remodeled Home 2018 incorporated innovative strategies, creating an indoor environmental quality that enhance the lives of homeowners, protects occupants’ health, and improves quality of life.  Indoor Environmental Quality strategies include:

• Low-VOC paints and finishes and low-VOC interior adhesives and sealants

• MERV 13 space conditioning air filters

• HVAC ducts sealed during construction to prevent pollutants from construction activities from entering the system

• Whole Building ventilation system configured to allow the correct amount of fresh air in to the home

ABOUT TWO TRAILS, INC. | Two Trails, Inc. is a National Sustainable Building Consulting firm established in 2001 with offices in Florida, Nevada and Illinois. Two Trails provides sustainable consulting, administration, verification & commissioning services nationwide for Commercial, Government, Multi-Family, Residential and Developments looking to obtain LEED USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council), ICC 700 National Green Building Standard, Energy Star, & Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) certifications.

Debbie Smith CEO of Two Trails: Building Industry Appointments at The 2019 NAHB International Builders Show

Parrish, FL: The NAHB 2019 International Builders Show which takes place in Las Vegas, NV February 19-21. The International Builders Show (IBS) is the building industries most attended show of the year. The show consists of vendors, educational tracks, building industry meetings and showcase homes.  Debbie Smith of Two Trails have been recognized as an industry leader and has been appointed to two new positions within the NAHB building community. 

The National Association of Home Builders, Professional Women in Building Organization, has appointed Debbie Smith CEO of Two Trails to a couple of positions. Debbie is elated to be appointed to these positions and to be a voice for women in the building industry. 

·      NAHB Professional Women in Building Area 5 Trustee

·      NAHB Professional Women in Building Communications and Education Vice Chair

ABOUT TWO TRAILS, INC. | Two Trails, Inc. is a National Sustainable Building Consulting firm established in 2001 with offices in Florida, Nevada and Illinois. Two Trails provides sustainable consulting, administration, verification & commissioning services nationwide for Commercial, Government, Multi-Family, Residential and Developments looking to obtain LEED USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council), ICC 700 National Green Building Standard, Energy Star, & Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) certifications. 

Drew Smith COO of Two Trails: Building Industry Appointments at The 2019 NAHB International Builders Show

Parrish, FL: The NAHB 2019 International Builders Show which takes place in Las Vegas, NV February 19-21. The International Builders Show (IBS) is the building industries most attended show of the year. The show consists of vendors, educational tracks, building industry meetings and showcase homes.  Drew Smith of Two Trails have been recognized as an industry leader and has been appointed to these positions within the NAHB building community. 

DREW SMITH: The National Association of Home Builders has appointed Drew Smith COO of Two Trails to several positions. Drew is honored to be chosen for the appointments and will continue to be an active vocal advocate for the building industry.  

• 2nd Vice Chairman of the NAHB Environmental Issues Committee

• Member of the NAHB Construction, Codes & Standards Committee

• Reappointment as a member of the NAHB Construction Technology Research Subcommittee

• Reappointment as a member of the NAHB Energy and Green Codes & Standards Subcommittee

• Reappointment as a member of the NAHB Sustainability & Green Building Subcommittee

• Sustainability & Energy Consultant & NGBS Verifier for the 2020 New American Home and 2020 New American Remodeled Home (11th consecutive year)

About Two Trails:

Two Trails, Inc. is a world-wide Sustainable Building Consulting firm established in 2001 with offices in Florida (Headquarters), Nevada, Georgia, and Illinois. We are licensed, insured, and bonded. We are comprised of skilled building professionals including architects, engineers, general contractors, LEED professionals and energy raters. We know that the science of building sustainability must work within construction deadlines! Why...because we come from the construction industry; we were builders. With over 500 LEED projects to our credit, Two Trails has earned our place as a respected leader in providing timely, affordable, and obtainable USGBC LEED Certifications, LEED Project Administration, and Commissioning. Our services cover newly constructed, major renovations, and existing buildings. The types of projects we have done include: New Construction, Core & Shell, Auto Dealerships, Government Contracts, Schools, Retail, High-Rise, Hospitality, Data Centers, Warehouses & Distribution Centers, Healthcare, Casinos, Resorts and many more.

Two Trails Inc. Sustainable Building Consulting has certified a new LEED Gold project for the University of South Florida St. Petersburg's Kate Tiedemann College of Business.

(Parrish, FL) - Two Trails Inc. Sustainable Building Consulting has certified a new LEED Gold project for the University of South Florida. The project building known as Lynn Pippenger Hall, home to USF St. Petersburg’s Kate Tiedemann College of Business, has received a Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. This is the third building at USFSP to receive LEED Gold certification.

“The more we can construct buildings that meet the highest of environmental standards, we not only improve the health of our college community but it pays in the long run with greater energy savings and lower day-to-day costs,” said Joe Trubacz, Regional Vice Chancellor of Administrative and Financial Services at USFSP.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, commercial and residential buildings account for nearly 40 percent of national energy consumption. Creating more sustainable structures helps to improve energy efficiency and decrease waste, while reducing operating costs and enhancing air and water quality.

Sustainable design elements and products were used throughout Lynn Pippenger Hall to include Forest Stewardship Council certified wood, materials sourced locally and regionally, and a management system to monitor energy usage. The building received especially high marks for water efficiency, indoor environmental quality and innovation. Additionally, the project received praise for its access to public transportation and concerted efforts to reduce pollution and recycling waste during construction.

“The work of innovative building projects such as USFSP’s Lynn Pippenger Hall is a fundamental driving force in transforming the way buildings are built, designed and operated,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council. “Buildings that achieve LEED certification are lowering carbon emissions, creating a healthier environment and reducing operating costs while prioritizing sustainable practices.”

Lynn Pippenger Hall is a four-story building that boasts more than 68,000 square feet of classroom, office and common spaces. Features include a Wealth Management Center where students apply real-world investment skills in managing clients’ wealth, a Consumer Insight Lab that teaches marketing students about focus groups and a 200-seat auditorium. A digital stock ticker scrawls across the atrium and abundant natural light fills the building.

The building is home to the Kate Tiedemann College of Business, one of the few business schools worldwide to have earned AACSB accreditation in both business and accounting. Its online MBA program is ranked among the nation’s top 18 online programs by U.S. News & World Report.

“The LEED Gold awarded to Lynn Pippenger Hall is a testimony to the sustainable design of the building and a reaffirmation of our values and commitment to the environment,” said Sridhar Sundaram, Dean of the Kate Tiedemann College of Business.

The Science and Technology building at USFSP was the first to earn LEED Gold certification in the USF System in 2010. The University Student Center received LEED Gold certification in 2014. 

Photo Credit: Shannon Kalahar

For more information on Two Trails Inc., visit TwoTrails.com.

ABOUT TWO TRAILS INC: Two Trails, Inc. is a National Sustainable Building Consulting firm established in 2001 with offices in Florida, Nevada, and Illinois. We provide sustainable consulting services nationwide for Commercial, Government, Commissioning, Multi-Family, Residential and looking to obtain LEED USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council), ICC 700 National Green Building Standard, Energy Star, & Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) certifications. 

Our COO, Drew M. Smith, LEED AP, was the founding President of the Florida Green Building Coalition and is the first Governor appointed Green Building Commissioner for the State of Florida. Two Trails, Inc. provides hands-on consulting making it easy to achieve certification.

Two Trails Inc. LEED Certified Project - Mote Lab: First LEED Gold Commercial Certification In Monroe County

(Parrish, FL) Two Trails Inc. - Sustainable Building Consulting has LEED certified the Mote Marine Laboratory’s coral reef research facility in the Florida Keys. The project has become the first U.S. Green Building Council LEED Gold Commercial certified building in Monroe County, honoring its outstanding, eco-friendly design and construction.

Mote’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration (IC2R3), which opened in May 2017, is advancing Mote’s critical mission: marine research supporting conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. IC2R3, the newest facility among Mote’s five Florida campuses, works to address the grand challenges facing Earth’s “underwater rainforests”: coral reefs.

Dovetailing with that mission, LEED — Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design — is the world’s most widespread rating system for green buildings, according to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). 

“We planned for this facility to embody our ocean-friendly, planet-friendly mission — that was our vision from day one,” said Mote President & CEO Dr. Michael P. Crosby. “Now, as scientists and students from around the globe collaborate at this cutting-edge base of operations, they can take pride not only in what we achieve together but also how we achieve it — with great care for minimizing our environmental footprint.”

IC2R3 replaced older facilities at Mote’s Summerland Key campus, more than doubling its research space. There, Mote scientists raise and study more than 20 species of hard corals and maintain a broodstock reserve facility to produce thousands of coral fragments for reef restoration and for studies of coral resilience amid the warmer, more acidic oceans expected in Earth’s future. IC2R3 also serves hundreds of other scientists from more than 60 institutions worldwide who work to restore and protect reefs.

With Mote’s specifications in mind, Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc., built IC2R3 to include 30.1-kilowatt solar panels, a rainwater capture system, significant proportions of recycled and local building materials, and other eco-friendly features. The facility offers scientists and students eight residential suites, five offices, two wet labs and one prep lab on the second floor, three dry labs, one prep lab and one ocean acidification lab on the third floor, two electric car charging stations, two indoor classrooms, and one outdoor classroom.

“Willis Smith Construction’s goal was always to strive for USGBC LEED Gold certification for Mote’s new coral research facility,” said John LaCivita, Vice President at Willis Smith Construction. “With that in mind, even before we started putting ink to paper, we reviewed every line item on the LEED checklist and determined what would be possible in the Keys. Keeping those specific target items in mind, we then began the design collaboration. It worked!”

Photo Credit: Conor Goulding/Mote Marine Laboratory

The LEED Gold facility houses the Alfred Goldstein Institute for Climate Change Studies and offers scientists access to new seawater systems, raceways and experimental tanks for studying multiple reef species facing climate change impacts such as rising ocean temperatures and ocean acidification; molecular equipment to process and prepare samples for next generation sequencing and genomic analyses — for example, to find the best genetic strains of corals for reef restoration; microbial supplies for studying microscopic life forms that can help or harm coral reefs; a carbonate chemistry lab for ocean acidification research; and more.

Two Trails Inc. - Sustainable Building Consulting assessed IC2R3 for LEED Commercial certification. We documented these key features:

• Improvement of 37.9 percent energy efficiency from baseline, calculated using the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers’ 90.1-2009 code. This model assessed the improved energy efficiency of Mote’s facility versus a comparable facility without the same energy-efficient LEED features and solar power.
• 17.6 percent of total energy consumed at the facility is generated on site from the rooftop solar photovoltaic installation.
• Water use is reduced 46.11 percent from baseline.
• Captured rainwater is collected in a 1,050-gallon cistern, reducing potable water use for sewage conveyance by 166 percent.
• 100 percent of landscaping consists of plants native to the Florida Keys and is xeriscaped with no irrigation required after establishment.
• Sunlight (including unwanted heat) is reflected by 99 percent of compliant non-roof surfaces and 100 percent of compliant roof surfaces. The goal is to reduce the “heat island” effect of development on microclimates and human and wildlife habitats.
• 80.74 percent of the facility’s construction waste was recycled or re-used, diverting it from the landfill.
• 22.36 percent of the total building materials’ content was manufactured using recycled materials.
• 53.08 percent of the total building materials’ value includes materials and products manufactured and extracted within 500 miles of the project site.

“To Mote Marine Laboratory, Willis Smith Construction and to all those involved on the project team, we salute you — the dedication to sustainable design and development embodied in this project is something we all should be very proud of," said Josh Kane, LEED & NGBS Project Manager for Two Trails Inc. - Sustainable Building Consulting.

IC2R3’s construction, outfitting, and scientific infrastructure value about $7 million total. All support to-date has come from philanthropic giving. The following supporters have made major contributions toward Mote’s IC2R3 facility and its mission:

• The Gardener Foundation, the Founding Donor
• Elizabeth Moore, Leadership Donor and building namesake
• The Rick and Nancy Moskovitz Foundation
• Alfred and Ann Goldstein Foundation
• Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation.
• Jane’s Trust Foundation
• Dart Foundation

These incredible supporters and countless other community members have helped make IC2R3 a stronghold of hope for coral reefs’ survival and recovery. Beyond USGBC LEED Gold certification, the building is Category-5 hurricane resistant, which allowed it to shelter Mote’s coral gene bank during Hurricane Irma.

“This sustainable facility will serve our mission for decades — saving resources and energy costs for the lifetime of the building,” said Mote’s Vice President of Facilities, Derek Templeton. “It certainly is a lab for the future.”

For more information on Two Trails Inc., visit TwoTrails.com.

ABOUT TWO TRAILS INC: Two Trails, Inc. is a National Sustainable Building Consulting firm established in 2001 with offices in Florida, Nevada, and Illinois. We provide sustainable consulting services nationwide for Commercial, Government, Commissioning, Multi-Family, Residential and looking to obtain LEED USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council), ICC 700 National Green Building Standard, Energy Star, & Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) certifications. 

Our COO, Drew M. Smith, LEED AP, was the founding President of the Florida Green Building Coalition and is the first Governor appointed Green Building Commissioner for the State of Florida. Two Trails, Inc. provides hands-on consulting making it easy to achieve certification.

ABOUT MOTE: Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit research organization founded in 1955. Mote began with the passion of a single researcher, Dr. Eugenie Clark, her partnership with the community. and philanthropic support, first of the Vanderbilt family and later of the William R. Mote family.

Today, Mote is based in Sarasota, Florida, with field stations in eastern Sarasota County and the Florida Keys. Mote is home to more than 20 scientific programs dedicated to today’s research for tomorrow’s oceans, emphasizing conservation and sustainable use of  marine resources. Mote’s vision also includes positively impacting public policy through science-based outreach and education. Showcasing this research is Mote Aquarium, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 365 days a year. Learn more at mote.org.

Two Trails Inc. Recognized as Home Innovation NGBS Green Partner of Excellence

Two Trails Inc. Sustainable Consulting and Verifier Applauded for Excellence in Advancing High-Performance Mainstream Home Building

Two Trails Inc. has been named a Home Innovation NGBS Green Partner of Excellence for 2016. NGBS Green, which is based on the National Green Building Standard™ (NGBS), has certified more homes than any other national green home certification program thanks in large part to its knowledgeable in-field verifiers. Being one of an elite group of Home Innovation’s green certification program partners to be recognized validates the commitment Two Trails has made to providing customers with increased value, professionalism, and relevance in the marketplace through third-party verification to the NGBS.

“As the home building market continues its rebound,” said Home Innovation Labs president and CEO Michael Luzier, “dedicated partners like Two Trails prove that participating in our rigorous third-party certification program isn’t just a passing fad – it’s a strategic business decision that is paying dividends and changing the marketplace. Others around the industry could benefit from following the lead of this year’s NGBS Green Partners of Excellence and building on the program’s success.”

As an accredited NGBS Green Verifier, Two Trails has provided independent verification services for 730 units that ultimately became NGBS Green Certified by Home Innovation Research Labs. NGBS Green Verifiers are trained, tested, and accredited by Home Innovation to ensure consistency and rigor across the country for NGBS Green Certifications across the country. As part of a projects design team we help provide information for the latest products and building techniques that help building teams build to a sustainable standard.  We are also the 3rd party independent verifier for the project.  We track the project components and verify the installation of these components to ensure the home is built to a sustainable standard. As a national sustainable consulting firm with offices in Florida, Nevada and Illinois we understand the challenges that different climates present to obtaining a sustainable certification.

“We are honored to be recognized by The Home Innovation Research Labs.  Being able to make such an impact in the industry and the environment is a very rewarding feeling that gives us excitement to get up everyday to work on these projects,” said Drew Smith COO of Two Trails Inc. Sustainable Consulting and Verification.

To earn certification to the National Green Building Standard, a home must meet rigorous criteria in six categories – Lot & Site Development; Resource Efficiency; Energy Efficiency; Water Efficiency; Indoor Environmental Quality; and Homeowner Education. There are mandatory practices in each category that every NGBS Green Certified home must meet, and there are a wide range of additional optional practices in each category that a builder can select based on the applicability to buyers or renters in their market. There are also mandatory point minimums in every category in order for a home to attain the next level of certification, which is a more stringent requirement than in any other national certification program.

Since January 2009, when the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) became the first residential green building rating system to be approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Home Innovation Research Labs has certified nearly 100,000 green single-family and apartment homes, and more than 1,650 lots within green residential land developments. (For more details on current certification numbers, visit www.homeinnovation.com/ngbsgreenstats.) For more information on NGBS Green Certified homes and Home Innovation’s NGBS Green Partner builders and remodelers, visit www.NGBS.com.

For more information on Two Trails Inc., visit TwoTrails.com.

ABOUT TWO TRAILS INC: Two Trails, Inc. is a National Sustainable Building Consulting firm established in 2001 with offices in Florida, Nevada and Illinois. We provide sustainable consulting services nationwide for Commercial, Government, Commissioning, Multi-Family, Residential and looking to obtain LEED USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council), ICC 700 National Green Building Standard, Energy Star, & Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) certifications. 

Our COO, Drew M. Smith, LEED AP, was the founding President of the Florida Green Building Coalition and is the first Governor appointed Green Building Commissioner for the State of Florida. Two Trails, Inc. provides hands-on consulting making it easy to achieve certification.

ABOUT HOME INNOVATION RESEARCH LABS: Home Innovation Research Labs, located in Upper Marlboro, Md., is a full-service research, testing, and consulting firm determined to improve the quality, durability, affordability, and environmental performance of single- and multifamily homes and home building products – in short, we aim to perfect the home. Founded in 1964 as a subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), our team has been integral in solving many of our client’s most difficult product and technology issues, and helping to introduce some of the most groundbreaking innovations in residential construction. Through an interdisciplinary research approach – including market research, building science analysis, laboratory testing, and standards development – we help to find a home for innovation in the residential construction industry.

Contact Information: 

Tom Rupp 

Two Trails, Inc. 

Communications and Marketing Manager 

contact at twotrails.com 

941-776-8680

Sustainability features of the International Builders Show 2017 New American and Remodeled Showcase Homes

Orlando, FL – The NAHB 2017 International Builders Show held in Orlando, FL at the Orlando Convention Center is the culmination of building industry professionals meeting on new initiatives, learning about best practices and the latest products showcased by industry manufactures. This year one builder Phil Kean Designs, did not only build just one new home in 10 months, but also built a second remodeled home in the same time frame for the International Builders show.  During the show duration the homes are expected to be viewed by over 7,000 show patrons in 3 days.

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Two Trails was also chosen for the seventh year in a row to be the Sustainability Building Consultants and Verifiers for The NAHB 2017 New American Home and Remodeled Home. Two Trails has also been chosen to be on The 2018 New American Home project team.  The New American Home is one of NAHB’s most successful and visible programs produced and presented by the NAHB Leading Suppliers Council. The design, construction and amenities are market driven, and showcase the latest in innovative products for the future of home building. The show home demonstrates “Builders' Best Practices:" concepts, materials, designs and construction techniques that can be replicated – in whole or in part – in housing built any place and in any price range.  Incorporating such elements as the ICC 700 National Green Building Standard, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, safety and universal design as well as market value is a principal goal of The New American Home program. Its mission is to show that housing performance can be incorporated into the most simple or most complex homes, and that it’s equally as important as aesthetics. 

The Homes’ Design/Build Team, Phil Kean Designs, introduced many unique and cutting edge design elements while keeping in mind the importance of incorporating sustainable building techniques.  With the advisement of Two Trails the home was able to achieve multiple sustainable building certifications.  “The NAHB Leading Suppliers Council put together a great design/build team and suppliers to build a remarkable home this year!” stated Drew Smith COO of Two Trails Inc.

Energy Efficiency and Innovation

As the NAHB’s official show home, The New American Home is a symbol of energy efficiency and innovation. The home exhibits cutting-edge products from manufacturers all over the world

The New American Home (TNAH) and The New American Remodeled Home (TNARH) 2017 (TNAH) is designed to exceed the requirements for certification to the Emerald level of the National Green Building Standard™. Their energy-efficient features can be used in homes in a hot-humid climate at any price point with similar energy savings. The homes are also targeted to be certified with the EPA Energy Star program as well as the Indoor airPLUS program. The New American Remodeled Home will be a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home.

Two Trails, Inc. worked closely with NCHI to ensure energy efficiency and innovation in TNAH 2017. This home boasts a confirmed HERS Index of 0! It is expected to consume 122% less energy than if it were built to code (2009 IECC), and is expected to be 100% more efficient than the average new code-built home. At this level of energy efficiency, the home is designed to provide over $5,497 in annual energy savings to the homeowner. TNARH 2017 boasts a confirmed HERS Index of 45! It is expected to 55% more efficient than the average new code-built home. At this level of energy efficiency, the home is designed to provide over $1,567 in annual energy savings to the homeowner.

Key Energy Features

The New American Home 2017 achieves a very high level of energy efficiency. The most noteworthy features of TNAH 2017 include the air tightness of its thermal shell and the use of solar energy. The home uses solar energy to power a portion of its electrical systems, space conditioning and hot water systems. The 17.1 kW Photovoltaic (PV) system will provide approximately 100% of the annual electric energy needs for the home. A synchronized system of nine (9) Bosch natural propane-fueled tankless water heaters satisfies all the hot water needs.

The New American Remodeled Home 2017 most noteworthy features of TNARH 2017 include the air tightness of its thermal shell.  Under blower door testing, the thermal shell achieves 3.29 air changes at 50 Pa, an amount that is considered very airtight and keeps unwanted outdoor dry air from en­tering the home.

Systems Engineering Approach

The systems-engineering approach unites segments of the building industry that have previously worked independently of one another. The concept is simple: systems-engineering can make America’s homes cost effective to build or retrofit and energy efficient to live in. Energy con­sumption of new houses can be reduced by as much as 40% with little or no impact on the cost of construction. Similar performance can be achieved in existing homes.

To reach this goal, the Phil Kean Designs Building team worked with their building partners to produce a two homes that incorporates energy and material saving strategies from design through construction. First, the team analyzed and selected cost-effective strategies for improving the homes performance. Next, the team evaluated design, business, and construction practices within individual partnerships to identify cost savings.  Cost savings could then be reinvested to improve energy performance and product quality. For example, a design that incorporates new techniques for tightening the building envelope enabled Phil Kean Designs to install smaller, less expensive heating and cooling systems. The savings generated in this process can then be reinvested in other high-performance features to further reduce energy use.  Proving the efficiency of the system-engineering approach to construction, this home’s HERS Index, without the use of the Photovoltaic system is 54, which is 46% more efficient than the construction of the average new home.

The “pilot” or “test” homes are the field application of solution design. The team assisted Phil Kean Designs in building TNAH 2017 and TNARH 2017 projects according to strategic design, then tested each system for efficiency and made any necessary changes to increase efficiency and cost effective­ness. Before additional houses are built, these changes are incorporated into the design. This process of analysis, field implementation, reanalysis, and design alteration facilitates ultimate home performance once a design or retrofit strategy is ready for use in production or community-scale housing.
 

Understanding the interaction between each component in the home is paramount to the systems-engineering approach. Throughout design and construction, the relationship between building site, envelope, mechanical systems, and other factors is carefully considered. Recognizing that features of one component can dramatically affect the performance of others enables the Phil Kean Designs Building team to engineer energy-saving strategies at little or no extra cost.

The New American Home 2017 Features

Thermal Shell

-Unvented and air sealed attic with average R-21 Icynene.

-Windor windows and patio doors with low-e coating and argon gas fill to limit solar heat gain air tightness

-Openings and penetrations sealed to achieve 4.73 natural air changes under blower door testing at 50 Pa

-cfiFoam core filled CMU with Fi Foil and 3/4” unfaced extruded polystyrene foam board wall insulation system on exterior masonry walls (R16.2)

-Large overhangs to aid in protecting the home from the harsh Florida sun

-Energy Star rated roof to aid in keeping the home cool

-Light colored exterior to assist in reflecting the sun

HVAC

-Space conditioning provided by Trane XV20I Variable Speed 19 – 19.25 SEER

-Variable speed compressors in outdoor heat pump units adds efficiency and quietness

-Mechanical ventilation provided by Honeywell DR90 Ventilating Dehumidification System

-Space conditioning system located entirely within conditioned space
 

Hot Water

-Propane-fueled Bosch tankless water heaters (EF = 0.95) provides the hot water
 

Electrical

-100% of all interior and exterior lamps are energy-efficient LED lighting

-ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances, including dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer, and clothes washers

-17.1 kW Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system

The New American Remodeled Home 2017 Features

Thermal Shell

-Unvented and air sealed attic with average R-20 Icynene Open-Cell Spray Foam System

-Ply-Gem windows and patio doors with low-e coating and argon gas fill to limit solar heat gain air tightness

-Openings and penetrations sealed to achieve 3.29 natural air changes under blower door testing at 50 Pa

-Core-Fill 500 and Fi-Foil M-Shield wall insulation system on exterior masonry walls (R-13.2)

-Large overhangs to aid in protecting the home from the harsh Florida sun

-Energy Star rated Boral Concrete Roof Tile roof to aid in keeping the home cool

 -White colored exterior to assist in reflecting the sun
 

HVAC

-Space conditioning is provided by Lennox XP21Variable Speed 16.5 - 18 SEER Heat Pumps

-Variable speed compressors in outdoor heat pump units adds efficiency and quietness

-Mechanical ventilation provided by Honeywell Automated Damper System

-Space conditioning system located entirely within conditioned spac

Hot Water

-Propane Bosch tankless water heaters (EF = 0.95) provides the hot water
 

Electrical

-100% of all interior and exterior lamps are energy-efficient LED lighting

-ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances, including dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer, and clothes washers

ABOUT TWO TRAILS, INC. | Two Trails, Inc. is a National Sustainable Building Consulting firm established in 2001 with offices in Florida, Nevada and Illinois. We provide sustainable consulting services nationwide for Commercial, Government, Commissioning, Multi-Family, Residential and looking to obtain LEED USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council), ICC 700 National Green Building Standard, Energy Star, & Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) certifications. 

Our COO, Drew M. Smith, LEED AP, was the founding President of the Florida Green Building Coalition and is the first Governor appointed Green Building Commissioner for the State of Florida. Two Trails, Inc. provides hands-on consulting making it easy to achieve certification.

Photo Credit: Jeff Davis Photography

TWO TRAILS INC. SELECTED FOR ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL® AS A LOCAL PROVIDER OF SUSTAINABLE BUILDING SERVICES FOR THE FIRST ST. JUDE DREAM HOME® GIVEAWAY PROJECT IN LAS VEGAS

Sarasota, FL- Two Trails Inc. was chosen to be part of the design team headed by Element Building Company for the first St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway project in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

The Two Trails team will donate Sustainable Building Consulting and Verification Services for the project.  As part of the design team we help provide information for the latest products and building techniques that help building teams build to a sustainable standard.  We are also the 3rd party independent verifier for the project.  We track the project components and verify the installation of these components to ensure the home is built to a sustainable standard.  The home is pursuing several 3rd party certifications those certifications being ICC 700 National Green Building Standard (NGBS), USGBC LEED Certification, Energy Star for Homes & EPA Indoor airPLUS certification.  As a national sustainable consulting firm with offices in Florida, Nevada and Illinois we understand the challenges that different climates present to obtaining a sustainable certification.

Building to a sustainable standard is not only environmentally friendly, but also a healthier choice for everyday living environments. Incorporating such elements as the ICC 700 National Green Building Standard, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, safety and universal design as well as market value is a principal goal is to show that housing performance can be incorporated into the most simple or most complex homes, and that it’s equally as important as aesthetics. 

The St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway is one of the largest single-event fundraising efforts for St. Jude, which is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other deadly diseases. Each year, approximately 30 St. Jude Dream Homes, valued between $300,000 and $600,000, are built in cities across the country in partnership with local home builders and businesses using mostly donated materials, supplies and labor. When complete, the homes are opened to the public for tours and given away through the sale of $100 raffle tickets.

Established more than two decades ago, the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway program has built and given away more than 340 homes and raised more than $270 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

ABOUT TWO TRAILS, INC. | Two Trails, Inc. is a National Sustainable Building Consulting firm established in 2001 with offices in Florida, Nevada and Illinois. We provide sustainable consulting services nationwide for Commercial, Government, Commissioning, Multi-Family, Residential and looking to obtain LEED USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council), ICC 700 National Green Building Standard, Energy Star, & Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) certifications. 

Our COO, Drew M. Smith, LEED AP, was the founding President of the Florida Green Building Coalition and is the first Governor appointed Green Building Commissioner for the State of Florida. Two Trails, Inc. provides hands-on consulting making it easy to achieve certification.

ABOUT ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL®

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other deadly diseases. St. Jude has the world’s best survival rates for the most aggressive childhood cancers, and treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since we opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude is working to drive the overall survival rate for childhood cancer to 90 percent in the next decade. St. Jude freely shares the breakthroughs we make, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org or following St. Jude on facebook.com/stjude and twitter.com/stjude.

Contact Information: 

Tom Rupp 

Two Trails, Inc. 

Communications and Marketing Manager 

contact at twotrails.com 

941-776-8680

America’s largest auto retailer AutoNation, USGBC LEED Certified Mercedes Benz of Wesley Chapel

AutoNation owns and operates over 258 new vehicle franchises in 15 states.  AutoNation offers a diversified range of automotive products and services.  AutoNation has sold over 8 million vehicles, the only auto retailer to achieve this milestone.  AutoNation seeks to be the best run, most profitable automotive retailer in the nation.  Achieving another sustainable building milestone is one reason AutoNation can be proud to have chosen to build and certify Mercedes Benz of Wesley Chapel to the USGBC LEED certification process.

The AutoNation Mercedes Benz of Wesley Chapel has achieved a LEED certification and obtain a Certified designation on the LEED certification scale.  The LEED green building certification program is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of green buildings.  For a company driven to be the best and has a focus on operational excellence building to a third party certification is a natural choice to help in operational costs for their facility.  The LEED for New Construction rating system focuses on six credit categories:  Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere, Materials & Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Innovation in Design.  As a company focused on operational costs, obtaining a LEED certification is a responsible action to its’ investors, but also to their employees, clients, and environments in which they operate.

AutoNation’s achievement was cemented in their chosen partners to help them achieve their first LEED certification. AutoNation also saw the value of a third party certification in having assurance that their new facility will reach the energy goals set forth by their sustainable building consultant.  AutoNation has chosen Two Trails Inc. as their sustainable building consultant and LEED commissioning agent.  Two Trails has a unique heritage in the sustainable building industry in achieving many firsts in sustainable building.  Two Trails brings an abundance of knowledge that can only be achieved by their commitment to progressively moving forward to what can be achieved in sustainable building.  “We love the opportunity to work with clients to show them the value of sustainable building and the payback that is given back to their investment and the environment.” stated Drew Smith COO of Two Trails Inc.

ABOUT TWO TRAILS INC: Two Trails, Inc. is a National Sustainable Building Consulting firm established in 2001 with offices in Florida, Nevada and Illinois. We provide sustainable consulting services nationwide for Commercial, Government, Commissioning, Multi-Family, Residential and looking to obtain LEED USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council), ICC 700 National Green Building Standard, Energy Star, & Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) certifications. 

Our COO, Drew M. Smith, LEED AP, was the founding President of the Florida Green Building Coalition and is the first Governor appointed Green Building Commissioner for the State of Florida. Two Trails, Inc. provides hands-on consulting making it easy to achieve certification.

Contact Information:

Tom Rupp

Two Trails, Inc.

Communications and Marketing Manager

tom at twotrails.com

941-776-8680