When building a sustainable home, such as the ones proposed for Three Groves Ecovillage, looking at the process using green building practices becomes one of the most important decisions for choosing the construction materials. A "Green" home may cost more up front, but saves thru lower operating costs over the life of the home. Green products could be as simple as looking for zero or low gas emissions from HVAC equipment or water heaters. It could be looking for zero or low toxicity from materials such as carpet, paint and stains. Or, it could mean using materials that have reused or recycle content. Water usage can be minimized using low flush toilets and low flow shower heads. Rainwater could be captured for lawn irrigation. But first, siting the house is the most important step, which will determine the list of materials needed. This one step created the decision in purchasing the current property. It is the catalyst for many of the other items chosen to be included in the homes, as outlined above.
Developing the home in the proper position contributes to the support of vegetation, water and wildlife habitat. Materials used can have a positive or negative effect on the surroundings. The land, its topography and vegetation, fulfills many cycles in the circle of nature. It cleans the air, holds moisture, and creates zones for productive plants, insect and animal life. Building green not only affords the opportunities for the use of conservation friendly construction materials, but also allows for the introduction of energy alternatives. Items such as solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, and wind power offer unique ways to save energy. If these are ever to be a consideration, the importance of positioning the house increases.
The greatest efficiency in solar space heating is gained by designing the home to act as its own collector, in addition to supplying the home with the energy collected from properly positioned solar panels. Position the house so it gets the best angle for the sun, to heat the building. Using the correct windows increase the opportunity to derive the most heat in the winter. Landscaping is also an important part. In the summer, the house may be shaded by deciduous trees. In the winter, the leaves drop and the bare trees allow the house to benefit from sunlight. Planting evergreens on the opposite side of the house protect the home from cold winds. In addition, a well insulated building, along with the correct doors and windows, act as the best heat storage for solar heat.
In addition, positioning the house on a slope provides wind shelter. The house should be oriented south to Southeast for the best sun collection. It should be sheltered from the North and West sides for reduction of the impact of winter winds. Even though the house is protected from the harsh winds, harnessing that same wind to reduce energy costs is an added highlight.
On a positive note, property values have been found to increase when the home is equipped with a renewable energy system (U.S. Department of Energy, www.energy.gov). This is something that should be of major consideration in today’s fluctuating real estate environment.
As noted, the siting serves the purpose for many ideas when constructing the home. From windows used, to building materials needed, it is an element that drives the construction techniques. Whether it is decided initially to use solar panels, or future need for wind power, or Geothermal Heat Pumps, keeping these in mind when positioning the house leaves future opportunity to add them. Any areas identified for “Green” products may seem to make minor differences, but long term, the environment suffers less when they are used and your investment can increase in added house value.
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