Go Green! Freedom Elevator and Breathe Easy Cabinetry

Triangle residents love the great, green outdoors, and today’s building standards and materials are making it easier to care for the environment we enjoy. “Go Green!” is a regular department showcasing environmentally friendly products and services for your home. Read on and check back next issue for more ideas.


Photo courtesy of Nationwide Lifts

THE PRODUCT:

Freedom Green Residential Elevator

WHY IT’S GREEN:

The Freedom Green elevator saves a total of 50% energy through the use of a counterbalanced system, requiring little power to move the elevator cab. The Freedom Green uses no hydraulic oil, whereas a typical hydraulic home elevator requires 20-25 gallons of hydraulic oil to operate the lifting cylinder. An optional green drive energy return system feature recovers energy from the moving elevator and returns it to the powers grid. The cab interior also provides “green” alternatives to conventional models. The interior cab walls contain 100% recycled/recovered wood content and the overhead lighting can be replaced to use light-emitting diode (LED)-style lights. LED lights can have a relatively long useful life and can lower initial costs.

WHERE TO FIND:

APPROXIMATE COST: The approximate cost ranges from $16,000 for a two-stop elevator to $17,000 for a three-stop elevator.

ABOUT THE PRODUCT: Freedom Green is a residential elevator designed to provide a luxurious, yet affordable means of transportation while providing environmentally conscious homeowners a green solution. The smooth operation of the elevator is ensured by its unique traction drive system technology. A customized look is available through a variety of cab finishes and colors. The Freedom Green offers many features as standard that are costly extras on many other elevators. With energy consumption at an all time high more builders and homeowners are looking for green alternatives. The Freedom Green is more beneficial for building occupants, owners and the environment.

Photo Courtesy of Common Ground Green Building Center

THE PRODUCT: Breathe Easy® Cabinetry

WHY IT’S GREEN: Greenway Cabinetry’s new line of Breathe Easy® cabinets meets the requirements for LEED credits and LEED certification. They are constructed of non-toxic, environmentally friendly products and provide clean indoor quality to your home.

WHERE TO FIND: Common Ground Green Building Center • Durham, NC • 919-688-1500

APPROXIMATE COST: The cost is custom quoted per job (depends on size of cabinets, style of door, finish, etc.) 

ABOUT THE PRODUCT: Breathe Easy® Cabinetry was developed for green home building and remodeling projects. The cabinetry offers a variety of options to suit any budget for kitchens, bathrooms and other cabinetry uses. Cabinet boxes are constructed using Environmentally Preferable “green” solid 3/4” plywood. This plywood has no formaldehyde in its binding agents and is durable as well as moisture resistant. Both sides of the plywood are maple veneered and finished with a durable UV, low VOC water borne lacquer. Cabinet doors and drawer fronts are constructed from rapidly renewable bamboo, solid woods from managed forests or sustainably designed, wood veneered MDF board. Choices of wood include bamboo, maple, horizontal grain oak, oak, and cherry. Custom door styles are also available. The stains and water based paints are low VOC and Green Guard or Green Seal certified. The pre cat, clear top coat is also water borne, very low VOC and certified. Detailed information may be supplied upon request.Greenway Cabinets, Inc. manufacturer of Breathe Easy® cabinetry is committed to environmental sustainability and is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

MICHELLE ANYSZ IS THE EDITOR FOR NEW HOMES & IDEAS MAGAZINE.