Building a Green Building a Green Planet:Planet:

One House at a TimeOne House at a Time

Prepared by: Prepared by:

Danielle LeeDanielle LeeStacy JarrielStacy Jarriel

Baker RomineBaker RomineHeather ZimmerHeather Zimmer

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

Special thanks to:Special thanks to:Davis and Collins Heating and AirDavis and Collins Heating and Air

Way ContractingWay ContractingEMCEMC

Winnelson Plumbing SuppliesWinnelson Plumbing SuppliesM & M Electrical M & M Electrical

Solar Direct Solar Direct (sales representative Rex James)(sales representative Rex James)

PurposePurpose

• Plan and design a realistic family home that Plan and design a realistic family home that is environmentally-friendly and energy-is environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient within a budget of $300,000.efficient within a budget of $300,000.

• Choose an environmentally-friendly and fuel-Choose an environmentally-friendly and fuel-efficient car for $25,000 or less.efficient car for $25,000 or less.

• Home and car need to be realistic for a family Home and car need to be realistic for a family of four.of four.

Items to be DeterminedItems to be Determined• Location, land, and orientationLocation, land, and orientation• Floor plan and size of homeFloor plan and size of home• Foundation and building materialsFoundation and building materials• Heat, electrical sources, and appliancesHeat, electrical sources, and appliances• Windows, roof, insulation, and landscapingWindows, roof, insulation, and landscaping• Estimate power consumption, power Estimate power consumption, power

generation, and power to be purchased.generation, and power to be purchased.• Compare to traditional home in the same Compare to traditional home in the same

location with equal power consumption.location with equal power consumption.

The Earth Sheltered HomeThe Earth Sheltered Home

• A home that utilizes the most natural resources of A home that utilizes the most natural resources of our planet, Earth, to reduce heat-loss and our planet, Earth, to reduce heat-loss and maintain a steady indoor temperature.maintain a steady indoor temperature.

• Earth is piled on the roof and against exterior Earth is piled on the roof and against exterior walls, packed, and sloped away from the house.walls, packed, and sloped away from the house.

• The house will be oriented in such a way so that The house will be oriented in such a way so that the windows will be south-facing in order to make the windows will be south-facing in order to make the greatest advantage of natural light.the greatest advantage of natural light.

Why Earth Sheltered?Why Earth Sheltered?

• Much less susceptible to extremes in outdoor Much less susceptible to extremes in outdoor temperatures.temperatures.

• Indoor temperatures are more stable than in a Indoor temperatures are more stable than in a conventional home.conventional home.

• Less exterior maintenance than a conventional Less exterior maintenance than a conventional home such as painting and cleaning gutters.home such as painting and cleaning gutters.

• Provides natural soundproofing.Provides natural soundproofing.• Blends harmoniously into the landscape.Blends harmoniously into the landscape.• Extra protection against storms, tornados, Extra protection against storms, tornados,

hurricanes, and other natural disasters.hurricanes, and other natural disasters.

Why Earth Sheltered?Why Earth Sheltered?

• Generates a 60-85% savings in fossil fuel Generates a 60-85% savings in fossil fuel usage.usage.

• Construction methods generate wood Construction methods generate wood conservation.conservation.

• Use of passive solar design provides natural Use of passive solar design provides natural light throughout the home.light throughout the home.

• Construction methods make the home Construction methods make the home virtually impervious to pests, dust, and other virtually impervious to pests, dust, and other irritants from outside.irritants from outside.

Our HouseOur House

Floor PlanFloor Plan1,750 sq. ft1,750 sq. ft

Note: A skylight will be placed above the Dinning Room to help with natural lighting.

ConstructionConstruction

• A specialist in Earthen Home Design and A specialist in Earthen Home Design and construction will complete the majority of construction will complete the majority of the home. the home.

• The remainder will be completed by The remainder will be completed by subcontractors. subcontractors.

ConstructionConstruction• Price of earth sheltered shell $105,000Price of earth sheltered shell $105,000

Includes:Includes:– FootingsFootings– OverhangsOverhangs– Wrapped corner parapetsWrapped corner parapets– Concrete blockoutsConcrete blockouts– Treated woodTreated wood– Poured concrete chimney sleevesPoured concrete chimney sleeves– Electrical blockoutsElectrical blockouts– Retaining wallsRetaining walls– InsulationInsulation– WaterproofingWaterproofing– BackfillBackfill– DrainageDrainage

• Price of skylight $3,800Price of skylight $3,800

LandLand

• Cost of land is $3,750 for 1.5 acres.Cost of land is $3,750 for 1.5 acres.• The plot is mostly clear with only an old farm The plot is mostly clear with only an old farm

house to be torn down.house to be torn down.• Demolition cost is $2,000 which is included in Demolition cost is $2,000 which is included in

the site prep charge.the site prep charge.• The lumber from the old farm house is not The lumber from the old farm house is not

pressure-treated; it will be mulched and pressure-treated; it will be mulched and reused in the landscaping.reused in the landscaping.

• It is located in Mt. Vernon, GAIt is located in Mt. Vernon, GA

Site PreparationSite Preparation

• To be arranged by the ownerTo be arranged by the owner• Cost $84,250Cost $84,250• IncludesIncludes

– ExcavationExcavation– Water on siteWater on site– ElectricityElectricity– Temporary bathroomTemporary bathroom– Crushed rock to be placed in the footingsCrushed rock to be placed in the footings

Electrical ServicesElectrical Services

• To be provided by a subcontractorTo be provided by a subcontractor• Cost $7,875Cost $7,875• Includes:Includes:

– Breaker panelBreaker panel– MeterMeter– ReceptaclesReceptacles– Wiring (electrical, TV, phone, etc.)Wiring (electrical, TV, phone, etc.)

LightingLighting

• For our home, we have chosen not to have For our home, we have chosen not to have incandescent light bulbs and instead have incandescent light bulbs and instead have fluorescent lighting throughout our home. fluorescent lighting throughout our home.

• There will be approximately 35 fixtures. There will be approximately 35 fixtures. • Cost for fixtures $1,200.Cost for fixtures $1,200.

PlumbingPlumbing• We will hook up to the city water and sewage.We will hook up to the city water and sewage.• To be completed by a subcontractorTo be completed by a subcontractor• Cost $4,073Cost $4,073• Includes:Includes:

– InstallationInstallation– FixturesFixtures– Shower enclosureShower enclosure– Bathroom and kitchen sinksBathroom and kitchen sinks– ToiletsToilets– FaucetsFaucets– Washer and Dryer HookupsWasher and Dryer Hookups– Water heaterWater heater

PlumbingPlumbing

Rinnai Tankless Water HeaterRinnai Tankless Water Heater

• MC-91 Digital MC-91 Digital Temperature Controller Temperature Controller +/-2° F Included+/-2° F Included

• Up to .81 EF Providing Up to .81 EF Providing Significant Energy Cost Significant Energy Cost SavingsSavings

• 12-Year Limited 12-Year Limited Warranty On The Heat Warranty On The Heat Exchanger 5-Year Exchanger 5-Year Warranty On All Parts Warranty On All Parts Standard 1-Year Labor Standard 1-Year Labor WarrantyWarranty

• Price $934Price $934

Tankless Water Heater Savings Tankless Water Heater Savings AnalysisAnalysis

Twenty year total Savings $35,173. Twenty year total Savings $35,173. Twenty year Avg. Annual ROI 502%Twenty year Avg. Annual ROI 502%

The Rinnai can produce 14 times The Rinnai can produce 14 times more hot water per hour than the more hot water per hour than the leading competitor.leading competitor.

PlumbingPlumbing

PlumbingPlumbing• Shallow sink to Shallow sink to

minimize waterminimize water• Aerator also minimizes Aerator also minimizes

water usagewater usage• Total cost $145.00Total cost $145.00

Water Savings Compared to Average Water Savings Compared to Average House the Same Size.House the Same Size.

Number per day Average Time Gpm/Gpuse Total Avg House Percent More EfficientShower 4 5 1.75 35Toilet 20 1.6 32Brushing teeth 8 1 2.2 17.6Dishes 1 15 2.2 33Washer 0.5 35 17.5Lawn 0.2 15 2.2 6.6Other faucet use 8 0.5 2.2 8.8

150.5 320-400 more than 50%

Air Conditioner/Heat PumpAir Conditioner/Heat PumpCarrier Infinity Heating & Carrier Infinity Heating &

Cooling SystemCooling System• Uses Puron® refrigerant Uses Puron® refrigerant

which does not deplete the which does not deplete the ozone layerozone layer

• Removes and kills germs and Removes and kills germs and airborne allergensairborne allergens

• 2 speed air handler changes 2 speed air handler changes according to cooling/heating according to cooling/heating needsneeds

• Cost $7,500 for 3.5 ton unit.Cost $7,500 for 3.5 ton unit.

Air Conditioner/Heat PumpAir Conditioner/Heat Pump• ComfortHeat™ technology ComfortHeat™ technology

accurately predicts the accurately predicts the need for heating while need for heating while cutting energy swings in cutting energy swings in half.half.

• IdealHumidity™ system IdealHumidity™ system constantly controls both constantly controls both temperature and humidity temperature and humidity

• Automatically adjusts for Automatically adjusts for peak efficiency and peak efficiency and performanceperformance

• Energy Star RatedEnergy Star Rated• Rated 7 out of 7 on heating Rated 7 out of 7 on heating

efficiency, cooling efficiency, cooling efficiency, and quiet level.efficiency, and quiet level.

• Up to 19 SEERUp to 19 SEER• Up to 9 HSPFUp to 9 HSPF• WeatherArmor protects WeatherArmor protects

outdoor units.outdoor units.

AppliancesAppliancesWhite Kenmore HE2 Plus 3.6 cu. ft. White Kenmore HE2 Plus 3.6 cu. ft.

Super Capacity Plus Front Load Super Capacity Plus Front Load WasherWasher

• Energy efficient Energy efficient • Energy star rated Energy star rated • Effective Catalyst cleaning action Effective Catalyst cleaning action

wash system fully saturates wash system fully saturates clothes quickly and thoroughlyclothes quickly and thoroughly

• Pre-wash with auto advancePre-wash with auto advance• automatic temperature controlautomatic temperature control• ““Set-and-forget” detergent Set-and-forget” detergent

advantage system with 3-advantage system with 3-compartment dispenser compartment dispenser

• Price $699.88Price $699.88

AppliancesAppliancesWhite Kenmore HE2 6.7 cu. Ft. White Kenmore HE2 6.7 cu. Ft. Super Capacity Electric DryerSuper Capacity Electric Dryer

• Moisture sensors Moisture sensors • 6 temperature settings6 temperature settings• Numerous drying Numerous drying

optionsoptions• Price $679.99 Price $679.99

AppliancesAppliances Bisque Frigidare 30 in. Electric Self Bisque Frigidare 30 in. Electric Self

Clean Freestanding Range Clean Freestanding Range w/SpeedBake® Convection Systemw/SpeedBake® Convection System • 5.4 cu. Ft. max. 5.4 cu. Ft. max.

capacitycapacity• Speed bake convection Speed bake convection

systemsystem• Speed-clean self-Speed-clean self-

cleaning option, and cleaning option, and seamless ceramic cook seamless ceramic cook toptop

• Price $950.00 dollarsPrice $950.00 dollars

AppliancesAppliancesBisque GE Appliances 1.7 c. ft. Bisque GE Appliances 1.7 c. ft.

Microwave OvenMicrowave Oven • Patented Circuwave Patented Circuwave cooking system which cooking system which provides more power for provides more power for faster, more even cooking faster, more even cooking than with traditional than with traditional microwave ovens. microwave ovens.

• 2-speed venting system2-speed venting system• Available child-lock Available child-lock

systemsystem• Price $269.99Price $269.99

AppliancesAppliancesWhite Kenmore 18.2 cu. ft. Top White Kenmore 18.2 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator w/ Factory-Freezer Refrigerator w/ Factory-

Installed Ice MakerInstalled Ice Maker • Energy star rated. Energy star rated. • Rounded doorsRounded doors• 2 clear humidity 2 clear humidity

controlled crisperscontrolled crispers• Factory installed ice Factory installed ice

makermaker• Price $529.88Price $529.88

Electronic Air CleanerElectronic Air Cleaner• Friedrich Electronic Air Friedrich Electronic Air

CleanerCleaner• Energy Star RatedEnergy Star Rated• 35% more energy efficient 35% more energy efficient

that conventional air that conventional air cleaners.cleaners.

• One of the highest clean air One of the highest clean air delivery rates in the delivery rates in the industry.industry.

• Four step particulate filter Four step particulate filter process.process.

• Price $429Price $429

Ceiling FansCeiling Fans

Sea Gull White Celebrity Sea Gull White Celebrity Ceiling Fan 1535-15Ceiling Fan 1535-15

• Energy Star RatedEnergy Star Rated• Helps circulate air Helps circulate air • 52 inch diameter fan52 inch diameter fan• five reversible bladesfive reversible blades• "country-quiet" operation"country-quiet" operation• stable hanging system stable hanging system • One in each bedroomOne in each bedroom• One in the living roomOne in the living room • Price: $109.50Price: $109.50

Photovoltaic SystemPhotovoltaic System• SunWize Residential Grid-Tie SunWize Residential Grid-Tie

System with battery backupSystem with battery backup• Complete package contains all Complete package contains all

necessary components such as:necessary components such as:– SunWize Solar Modules – UniRac® SolarMount™ roof

support structure – OutBack Inverter Power

System – OutBack PSPV Combiner – Concorde Sun-Xtender®

Batteries– Complete Documentation and

owner's manual – Optional kWh Electric Meter –

displays net power produced by your system

• Batteries are charged when the Batteries are charged when the system produces more than we system produces more than we use so electricity will be available use so electricity will be available at nightat night

• Often more energy is generated Often more energy is generated than needed so it is sold back to than needed so it is sold back to the power company – THEY PAY the power company – THEY PAY YOU!YOU!

• Generates 1200 W per hour of Generates 1200 W per hour of sunlight (there an average of 5 sunlight (there an average of 5 hours of sunlight per day)hours of sunlight per day)

• 25 year warranty25 year warranty• No moving parts, virtually No moving parts, virtually

maintenance free.maintenance free.

• Price: $9,600Price: $9,600

Photovoltaic System BenefitsPhotovoltaic System Benefits• Photovoltaic systems are Photovoltaic systems are

about $8/W that they about $8/W that they produce in an hour, but produce in an hour, but with government and with government and power company incentives, power company incentives, the price drops to $3/W.the price drops to $3/W.

• Generate your own Generate your own electricity and reduce your electricity and reduce your electric bill. electric bill.

• Provide backup power for Provide backup power for critical loads during utility critical loads during utility power outages.power outages.

• Reduces the burning of Reduces the burning of fossil fuels and the fossil fuels and the production of radioactive production of radioactive waste.waste.

• Generates clean energy Generates clean energy form the sun.form the sun.

• Increases the value of your Increases the value of your home. home.

• Protects against future rate Protects against future rate increases.increases.

Energy Savings Compared to Average Energy Savings Compared to Average House the Same Size House the Same Size

Total Kilowatts usedhours per day kW/day Average Household% more efficientAir Cleaner 0.09 17 1.53Microwave 0.25 1 0.25Rinnai Water Heater 0.038 4 0.152Lighting 0.018 6 0.108AC/Heat Pump 2 6 12Washer 0.44 1 0.44Dryer 2.5 1 2.5Stove (elements) 1.2 1 1.2Stove (oven) 3.2 0.5 1.6Refridgerator 0.05 24 1.2Ceiling fan 0.01 12 0.12Coffeemaker 0.5 1 0.5Computer and Printer 0.02 3 0.06Television 0.02 4 0.08Total 21.74 29.6 26.55Photovolatic System -1.2 5 -6

Net total 15.74 29.6 46.79

Exterior DoorsExterior Doors

• Open design allows for Open design allows for maximum transmittance maximum transmittance of sunlight into home. of sunlight into home.

• Weatherproofing will be Weatherproofing will be applied around all applied around all exterior doors and exterior doors and windows.windows.

• Price $1,200Price $1,200

WindowsWindows•Pine interiors available with Pine interiors available with factory-applied white finish.factory-applied white finish.• These windows have no These windows have no grids in order to provide grids in order to provide maximum lighting. maximum lighting. Price $1,956Price $1,956

• High-Performance™ Low-E4® High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass stays cleaner and glass stays cleaner and reduces water spotting† reduces water spotting†

• Nearly-invisible TruScene® Nearly-invisible TruScene® insect screen optional insect screen optional

• Traditional style Traditional style • Rich natural wood interior Rich natural wood interior • Attractive low-maintenance Attractive low-maintenance

exteriors exteriors • Convenient tilt-in cleaning Convenient tilt-in cleaning • Variety of grilles and insect Variety of grilles and insect

screen optionsscreen options

Interior DoorsInterior Doors

• Salvaged, refurbished Salvaged, refurbished doors doors

• Price $80-$100 dollars Price $80-$100 dollars per door (included).per door (included).

Cabinetry and CountertopsCabinetry and Countertops• Recycled, refurbished Recycled, refurbished

cabinets cabinets • Cost for cabinets in Cost for cabinets in

bathroom and kitchen bathroom and kitchen $7500.$7500.

• Countertops for kitchen Countertops for kitchen and bath combine recycled and bath combine recycled glass with a binder of glass with a binder of cement, additives, cement, additives, pigments and other pigments and other recycled materials such as recycled materials such as fly ash - a waste by-product fly ash - a waste by-product of coal burning power of coal burning power plants.plants.

• Cost for counter tops Cost for counter tops $1,200$1,200

Interior FinishInterior Finish

Sheetrock and PaintingSheetrock and Painting• Low VOC paint and Low VOC paint and

sealants.sealants.• SheetrockSheetrock

– Installation and Installation and materialsmaterials

– Cost $3,900Cost $3,900• PaintingPainting

– Labor and materialsLabor and materials– Cost $4,025Cost $4,025

FlooringFlooring• Materials Materials

– 2.5 recycled/refurbished 2.5 recycled/refurbished hardwoodhardwood

• InstallationInstallation– $2/sq. ft.$2/sq. ft.

• Cost $3,700Cost $3,700

Exterior FinishExterior Finish• HardiePlank™ sidingHardiePlank™ siding• Single faced, cellulose Single faced, cellulose

fiber-reinforced cementfiber-reinforced cement• Resists rain, hail, impact, Resists rain, hail, impact,

flame, wind and humidity.flame, wind and humidity.• Sustainable and durableSustainable and durable• 50 year warranty50 year warranty• Incorporates natural Incorporates natural

ingredients that are ingredients that are nontoxic.nontoxic.

• Cost $2,077Cost $2,077

LandscapingLandscaping

• Preserve the natural trees already on the property.Preserve the natural trees already on the property.• Any additional plants will be transplanted, reclaimed Any additional plants will be transplanted, reclaimed

plants.plants.• All landscaping consists of local plant life that is well All landscaping consists of local plant life that is well

adapted to the climate and will require less watering.adapted to the climate and will require less watering.• Large deciduous trees in the front provide shade and Large deciduous trees in the front provide shade and

block direct sunlight in the summer.block direct sunlight in the summer.• Lot will be reseeded including the earthen cover on Lot will be reseeded including the earthen cover on

the home to prevent erosion.the home to prevent erosion.• Cost for grass seed $50 Cost for grass seed $50

Rainwater CollectionRainwater Collection• Specially designed Specially designed

gutters collect rainwater gutters collect rainwater in collection barrels.in collection barrels.

• This water will then be This water will then be recycled for watering recycled for watering plants.plants.

• Holds 54 gallons.Holds 54 gallons.• Child-Safe DesignChild-Safe Design

– It's all one piece, with a It's all one piece, with a closed top, so you won't closed top, so you won't need to worry about need to worry about children or pets getting children or pets getting inside. inside.

• Fully Screened - Insect Fully Screened - Insect ProofProof..

• Cost $229Cost $229

Spruce Creek RainsaverSpruce Creek Rainsaver

Permaflow™ DrainPermaflow™ Drain• To replace the p-traps in all To replace the p-traps in all

sinks.sinks.• Increases flow turbulence, self Increases flow turbulence, self

cleans – propels debris outside.cleans – propels debris outside.• Easy turn external paddle, Easy turn external paddle,

provides emergency bypass.provides emergency bypass.• Environmentally friendly – no Environmentally friendly – no

more harmful chemicals.more harmful chemicals.• Transparent construction for Transparent construction for

fast troubleshooting.fast troubleshooting.• Never needs plunging, snaking, Never needs plunging, snaking,

or expensive drain cleaning.or expensive drain cleaning.• Price $39.95Price $39.95

Compost BinCompost Bin• Tumbleweed compost Tumbleweed compost

tumbler.tumbler.• Unique tumbling action Unique tumbling action

tips contents from top to tips contents from top to bottom to provide bottom to provide maximum aeration.maximum aeration.

• At least four loads of At least four loads of compost can be produced compost can be produced in the time it takes to in the time it takes to produce one by traditional produce one by traditional methods.methods.

• Price $189.95Price $189.95

Government IncentivesGovernment Incentives

• Windows and Skylights 10% up to $200Windows and Skylights 10% up to $200• Exterior doors 10% up to $500 Exterior doors 10% up to $500 • Insulation 10% up to $500 Insulation 10% up to $500 • Heat Pump/AC $300 Heat Pump/AC $300 • Water Heater $300 Water Heater $300 • Photovoltaic System 30% up to $2,000 Photovoltaic System 30% up to $2,000 • Total Savings $3,420Total Savings $3,420

Eco-friendly carEco-friendly car2008 Honda Civic Hybrid – up to 45 mpg2008 Honda Civic Hybrid – up to 45 mpg• Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission

VehicleVehicle– A Super-Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle with zero-A Super-Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle with zero-

evaporative emissions and carries a evaporative emissions and carries a 15-year/150,000-mile warranty on emissions 15-year/150,000-mile warranty on emissions equipment.equipment.

• 1.3-Liter, 8-Valve, i-VTEC 4-Cylinder Engine1.3-Liter, 8-Valve, i-VTEC 4-Cylinder Engine• Drive-by-Wire™ Throttle SystemDrive-by-Wire™ Throttle System

– An electronic position sensor connected to the An electronic position sensor connected to the accelerator pedal that sends an electronic signal to accelerator pedal that sends an electronic signal to the powertrain control module.the powertrain control module.

2008 Honda Civic Hybrid2008 Honda Civic Hybrid• Integrated Motor Assist IMA®Integrated Motor Assist IMA®

– Couples a 1.3-liter, 8-valve, i-VTEC® 4-cylinder Couples a 1.3-liter, 8-valve, i-VTEC® 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motorgasoline engine with an electric motor

• Continuously Variable TransmissionContinuously Variable Transmission– Substitutes the gears found in traditional Substitutes the gears found in traditional

transmissions and replaces them with a metal push-transmissions and replaces them with a metal push-belt running between a pair of variable-width belt running between a pair of variable-width pulleys.pulleys.

– Provides better fuel economy and acceleration when Provides better fuel economy and acceleration when compared to a conventional transmission.compared to a conventional transmission.

• Price $22,660 MSRPPrice $22,660 MSRP

2008 Honda Civic Hybrid2008 Honda Civic Hybrid

FactsFacts• We. . .We. . .

– Use and consume less. Use and consume less.

– Recycle (newspapers, white paper, clear and colored glass, Recycle (newspapers, white paper, clear and colored glass, plastic water and milk bottles, aluminum, cardboard, plastic water and milk bottles, aluminum, cardboard, batteries and fluorescent light bulbs).batteries and fluorescent light bulbs).

– Reuse materials when possible.Reuse materials when possible.

– Use non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products.Use non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products.

– Carpool, bike or use a fuel efficient car.Carpool, bike or use a fuel efficient car.

– Unplug constant energy-use appliances when not in use Unplug constant energy-use appliances when not in use (TVs, VCRs, DVDs, microwaves, computers).(TVs, VCRs, DVDs, microwaves, computers).

Facts• Purchase Green Power from the power company for a couple Purchase Green Power from the power company for a couple

extra dollars a month.extra dollars a month.

• Use fluorescent lights.Use fluorescent lights.

• Wash clothes in cool water instead of hot water.Wash clothes in cool water instead of hot water.

• Conserve water by using faucets that use less water and a Conserve water by using faucets that use less water and a sink in our bathroom that uses the fresh water that fills the sink in our bathroom that uses the fresh water that fills the toilet to wash your hands.toilet to wash your hands.

Facts• Have Energy Star appliances when available.Have Energy Star appliances when available.

• Hand wash and air dry dishes instead of having a dishwasher Hand wash and air dry dishes instead of having a dishwasher because dishwashers consume energy in several ways: because dishwashers consume energy in several ways: electricity to run, heat water, and dry dishes while using electricity to run, heat water, and dry dishes while using water in large amounts during the process.water in large amounts during the process.

• Wash only full loads of clothes.Wash only full loads of clothes.

• Lower the thermostat on hot water heater to 120° F.Lower the thermostat on hot water heater to 120° F.

• Set thermostat to 68° F in the winter and 78° F in the Set thermostat to 68° F in the winter and 78° F in the summer.summer.

FactsFacts• When the outside temperature is comfortable, we will When the outside temperature is comfortable, we will

turn the air conditioning /heat pump off and open turn the air conditioning /heat pump off and open windows and doors to save energy.windows and doors to save energy.

• We will have a compost bin to use our wastes to our We will have a compost bin to use our wastes to our advantage. The compost will be used for fertilization advantage. The compost will be used for fertilization and mulch for our grass and plantsand mulch for our grass and plants

• Our grass roof is more energy-efficient than a Our grass roof is more energy-efficient than a conventional roof because the plants use the sun’s conventional roof because the plants use the sun’s energy for photosynthesis instead of absorbing heat energy for photosynthesis instead of absorbing heat like normal roofs do.like normal roofs do.

Facts• We will not have a driveway because we do not want We will not have a driveway because we do not want

to cover the natural environment with a material to cover the natural environment with a material that absorbs heat. We want to impact the natural that absorbs heat. We want to impact the natural environment as little as possible. environment as little as possible.

• We will not have a garage because we can protect We will not have a garage because we can protect

our vehicle in a more energy efficient way using a car our vehicle in a more energy efficient way using a car cover. This eliminates the wasting of money, energy, cover. This eliminates the wasting of money, energy, and materials on a garage.and materials on a garage.

• We do not have any bath tubs in the house to We do not have any bath tubs in the house to encourage water efficiency.encourage water efficiency.

SourcesSources• www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?

c=products.pr_tax_creditsc=products.pr_tax_credits• www.compostguide.com/ www.compostguide.com/ • www.energyfederation.org/lowimpactliving/www.energyfederation.org/lowimpactliving/

default.php/cPath/394_979 default.php/cPath/394_979 • www.energyfederation.org/lowimpactliving/www.energyfederation.org/lowimpactliving/

default.php/cPath/27_53default.php/cPath/27_53• shop.pfwaterworks.net/category.sc?categoryId

=5 • www.energyfederation.org/lowimpactliving/www.energyfederation.org/lowimpactliving/

default.php/cPath/27_860_268default.php/cPath/27_860_268

SourcesSources

• www.sinkpositive.com/www.sinkpositive.com/• www.energyfederation.org/lowimpactliving/defa

ult.php/cPath/30_83_1394• shop.solardirect.com/• renewsalvage.org/renewsalvage.org/• www.residential.carrier.com/systems/www.residential.carrier.com/systems/

infinity.shtmlinfinity.shtml• www.jameshardie.com/www.jameshardie.com/• automobiles.honda.com/civic-hybrid/automobiles.honda.com/civic-hybrid/

SourcesSources

• lowimpactliving.com/products/Outdoors---lowimpactliving.com/products/Outdoors---Landscaping/Rain-Barrels/384Landscaping/Rain-Barrels/384