Remodeling Tips
for the Green Home
by Gardner/Fox
for the Green Home
by Gardner/Fox
Site Planning
Building Orientation No single aspect of the design process has more impact on a home than its orientation. For example, a family room addition with large windows facing south will act as a heat collector, unless it has a soffit to screen out the direct rays of the summer sun. Block solar heat gain with appropriate landscaping, roof overhangs and high performance windows.
Shading Evergreen trees on the north and west sides of a home will block winter winds, while leafy trees on the south and west sides provide summer shade. Choose trees that are appropriate for your region. Effectively shading windows can lead to a significant reduction in energy bills.
Solar Access Solar access is the availability of (or access to) unobstructed, direct sunlight. Access to sunlight becomes especially important when considering solar energy systems for space and water heating, electricity, and daylighting.
Stormwater Management Experts consider stormwater one of the most significant causes of water pollution in the US. Properly managing stormwater will help to prevent flashflooding, reduce water pollution, and ease the strain on the drinkable water supply.
permeable vs. Impermeable Surfaces Water that seeps through even four feet of soil is naturally cleansed by microbe and straining action. Otherwise, toxins such as fertilizers, insecticides, and petroleum products that collect in rainwater are carried to the water supply. Help purify rainwater runoff by allowing it to seep through your driveway and sidewalk. Avoid concrete and asphalt completely or use porous concrete, porous asphalt, or permeable pavers. Permeable surfaces permit the passage of water and act as a porous filter.
Rain Barrels Reduce stormwater runoff by installing rain barrels to collect and distribute water. Since the average homeowner uses 40% of their water for outdoor use, using a rain barrel for watering plants can save you money and provide a chlorine-free drink for your plants. Above or below ground cisterns can capture and slowly release rainwater into the ground or store it for future use.
Smaller Footprint, Better Quality When it comes to designing your remodel, think small, or at least medium. Reducing square footage may allow you to optimize the interior space with superior finishes and highly efficient mechanical systems. A smaller building footprint means less space to heat and cool and utilization of fewer raw materials. Thorough planning and assessment will help ensure your home functions smoothly and efficiently and accommodates the way you want to live.
Building Orientation No single aspect of the design process has more impact on a home than its orientation. For example, a family room addition with large windows facing south will act as a heat collector, unless it has a soffit to screen out the direct rays of the summer sun. Block solar heat gain with appropriate landscaping, roof overhangs and high performance windows.
Shading Evergreen trees on the north and west sides of a home will block winter winds, while leafy trees on the south and west sides provide summer shade. Choose trees that are appropriate for your region. Effectively shading windows can lead to a significant reduction in energy bills.
Solar Access Solar access is the availability of (or access to) unobstructed, direct sunlight. Access to sunlight becomes especially important when considering solar energy systems for space and water heating, electricity, and daylighting.
Stormwater Management Experts consider stormwater one of the most significant causes of water pollution in the US. Properly managing stormwater will help to prevent flashflooding, reduce water pollution, and ease the strain on the drinkable water supply.
permeable vs. Impermeable Surfaces Water that seeps through even four feet of soil is naturally cleansed by microbe and straining action. Otherwise, toxins such as fertilizers, insecticides, and petroleum products that collect in rainwater are carried to the water supply. Help purify rainwater runoff by allowing it to seep through your driveway and sidewalk. Avoid concrete and asphalt completely or use porous concrete, porous asphalt, or permeable pavers. Permeable surfaces permit the passage of water and act as a porous filter.
Rain Barrels Reduce stormwater runoff by installing rain barrels to collect and distribute water. Since the average homeowner uses 40% of their water for outdoor use, using a rain barrel for watering plants can save you money and provide a chlorine-free drink for your plants. Above or below ground cisterns can capture and slowly release rainwater into the ground or store it for future use.
Smaller Footprint, Better Quality When it comes to designing your remodel, think small, or at least medium. Reducing square footage may allow you to optimize the interior space with superior finishes and highly efficient mechanical systems. A smaller building footprint means less space to heat and cool and utilization of fewer raw materials. Thorough planning and assessment will help ensure your home functions smoothly and efficiently and accommodates the way you want to live.
