The Site

Effective planning and management of the site can conserve resources during construction. Where buildings are situated on a site and how they are oriented provide significant opportunities to reduce overall environmental impactss including both direct site impacts and indirect impacts relating to energy consumption by the building. Site plans that consider orientation in the placement of buildings provide abundant opportunities to benefit from natural systems protect the watershed through preservation of existing natural features including vegetation and through storm water control.

Passive Solar Opportunities

By insulating the foundation and incorporating flyash into the concrete, the homeowner can have a stronger, more energy-efficient home. Both obvious and hidden economic savings can come from building designs that rely on natural lighting. Technologies include efficient windows, skylights, light shafts, and many architectural features that allow natural light to penetrate into the building. South-facing walls achieve the most solar gain during the winter. When trying to use solar energy during the winter for passive solar heating, south-facing glazing is desired.

Structural Frame

Building with sustainably harvested lumber, engineered wood products, and recycled content materials greatly reduces the amount of wood fiber and construction waste, and relieves pressure on natural resources.

Exterior Finish

Decking and siding products made with recycled or fiber cement materials conserve resources, last longer, provide fire resistance and provide greater durability. The proper use of house wrap under the siding also protects the home by diverting water from the wall cavity and providing energy savings.

Plumbing and Electrical

The use of efficient toilets, faucets, light bulbs, ceiling fans and other fixtures saves water, electricity, and money.

Appliances

Energy Star dishwashers, refrigerators, water heaters, and clothes washers (or a clothesline) equipped with water conservation features will lower energy and water bills.

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