Indiana’s First LEED-Platinum Home

A recent Jetson Green article describes the very first LEED-Platinum home to be constructed in the state of Indiana. As originally reported by the Indianapolis Star newspaper, the 2,000 square foot Jennett home, located in the Indianapolis suburb of Franklin, includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and is now home to a family of three.

The home stands out for its energy efficiency: a white roof membrane that lowers cooling costs and reduces the house’s heat island effect, while programmable thermostats allow for reduced energy use while the owners are away or asleep. The home boasts only 3 percent air leakage, and features a fresh-air recovery system that brings in outside air, conditions it appropriately, and cycles out stale indoor air.

An after-construction test confirms the home’s efficiency: only 3 percent air leakage. The house boasts a fresh-air recovery system that brings in outside air, warms or cools it and circulates out stale interior air.

Other sustainable features in the Jennett home include foam insulation, double-pane windows filled with argon gas, thereby improving their U factor; low-VOC paints and finishes; bamboo flooring; dual-flush toilets; a tankless water heater; and a salt-free water softening system. The kitchen features EnergyStar appliances.

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Chris Timmerman
Contributing Writer
Green Education Services
www.greenedu.com