Signature’s newest building, Millworks in Novato, has taken their green building mission to a whole new level.  With this new project, Signature has built one of the highest Green Point Rated buildings in the area.  Using new, progressive and sustainable techniques is something that Signature does in all of their developments, but Millworks is setting a new standard.  Previously unheard of features, such as a living roof, dedicated bike storage and passive solar heating techniques combine to make Millworks unsurpassed by any other development in the area.  A Build it Green certified building, Signature is proud to present Millworks

Signature Properties has designed Millworks to be a high performance building.  Many steps were taken in the planning and construction of the building to make it as energy efficient as possible.  Over 40% of the building is south facing exposure that helps keep the units warm in the winter and cool in the summer.  State of the art insulation that prevents air loss and penetration is used throughout the building.  While to the naked eye these are not the most obvious features, Signature builds these and others into their homes to help reduce the monthly cost of home ownership.  Simple things like choosing ENERGY STAR appliances and high efficiency toilets help residents keep their utility bills as low as possible even in the peak summer and winter months. 

Signature takes the health and well being of their residents seriously.  As many healthy materials as possible will be used in the construction at Millworks.  All cabinet doors will be completely free of formaldehyde normally found in the adhesives and finishes used in typical homes.  All other paints and adhesives in the building are completely non-toxic and certified as low VOC materials, meaning harmful chemicals typically found in homes will not be found in Millworks.  Signature’s commitment to their customer’s overall health extends past the materials found in the home and into the actual design of the building.  Sidewalks around the building are wide and separated from the roads, while all main entrances are well lit and visible from the streets.   

Environmental sustainability starts before Signature even begins building.  The construction starts with pre-engineered lumber that helps eliminate the waste generated by using standard lumber.  As the project progresses, Signature recycles as much of their job site waste as possible to help keep building materials out of landfills.  Each unit includes items that help keep our earth clean.  Built-in recycling centers, sustainable flooring and cross ventilation windows are just a few of the built in examples.  In addition to the construction of the building, Millworks location was chosen due to its close proximity to downtown Novato and all of the destinations that will be walking distance to residents.  Built on a redeveloped site, Millworks takes the place of a once abandoned corner and utilizes the preexisting infrastructure while adding commerce and residents to an already vibrant downtown community. 

Established in 2003 with the mission of promoting healthy, energy- and resource-efficient homes, Build it Green is a member supported, statewide nonprofit group.  They have established themselves as the national role model for green building advocacy.  While promoting new and sustainable techniques, Build it Green hopes to influence consumers and policy makers to positively impact the way that homebuilding is approached in California and the United States as a whole.

Signature Properties is a proud member of Build it Green boasting many staff members that are Build it Green certified professionals.
Together, we can begin to build a bright future for the world by making important energy-saving decisions.
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