Sustainable Living in the Mountains

Why Eco-Conscious Design Matters in Today’s Mountain Homes

More and more people moving to places like Park City, Utah are thinking about how their homes impact the environment. They want homes that are better for the planet, save money on bills, and are made with materials that last. Mountain towns are especially focused on natural beauty, and with that a stronger focus on protecting the environment. That’s why eco-friendly homes and green building ideas are becoming more popular and why we make them a priority here at Shoreline Park City.

Energy-Saving Features Today’s Eco-Friendly Homes Should Have

A big thing people are looking for in their homes today is energy efficiency. That means using less power while staying just as comfortable. Homes are now being built with features like thermal-insulating windows, smart thermostats, and Energy Star appliances to help keep energy use low.

Homes are rated using the HERS Index (Home Energy Rating System). All of the twinhomes at Shoreline Park City score between a 56-60 on the HERS scale. The average home receives a score of 100, meaning our homes use almost half as much energy. That could mean saving up to thousands of dollars every year on your energy bills. Not to mention, the Skyline, Vista, Peak, and Outlook models are all third-party Energy Star® certified.

Homes stay cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter, and more comfortable year-round. Plus, you can feel good knowing your home is using fewer natural resources.

Smart Insulation and Design

In mountain towns like Park City, where winters are cold and homes need to stay warm without using excess energy, good insulation really matters. New twinhomes at Shoreline Park City are built with stronger walls and better materials to help keep the temperature inside just right all year long, such as R-23 insulation in 2×6 exterior walls and sealed ductwork. That commitment to quality covers the whole house, including the garage. Beyond the insulated walls, we use Clopay® double-sided, steel insulated garage doors on every building.

Other than the garage, windows are traditionally where warm air escapes in the winter and enters during the summer. That’s why we only use High Performance Marvin® low-e double paned windows. The multiple layers of glass helps reduce cold drafts and keep indoor temperatures steady. This makes them great for keeping in warmth during winter and blocking out cold air. Our expertly designed twinhomes employ strategic window placement to maximize light while reducing heat loss in winter and solar gain in summer.

We Make Conserving Water Easy

We might live by the lake, but that doesn’t mean potable water is something that we take for granted. Our goal is to waste as little as possible, which is why every property comes with features specifically chosen for that purpose.

It starts with Moen® water conserving plumbing fixtures in the kitchens and bathrooms. These faucets and showerheads use up to 45% less water than standard faucets while maintaining a 1.2 gallon per minute flow rate. No need to worry about water pressure here!

Often tucked out of sight, most people don’t give their water heater a second thought. But, you probably know by now that we’re not most people. We exclusively use Bradford White® water heaters in our construction, which reduce sediment to improve efficiency and extend the life of the water heater.

Sustainable Real Estate Shaped by Open Space and Community

Sustainability isn’t just about what your home is made of, it’s also about where it is. Some of the most appealing sustainable real estate is found in communities that are thoughtfully planned with access to parks, trails, and have plenty of open space. Buyers want neighborhoods where nature is protected and where they can enjoy the outdoors without having to leave their community. Preserving views and native landscaping helps maintain the character of the mountain environment and supports long-term ecological health. Smart planning helps keep beautiful mountain views and local wildlife around for future generations.

Build Smarter in 2025

If you’re thinking about moving to the mountains or buying a second home, keep sustainability in mind. Choosing a home with an eco-friendly design, healthy materials, and smart green features means lower bills, fewer repairs, and a better way to live.