* What: A Knoxville-based construction company works to create energy efficiency in all its homes by taking what owner Walt Dickson calls “the little steps.” During the building process, builders apply painter’s caulk to every place where wood touches wood. All cracks and joints are sealed, and builders use eight cases of caulk for each home.
* Company: New Homes Construction Co. Inc.
* Location: Headquartered in Knoxville, but does work throughout the Southeast, including building homes in Lakefront Estates on Watts Bar in Rhea County.
* How it’s green: Caulking every crack and crevice creates a nearly airtight home that is less susceptible to heat and cold air loss. By preventing draft, homeowners can cut down their energy use.
* How long will it last? The caulking will last the lifetime of the home, but Mr. Dickson noted that it must be done during the building stages before the wall is sealed behind the sheet rock.
* Why do it this way? The idea came from Mr. Dickson’s years building apartment buildings. “To get tenants to stay, you’ve got to keep their utility costs down,” he said. “So we would caulk everything to prevent air from escaping or entering. The goal is to stop all outside draft.”
* Advice for others considering green initiatives: Mr. Dickson encourages others to look for small ways to make big differences. He said most of the efforts his builders take to make a home energy efficient are simple steps that anyone can do.
* Is environmentalism an essential part of the business and why?: Environmentalism is becoming more a part of Mr. Dickson’s business, as he consciously chooses safer materials. In recent years he switched to a “greener paint” that uses less dangerous chemicals. He said his efforts are all part of trying to get on board with the green movement.