What are some unique environmentally friendly features I could add to a new home?
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At the Solar Works! Workshop, Attendees learned more about solar energy, heard from people with projects on their homes and businesses, and found resources to get started including a Home Energy Squad visit and a solar site assessment. Attendees also connected with experts serving Saint Paul that talked about their efforts to encourage solar energy including easing permitting for solar installations.
Question by flabbyfatso: What are some unique environmentally friendly features I could add to a new home?
I am designing an environmentally friendly home. I already have a lot of basic ideas (solar power, daylight harvesting, wind power, water saving fixtures, bamboo floors, soybean insulation, etc). What are some less well known features I could incorporate that would make this house better?
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5 Responses to What are some unique environmentally friendly features I could add to a new home?
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There are a lot of ideas here: http://www.fourgreensteps.com on heaters, air conditioners and lighting that use less energy.
Debbie Lobo
December 29, 2012 at 1:08 am
landscaping
house plants make the air better
Energy Star appliances
light bulbs
built in recycling bins
white colored roof in summer to reflect heat, dark colored roof in winter to absorb heat
compost pile outside
cistern to collect rain water
Sarah1351
December 29, 2012 at 1:26 am
First off you can incorporate all that stuff, but not everything is suitable for all locations. Like if you are in Seattle, the solar panels won’t help you. If your area doesn’t get much wind, what good is your wind turbine? Find a contractor who specializes in green homes, and find out which are the best options for your home, and location.
Basics that work everywhere:
low-e, argon gas dual pane windows
sky lights
low or no-VOC interior paints and finishes
all energy efficient appliances, choose gas over electric
florescent lighting
tank-less water heater
recycled building materials, counters etc.
water-efficient landscaping and plumbing
keep your house pvc and vinyl free
energy efficient (SEER) central air system
copper pipes for drinking water/ cast iron for sewage
sustainable harvest wood for framing
hardiplank siding
aim to get a leed platinum rating
…there are a million things you can do, thats why its best to find a professional experienced in building to leed standards so that you get the ideas that make sence for your situation.
Bedazzled101
December 29, 2012 at 2:07 am
Steel roof………under rated totally. About twice the initial cost but you wont be changing shingles , and going to the landfill with them. Plus if the event that the metal has to ever be changed…….recyclable. Also consider harvesting your excess rain water with a underground tank. Use it to water your lawn, plantings for close to nothing. Windows, you can purchase your windows with a low e coating, or you can use the 3-M version and apply it like you would tint film.Keeps radiant heat from penetrating the home. I have used Pex piping, although a plastic product it minimizes repairs in future years plus is quickly repaired. Tankless hot water heaters, you wont be paying for it to heat your water all day long just for your 5 min shower.
Also, when you use your soybean spray foam, consider spraying under the home if its a crawl space construction. Keeps your floor from radiating the cold in the winter time. I like the total envelope method used where the entire house is sprayed, roofline and all. Keeps your attic about the same temp as the house. Which there for, if you store things in, wont be effect by the heat. I personally like using the 2lb spray foam, for it will not allow water to penetrate.
Jason p
December 29, 2012 at 2:17 am
catching and harvesting rain water is a popular thing I see about…the water can be used for all your outdoor needs
Lar
December 29, 2012 at 2:19 am