Trail to Mt. Ida
Rocky Mountain National ParkColoradoans are passionate about the great outdoors, the trail ahead, and being good stewards of the environment.  This is especially true of Estes Valley residents, as we’re privileged to have Rocky Mountain National Park as part of our backyard.

Consistent with current environmental best practices, Darling Enterprise designs and builds green homes.  Building green is good for the environment, and it’s good for our clients.  Energy costs are reduced, and green homes have better resale value than traditional stick frame homes.

See our "Sustainable Design/Build" Slide Show in the Gallery.

Green starts in the design phase.  We focus on and confer with clients on green topics in these key areas:

• Minimizing home impact on the lot and surrounding area.

• Maximizing energy efficiency—orienting the home to increase solar gain; paying strict attention to R-values on all exterior building components.  Offering options such as ICF Construction and supplemental wood pellet boilers (see below).  Incorporating energy-efficient systems and components such as radiant heat, spray foam insulation, and Energy Star products and appliances.

•  Ensuring water conservation—using high efficiency plumbing fixtures.

•  Keeping indoor air quality pristine—utilizing radiant heat and central vac to eliminate blowing dust and bacteria; using only low VOC emission products for paint, carpeting, cabinetry, and adhesives.

• Sourcing building materials locally and/or regionally as often as possible.

These topics are a starting point.  We’ll work with clients on specific green requests, up to and including LEED Certification, and the utilization of renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic and wind.