Sustainability Update: Why Going Green is Smarter Than Ever

Scott Powell is a naturally curious guy. For the New Leaf Custom Homes founder, inspiration comes from clients wanting to know more about sustainability.

“The individuality of each client is one of the things I love most about being a homebuilder,” says the CandysDirt.com approved builder, who averages 12 to 15 custom projects a year.

“Each comes with different needs and wants. When they ask me a question, it drives me to do the research.”

Buyers spending $1 million-plus on a custom home are most interested in insulation and HVAC systems. On both, New Leaf is ahead of the curve. High insulation packages are standard on all new builds, from foam on the roofline to energy-saving climate control features. Low-flow plumbing fixtures are also a mainstay.

Big windows, a staple in modern homes, can also zap energy. High quality sealing prevents leakage and stabilizes the house’s internal temperature.

Powell is also bullish on sustainable technologies. He touts the benefits of smart features like Nest thermostats and air purification systems.

“People often correlate smart features with being cool, rather than being green.”

“But the energy savings can be significant,” he says.

Powell’s experience is first-hand. His LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified home in East Dallas represents the epitome of style and sustainability.

(Note: Last year, Powell and wife/New Leaf co-founder Melissa sold their Lake Highlands property and are currently building another LEED home in Frisco.)

Reclaimed wood and LED lighting is a design theme throughout the house. Diamond-polished concrete floors reflect light to help reduce lighting costs (not to mention, being cost-effective, low maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing). The home also sports a 10kW solar panel system.

“We’re getting to a point where solar is going to be more available and affordable,” says Powell. “It’s exciting. I expect that within 10 years, more than 20 percent of homes will have solar roofing.”

The father of four is also familiar with common, kid-centric problems (think leaving upstairs lights on, not closing doors).  For the former, he installed 30 to 40 WIFI-controlled smart switches. And for the latter, a back door air curtain helped contain heat and air conditioning.

There are occasional surprises.

Powell admits he was shocked when he discovered it took more energy to run the pool than it did his entire 6,000-square-foot house. For the Frisco home, he’s planning on installing an energy-efficient, multi-stage pool pump with adjustable speed capabilities.

Keeping up-to-date is an ongoing process.

“As a builder, I’m exposed to more of what’s available. My job is to keep up with the trends as they relate to value,” says Powell.

“Homes that aren’t built sustainably are going to have diminishing returns down the road. As a society and worldwide, it’s the direction we’re going.”