The Green House has the following energy-efficiency/sustainability features:
Structural/Building Envelope
- metal roofing -- hail-resistant and acts as radiant barrier, reducing heat absorption
- sealed attic with spray foam insulation under roof (keeps the attic and ductwork cool)
- blown-in cellulose insulation in walls (made of recycled newspaper)
- structural insulated sheathing (SIS) instead of wood sheathing
- low-E windows
- low-maintenance Hardie siding
- stone from Leuders, Texas (required less energy to transport to Austin)
- house oriented to minimize solar heat gain through windows during summer
- wide overhangs over windows on south side of house
- windows placed to provide passive solar heating during winter
- solar tubes instead of skylights allow light into kitchen without unnecessary heat gain
Energy Use/Mechanical
- high-efficiency geothermal heating and air conditioning system
- programmable thermostats serving three HVAC zones
- compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs throughout
- ceiling fans in living area and all bedrooms
- Energy Star appliances
- 6 kilowatt solar array
Plumbing
- low-flow toilets
- low-flow sink faucets
- electric water heater assisted by geothermal heat pump (electric water heater alone is not green)
- on-demand recirculating hot water pump (recycles cold water in pipes as faucets warm up)
- high-efficiency (low-water) washing machine
Interior Finishes
- low-VOC paint
- durable floors (no carpet)
- wide hallways/doors and lever door handles (making home wheelchair-accessible without renovations)
Landscaping
- all plants are from City of Austin's Grow Green list of native and adapted drought-tolerant varieties
- lawn is drought-tolerant Palisades Zoysia grass
- drip irrigation system
- rainwater collection system in progress
No comments:
Post a Comment