PLATINUM RATING: The first house rated by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) in Rhode Island has received a platinum rating. This is the highest rating under the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED-H rating system. The LEED-H is a building rating system specifically geared toward homes that are environmentally healthy.

The house, designed by Edgewater Architects LLC and built by South County Post & Beam Inc., became the first of its kind for Rhode Island, marking a significant step forward in rethinking residential design and construction. The house was designed to produce its own energy, which will result in a zero-carbon footprint. Heating and cooling for the house are through a geothermal system, while the electrical needs are provided by a large photovoltaic panel array. The foundation utilizes insulated concrete forms (ICF’s), and all roof runoff is captured in a cistern for use in landscape irrigation.

In addition, the house uses Structural Insulated Panels (SIP) for all the exterior walls and the roof planes. Structural Insulated Panels provide the interior finish, insulation and outside sheathing granting a firmly secured, economical and energy efficient enclosure system.

For additional information on the project, visit South County Post and Beam Inc.’s Web site, www.scpb.com, or call Ken Bouvier at (401) 783-4415.

NEW AGENT: Jayne Furlong has joined RE/MAX Professionals of East Greenwich. She has been involved in the real estate industry since 1986 and previously was president and owner of Majestic Mortgage Corporation.

SALES PARTNERS: Rick Tellier and Peggy Zamboni have joined Albert Realtors/GMAC Real Estate, Cranston as sales partners.