Spotlight
Outside of Barry and Susan Sitkoff’s home sit six cans of recyclables and one bag of trash, but their passion for living green goes beyond their curb appeal… in fact, that’s only the beginning.
In May of 2008, the Sitkoffs started one of the biggest “green” projects they had ever taken on… the building of their beautiful “green” dream home.
As a Hydrogeologist Susan Sitkoff has studied the environment and performs environmental cleanups and assessments for NASA, she knows the effects air pollutants and waste have on the environment. “Green homes are healthier, safer, more comfortable, and cost less to operate,” said Susan. They connect people to the land and community around them.”
So, when Susan and Barry were ready to build the home they planned to raise their family in, they wanted to make it the most efficient and eco-friendly home possible. And with a little help from DirectBuy of Orlando South, they were able to make their “green” dream home a reality.
Prior to joining their DirectBuy club, Barry and Susan attended a DirectBuy “green” building workshop where they learned about the different green construction and products available. Having already researched retail pricing for their “green” products, the couple saw the significant cost savings they would experience with a DirectBuy membership and joined that same day.
From the exterior to the interior, their home was built with quality and efficiency in mind. Read on to learn how their house was built “greener than green.”
Sitkoff Family House
Sitkoff Kitchen Stove
Sitkoff Bathroom Vanity
Sitkoff Bathtub
Walls – The walls were constructed with Eco-Block, which is an insulated concrete form containing 3 inches of foam on the outside, 3 inches of foam on the inside and a solid 3 inch concrete core. ECO-Block is the most energy efficient wall construction and it saves up to 50 percent on energy cost compared to traditional wall construction. Below are all the benefits of ECO-Block:
- Significant energy savings
- Reduced noise transmission
- Will not support the growth of mold or mildew
- Can be built to any seismic or hurricane-storm standard
- Up to a four-hour fire resistive rating
Attic – A closed cell foam was installed on the roof deck and an AC feed and return was installed in the attic with no roof vents, so no energy is lost and the Sitkoffs can use their attic as living space, which is pretty unheard of in balmy Florida.
Windows – Double pane, Low E windows were installed. Double-pane windows (alternatively known as storm or double-glazed, and not to be confused with double-hung windows) have two panes of glass. Together, these layers cut heat loss by 50 percent or more. The E stands for emissivity. Low E glass works by reflecting heat back to its source. It does this by utilizing an ultra thin metallic coating on or in the glass. The house was also designed with north and south facing patios that minimize direct sunlight into the house.
Garage Door – The Sitkoffs installed a steel-back insulated garage door with R-15 insulation. The door provides excellent thermal performance. R-15 high density means more fibers per square inch. It delivers a higher R-value per square inch in less space than standard insulation products.
Sitkoff Kitchen
Sitkoff Master Suite
Sitkoff Entrance Lighting
Sitkoff Garage
Toilets and Faucets – With the installation of low-flow toilets, showerheads and faucets, the Sitkoffs cut their water usage by 50 percent. Low-flow toilets use a maximum of 1.6 gallons of water per flush compared with about 3.5 gallons of water used by a standard toilet. Low-flow shower heads use about 2.5 gallons of water per minute compared to between four and five gallons per minute used by conventional heads. Low-flow faucet aerators were also installed and can cut the water usage of faucets by as much as 40 percent from 4 gallons per minute to 2.5.
Water Heater – A gas on-demand water heater was also installed instead of the typical tank hot water heater that continuously heats the water in the tank. Tankless hot water heaters reduce energy use while making hot water available whenever you turn on the tap.
Appliances – As passionate as they are about the environment, Barry and Susan feel the same enthusiasm in the kitchen. Barry and Susan were able to create their very own gourmet kitchen equipped with all energy-star rated appliances, such as their 48-inch dual fuel (electric oven gas range) with a 6-burner top that includes a built-in grill for the range. They installed a warming drawer which provides heat with less power than the oven while still keeping food at a perfect temperature. The double ovens allow for proofing and convection bake and broil.
Lighting – All of the lights have dimmers or Eco-bulbs. Read the benefits below:
- High power factor means less distortion on the electricity network.
- Eco-bulbs last up to twice as long as other energy saving bulbs, saving fossil fuel
- Reduces green house gas emissions
- 15,000 hour life means either 14 standard bulbs or 3 average energy saving bulbs are saved from landfills
- Come in recyclable packaging
- Very low amalgam content used in production
Flooring – Carpet with recycled content was installed, but most of the Sitkoff’s home was completed with natural stone (travertine floors and bathroom tile with granite countertops for the kitchens and bathrooms). Natural stone flooring and tile are sustainable choices that will last many lifetimes.
Currently the Sitkoffs spend $100-$150 less a month on electric than their neighbors with the same size home. “We might have spent a little more to build “green,” but in the long-run, we will save substantially,” said Barry.
“The next thing on our list to buy is an energy-rated washer and dryer that will reduce power usage even more,” said Susan. “And the next big project will be installing rain barrels to capture rainwater to use for irrigating our planned greenhouse. We will continue to look to DirectBuy for all our 'green' products.”
Barry and Susan Sitkoff