tips on how to build a more eco-friendly home

1. BUILDING A MORE
Some things to keep in mind when
building a green home
ECO-FRIENDLY
HOME
HOME PLAN & ORIENTATION
1. Orient home to take
advantage of the sun
for solar energy.
2. Position home to take
advantage of natural wind
and ventilation.
3. Home footprint: Smaller homes
require fewer resources.
WATER EFFICIENCY
4. Look for WaterSense label
on faucets, toilets, washing
machines, dishwashers, etc.
5. Drought-tolerant landscape
plants: Consider xeriscaping
or native plants for
water-smart outdoor beauty.
6. Smart irrigation controllers
on outdoor irrigation systems.
7. Alternative water sources:
Use rain barrels, cisterns,
graywater systems.
GREEN MATERIALS
8. Recycled aluminum, steel
use up to 95 percent less
energy than producing from
raw material
9. Doors, hardware, renewable
lumber and bamboo can
be reused.
10. Locally produced materials
take less energy to deliver.
LIGHTING
11. Position windows and
skylights to take advantage
of natural light.
12. LED lighting can save
more than $6,600 vs.
incandescent bulbs
BUILDING EXTERIOR
13. Air sealing: Proper
weatherization is essential.
14. Insulation: Insulate the roof,
wall cavities and foundation.
15. Consider electricity-generating
solar panels which help to
achieve zero emissions status.
16. Choose ENERGY STAR®
-rated
window and doors.
HVAC
17. High-efficiency HVAC units:
ENERGY STAR®-certified
furnaces, boilers, air
conditioners will pay for
themselves over lifetime
of unit.
18. Make Ductwork efficient –
properly sized, sealed, and
leak free.
19. Heat recovery ventilator:
Provides fresh air in tightly
sealed home.
20. Programmable thermostat:
Keeps energy waste to
minimum.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
21. Solar water heater: Can
supply up to 70 percent of
hot water needs.
22. Geothermal heat pump can
reduce heating/cooling costs
by 80 percent.
23. Solar-ready: Build home
with solar and/or electric
vehicles in mind.
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