Green Features

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