Green Building Strategies That Actually Make a Difference
Building green doesn’t mean chasing trends. It means building smarter. At Carroll Construction, we use proven, cost-effective strategies to improve comfort, reduce waste, and support long-term energy savings—without adding unnecessary expense. Our approach prioritizes building science over buzzwords.
Every feature we implement must show a reasonable return on investment. We consider both energy savings and long-term durability before including any system or product in our homes.
If you’re planning your custom home, this is the time to consider energy performance. A properly designed foundation, envelope, and mechanical system will improve durability and efficiency for decades.
Build Tight, Ventilate Right
Air sealing is one of the most critical steps in creating an energy-efficient home. At Carroll Construction, we seal every home using the following techniques:
- Framing air-seal package: We treat top plates, bottom plates, utility penetrations, and framing joints to minimize air infiltration.
- Drywall gasketing: This foam strip is applied at key joints to reduce airflow between conditioned and unconditioned spaces.
- Balanced return air systems: Each bedroom includes a dedicated return air pathway to avoid pressure imbalances and improve HVAC performance.
- Whole-house ventilation: We introduce fresh air through a dedicated duct to maintain healthy indoor air quality without causing negative pressure or drawing in attic air.
These methods help us create a tighter building envelope. At the same time, they maintain breathability and ensure a healthy, comfortable interior.
Smarter Systems Start with the Right Size
Heating and cooling systems must be properly sized—not just selected based on square footage. That’s why we perform a full ACCA Manual J load calculation for every home to ensure accurate HVAC sizing.
We also include several performance upgrades as standard:
- Higher-efficiency HVAC units (16 SEER or greater): These exceed minimum code and are selected for both comfort and operating cost.
- Insulated hard-duct systems: Rigid ducts reduce friction, improve airflow, and can be sealed to a higher standard than flex systems.
- 5" pleated filters with filter boxes: These extend HVAC lifespan and protect coil performance.
- Programmable thermostats: Reduce runtimes by adjusting heating and cooling schedules when the home is unoccupied. Wi-Fi upgrades are available.
We design HVAC systems to function in harmony with a well-sealed home. Although we do use spray foam insulation in special cases, we focus on assemblies that balance air tightness with proper ventilation.
Envelope Features That Pay You Back
An efficient envelope minimizes heat transfer and protects your home’s performance for the long haul. We use a combination of orientation, insulation, and reflective technologies to make that possible:
- Radiant barriers: These reflective roof sheathing materials can reduce attic temperatures significantly. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, radiant barriers may lower cooling costs by 5% to 10% in hot climates like ours.
- Attic ventilation: Proper airflow helps remove heat buildup and keeps HVAC systems from working harder than necessary.
- Strategic window placement: We evaluate sun exposure and minimize west-facing glass when possible to reduce solar gain.
- Solar orientation: Homes are sited to take advantage of natural light while minimizing unnecessary heat.
- Low-E windows: These coatings reflect infrared heat while allowing visible light, helping stabilize indoor temperatures.
- Insulation upgrades: We assess the best insulation type for each application and never default to foam unless the space requires it.
We account for these strategies during the design phase. Learn more about how we incorporate energy-smart decisions when designing house plans.
Appliances, Lighting & Ventilation
Even with a tight envelope and right-sized system, your fixtures and appliances still play a major role in overall energy use.
We help homeowners make smart choices like:
ENERGY STAR appliances: Efficient without compromising performance.
LED lighting: Used throughout the home to reduce load and minimize heat gain.
Stove ventilation: Properly vented kitchen exhaust helps control indoor humidity and air pollutants.
Lighting layout design: We use fewer fixtures more effectively, reducing total energy use.
Together, these details reduce load and operating cost. Each decision contributes to a home that runs more efficiently and lasts longer.
Proven Results. No Guesswork.
Carroll Construction built the first Silver Certified Green Home in East Baton Rouge Parish under the National Green Building Standard. We’ve been applying green building principles long before it was trendy.
Today, we don’t chase certifications. Instead, we implement what works—air sealing, radiant barriers, efficient HVAC systems, and right-sized components that give you the most return for your investment.
Want to learn more about energy-efficient custom home design? Let’s talk about how we can help you build a home that performs better—without breaking the bank.
Ready To Talk With Someone About Your New Home?
You can reach us during working hours at (225) 335-2334
Hours: Mon-Fri, 7:00am - 3:30pm
Closed Saturdays & Sundays
After hours? Send us a message request a call back.
You can even schedule a call at a time of your choice.
