Sustainability

The First and most important step in 'Going Green' is to reduce consumption.
The Second is to make sustainable choices when we do need to consume.



Sustainable Construction
We achieve reductions in energy use by 50% or more through the construction of high-performance (air-tight, super-insulated) building envelopes; installation of energy-efficient appliances and fixtures; reduction (and in some cases, elimination) of the use of fossil fuels for heat supply; use of environmentally-friendly, renewable, and local building materials; reducing waste; use of low-maintenance systems and materials with longer life-spans; and the reduction of water use through low-flow fixtures. Bruss is also the only builder in New Hampshire that has committed to blower door testing of every project it constructs.

Company Sustainability
Bruss Construction is located in a late 1800s colonial building on Main Street in Bradford. In keeping with our commitment to conserve and reuse, when the company's growth strained the available space, we made the decision to renovate and better-utilize the historic structure, rather than build new in another location. In the fall of 2005, Bruss began an extensive rehabilitation of the existing building and an attached barn. The building was gutted to the frame, and a new floor plan was created that made use of unused space and sections of the building which had not been previously winterized. Next, Bruss constructed a high-performance building envelope with super-insulated walls, and replaced aging mechanical systems with highly energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, adding fresh-air ventilation to create a healthy, indoor environment. Low-toxicity carpeting, no VOC paints and natural flooring were installed throughout the building.

Reducing Energy use and Resource Consumption
At our company office in Bradford, the "Bruss Green Team" looks at ways we can conserve and reuse resources. We recycle all waste paper, reduced our use of copy paper by 40%, use compact fluorescent light bulbs, and implemented a "Turn it Off" program to remind employees to shut-off unused computers, monitors, printers, copiers, and lights. We installed time-controlled thermostats in each of our three heating and cooling zones, significantly reducing our use of fossil-fuels.

Bruss purchases new vehicles that are the most fuel-efficient models available. We currently have several trucks in our fleet with new "smart-engine" technology, which turns-off half of the engine cylinders when at highway speeds. Bruss also facilitates field-crew carpooling to job sites.

Education and Advocacy
Bruss Construction also supports and advocates for energy-efficiency and sustainable building practices through its participation, membership, and corporate sponsorship of:



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