Sustainable BusinessesAre you Green?Showcase your business.
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Montana > Billings > Real EstateReal Estate Choose sustainable building for a better future.Looking for a new home or office? These agencies list properties using technologies, products, and practices that provide greater energy efficiency and reduce pollution, provide healthier indoor air, reduce water usage, preserve natural resources, and improve durability and reduce maintenance.
Aspen Ridge RanchEquestrian Ranch in Red Lodge, MT | Green Badge Count | | 17 | | Green Badge Value: | | 418 |
http://www.aspenridgemontana.net Nature of Business: We are a subdivision on 252 acres with 10 building sites. We have a equestrian center and raise our own hay. Mission: Our goal has always been to create a sustainable development. We have invested time, thought and money to assure that the land is utilized wisely, that wildlife habitats are improved and protected, and that homes and landscapes utilize as few natural resources as possible while not jeopardizing quality of life. Each lot is separated from its neighbors and carefully chosen for its distinct view. This provides each owner a sense of privacy. A critical piece of this project is to assure that the buildings fit into the landscape and do not overpower it. Reasonable limitations on size of footprint, height restrictions, placement of buildings on lots, view lines and materials used in building will assure that the land will remain the dominant feature. We are working with the Montana Land Reliance to put a Conservation Easement on nearly 200 acres of agricultural and natural land. Relation to Your Community: We host the local Nordic Ski park in the winter and also have many local functions at the Ranch. Sustainability Goals Your Company Embraces: The homes built here demonstrate numerous green building practices including solar systems, wind generation, natural cooling techniques, radiant heat, insulation and much more. You are welcome to tour the homes to see these systems in operation. Existing waters are dedicated to agricultural uses and maintaining and enhancing the riparian areas that have been restored and improved. As a result, a number of water features including ponds and streams are found throughout the property. Hay grown here is used by the horse facility. Horses graze pastures as part of a plan for the management and protection of grazing lands. Additional Green Directory ListingsGreen Badges | Conserving natural resources
reason Hay irrigation is done by center pivots designed to spread water close to the crops which conserves water. The water from the pivots is controlled by a GPS guidance system which disperses water where it is needed. The vertical gravity flow of water to the system negates the need for any powered pump. Fertilizer can be directly applied to the crops through the spray heads when needed. This reduces the amount of fertilizer needed and also protects the pastures from heavy spray equipment. |  | Preserving wildlife habitat
reason Our ponds were made to eliminate the surface water in some of our dry land and pastures. The sub surface water drains into the ponds and eventually flows through controlled drainage ditches to adjoining farm land. The ponds also are a good habitat for native birds, deer and small animals. We have fish in pond #3 and natural wind driven oxygenators in ponds #3 and #4 which keeps the water healthy for plants and fish. As a result, there is no stagnation during periods of hot weather. The Ranch has several delineated wetlands which are federally protected. Sage Creek is a perennial Stream which flows through one of the main wetlands and includes many plant species found only is these very small protected areas. We encourage visitors to use only marked trails in these areas to help us protect the environment. All fencing at the Ranch is environmentally friendly as well as safe for horses, wildlife, and domestic animals. We use very thick high tensile polypropylene coated wire which will not cut animals. Spacing of wire is done to BLM standards. All of the wood from trail making is used. Larger logs are used by homeowners for fire wood. Small trees, tree tops and limbs are shredded on to our trail system. |  | Noxious weed control
reason We have a very active program for the control of noxious weeds. The Ranch is nearly weed free and we have a system in place for spot spraying. |  | Reducing waste
reason All horse manure and shavings a harrowed into the horse pastures. This eliminates dumpster use and manure and saw dust are great soil conditioners. |  | Erosion prevention
reason All material from excavation has been used and all top soil has been applied to foster native vegetation and grasses. |  | Energy efficient equipment
reason Windows carry the Energy Star rating. Argon gas is used between panes for added thermal protection. In floor radiant heat is used in our homes for consistency and conservation. Numerous zones allow for heat to be used only where needed. Where possible, on demand hot water heaters a used and our boilers have a 98% energy efficiency rating. |  | Using renewable energy
reason The main Ranch home uses solar hot water, wind and solar electric. 75% of energy used will be provided by state of the art solar and wind power. Heat and domestic hot water is provided by the sun. For cooling, as system of 16 automatically powered awning windows in two cupolas provide a venturi tube effect for the extraction of hot air. If a window senses any moisture the window will automatically close. |  | Conserving energy
reason The water from the pivots is controlled by a GPS guidance system which disperses water where it is needed. The vertical gravity flow of water to the system negates the need for any powered pump. All of our insulation is a low density soy based foam which is sprayed into all framing and penetrations to the structure. This provides an extremely high R value and makes the home air, rodent and water proof. 2x6 walls and 2x12 ceiling framing allow use to conserve a high amount of energy. All lighting in interior and exterior fixtures is either low voltage or put on a rheostat. Fixtures are Energy Star rated. |  | Minimizing use of non-renewables
reason We use wood chips from saw mills on our trail system |  | Using sustainable building designs
reason All roofing materials are either steel or class1 fire rated 50 year shingles. The colors have been chosen to fit in with the landscape. The Ranch managers house has non flammable concrete siding. All windows are wood with vinyl or metal cladding. The also carry the Energy Star rating. Argon gas is used between panes for added thermal protection. In floor radiant heat is used in our homes for consistency and conservation. Numerous zones allow for heat to be used only where needed. Where possible, on demand hot water heaters a used and our boilers have a 98% energy efficiency rating. All of our insulation is a low density soy based foam which is sprayed into all framing and penetrations to the structure. This provides an extremely high R value and makes the home air, rodent and water proof. 2x6 walls and 2x12 ceiling framing allow use to conserve a high amount of energy. All lighting in interior and exterior fixtures is either low voltage or put on a rheostat. Fixtures are Energy Star rated. All water usage from toilets and fixtures are low flow. New technology has allowed for great performance while conserving water. Fireplaces have outside air funneled into the fire box so warm interior air in not taken from the home. Ceiling fans are used in nearly all rooms for both summer and winter comfort. Recycled thick rubber tiles are used in the hallway of the barn and tack up area as well as a patio on the main Ranch house. The Tiles are made from used tires. The main Ranch home uses solar hot water, wind and solar electric. 75% of energy used will be provided by state of the art solar and wind power. Heat and domestic hot water is provided by the sun. For cooling, as system of 16 automatically powered awning windows in two cupolas provide a venturi tube effect for the extraction of hot air. If a window senses any moisture the window will automatically close. The design of the main home also utilizes the natural site setting. North windows are very minimal and overhanging eves allow for sun in winter and shade in summer. Most paint is natural pigment from New Mexico and is added to natural clay. This ensures non toxic gas emissions and also helps absorb sound and moisture. Plaster on walls is natural limestone and is also pigmented with natural colors. |  | Resource monitoring
reason All watering on the ranch including is monitored either by per gallon flow rate, digital water monitoring devices or pressure measurement valves. We know exactly how much water we use to run a pivot sprinkle and control whether it is 1/4" ,1/2" or whatever amount we may want to apply. We have a certain amount of water rights and this system tells precisely how many gallons we have used in a given amount of time. Our horse waterers in the barn measure how much water each horse drinks in any period of time. It is impossible to tell how much water a horse drinks from a waterer unless you have a digital measuring device. |  | Using recycled materials
reason Main house uses recycled wood to make paralams. These are structural large 8"x30" beams that support the main roof. These chips are compressed under extremely high pressure and are much stronger that traditional glue laminated beams. |  | Time-controlled grazing
reason Horses are allowed into 6 different pastures for 8 hours per day. At dust they are returned to the barn to allow the land to rest and continue to grow. this eliminates over grazing of our pastures and controls the weight gain of horses in the spring and summer. |  | Donating to non-profits
reason The Ranch contributes to Beartooth Humane Alliance, Beartooth Nature center, Carbon County Historical Society and the Red Lodge Nordic Ski Center. |  | Using organic products
reason We use Green Mountain or Paul Newman\'s organic coffee in our ranch office and main ranch home. |  | Contributing to local tax base
reason We are a corporation and pay quarterly taxes in Montana and the IRS. | | Using recycled materials
reason Main house uses recycled wood to make paralams. These are structural large 8"x30" beams that support the main roof. These chips are compressed under extremely high pressure and are much stronger that traditional glue laminated beams. |
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The Green Directory Montana headquarters is located at 2 Custer Ave Billings, MT 59101
contact us now: (406) 208-TREE [8733]
Green Directory Montana State Edition Summer 2009
Green Directory Billings Edition Summer 2009
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