What is eco-development?
“…..the overall goal of green development is to produce buildings that take less from the earth and give more to people.” - A Primer on Sustainable Building, Dianna Lopez Barnett and William D. Browning
Combining the latest engineering and architectural technologies with the wisdom and practices of centuries of home building, eco-development aims to build homes that are better for people and the planet. Specific design elements of eco-homes fall into three broad categories:
1. Human Comfort & Health
- Siting of house to maximize natural lighting views
- Roof overhangs to prevent overheating
- High performance windows
- Positioning of windows and skylights for optimum ventilation
- Whole house heat exchange and ventilation system for maximum air quality
- Radiant floor heat
- Natural landscaping including space for vegetable gardening
- Non-toxic paints and finishes
- Smaller square footage makes home feel cozy and nurturing
- Formaldehyde free cabinets
2. Energy Conservation
- Passive Solar design for natural warmth
- Advanced Framing system uses 20% less lumber
- Soy based insulation (above code R-value and non-toxic)
- Manufactured floor joists and beams saves lumber
- High performance windows reduce heat loss
- Super insulated hot water tanks
- Energy Star energy efficient appliances
- Energy Star water efficient dishwasher and clothes washer
- Solar clothes drying system
3. Energy Efficiency
- Electric power generating photovoltaic system (4 kw grid tied system)
- Solar hot water system (30 vacuum tube system)
- Electric vehicle plug in
- Energy Star lighting
- Building orientation and form maximizes solar gain, shields northern winds
- Passive solar design provides winter heating
- Minimal heating system is required which equals long term savings