The 12, 700-square-foot Energy Star-certified house was crafted from low-toxic materials, withstood air tightness tests on the insulation, and has a water furnace geothermal system that provides hot water, radiant floor heat and air conditioning.

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The second generation moved into manufacturing truck bodies, industrial insulation materials and air conditioners (in partnership with Fedders Corp.).

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Other resource-efficient projects like New York's 4 Times Square office building, Atlanta's EarthCraft House and Village Habitat Design's cohousing conservation communities include such innovations as energy-efficient insulation, water and air filtration, or hydronic heating, aiming for healthy, nontoxic construction processes and buildings for humans and the environment.

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Cavity wall insulation slows down the rate at which warm air escapes your property, keeping each room of your house warm even when it is bitterly cold outside.

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