design GREEN
How to reduce your carbon footprint.
Whether you plan to protect yourself from public grid failure, public system collapse, or you just want to implement some effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint and lower your energy costs, allow us to geek out on the possibilities for you.
A simple way to think about an energy efficient home is the same way you observe thriving environments in nature. By duplicating natural systems, it is very easy to take advantage of the earth, the sun, the seasons, and natural biological processes of any climate to maintain comfort, even luxury, inside your home, even to the extent of creating sustainable resources.
You will discover that to design GREEN, the construction methods are unconventional, affordable, and effective. And, in case you’re asking, “No, you do not have to sacrifice luxury to design GREEN.”
Use this list to gain ideas for discussion as we evaluate your initial home concepts.
design considerations
construction methods
maximize thermal mass
geothermal advantages
shade and sun advantages
air flow, sealing, and ventilation
energy use
eco-friendly lighting
building materials
paints & coatings
indoor micro-climates
heating & cooling methods
insulation methods
electrochromic smart glass windows
roof overhangs
vegetation roofing
gabion rock partitions
electrical sourcing options
water sourcing and recycling systems
sewer & waste management
landscaping
construction methods
concrete construction
conventional infill
insulated concrete forms (ICF)
structural insulated panels (SIP)
insulated raft slab
earth sheltered construction
large stone use
heating & cooling
passive solar
strategic venting
earth-pipe methods
geothermal radiant heat pumps
programmable zoning
ductless mini-split
plumbing
greywater recycling
rainwater collection system
sub-foundation water storage
solar hot water heaters
tankless water heater
flow control fixtures
composting toilets
sewer effluent usability
electricity
solar power
hydro-electric
wind-turbine
geothermal steam power
thermal mass in walls, floor, and roof
batts & blankets
spray foam
loose fill
straw bale
insulation
water collection
water filtration
water distribution
stormwater planters & gardens
permeable drive, patios, & walks
shade trees on south and west
native plants
soil rejuvenation methods
