High performance windows
High Efficiency Windows, if sized properly,can reduce heating and cooling requirements for the HVAC system lowering energy loads for the home.
Using native plantings and grouping plants with like water needs helps to conserve water resources.
Both rain barrels or underground tanks can be implemented to conserve water resources.
Pervious pavers reduce water run-off from hard surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks.
Plug In Hybrid Vehicles
Charging the batteries of a Plug In Hybrid with solar panels is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and meet your transportation needs. The battery pack in the car can also act as a back-up power source in the event of a power outage.
Structural Insulated Panels
SIP’s are an excellent choice for the building envelope by removing thermal bridging caused by traditional framing.
Tankless HW Heater
A tankless hot water heater can be used as a stand alone unit or as a backup to a solar hot water system.
A PEX plumbing system is controlled through a central manifold system in which each line has a control valve that can be shut off during maintenance without shutting down the water supply to the entire house.
Spray Foam Insulation
Closed cell foam insulation can reduce monthly A/C bills by 30-50%.
Geothermal Heat Pump
A Geo Thermal Heat Pump uses the earth’s constant soil and water temperature to heat and cool your house. The two types are Open Loop and Closed Loop.
Conditioned Crawl Space
Conditioning the crawl space and attic has many advantages with the biggest being the HVAC ventilation system is entirely within the building envelope.
Insulated Concrete Forms
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) can create a sustainable building envelope while decreasing energy loads.
Efficient lighting design
The use of Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFL’s) throughout the house can dramatically reduce your energy needs.
CFL’s use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
Energy Star Appliances
Energy Star® qualified appliances incorporate advance technologies use 10-50% less energy and water than standard models.
Solar PV and Solar Hot Water
Both are powered by the sun to produce electricity and domestic hot water. Solar PV is needed for a home to be “net zero” and excess electricity production can be sold back to the provider.
Engineered Wood Products
Wood Trusses, Wood I-Joist, OSB Sheathing, LVL’s, and PSL’s are all examples of engineered wood products that are made with less wood resources that traditional lumber.
Wind turbines are very effective close to the water where wind currents are more prevalent and consistent.