Page 5 - Advanced Technology for Energy and Water Saving

GREEN BUILDING PYRAMID

COMPLETION
Renewable energy such as solar panels or wind turbines can now
handle your home’s demand, and may even charge your car. Prices are
lower than ever.

POWER UP LED lighting lasts longer and produces light up to 10X more
efficiently than incandescent or halogen lamps. Save about 10% on
energy bills by switching to this technology.

ADD SMART CONTROLS To maximize water savings, install low-flow showerheads
and faucets, dual-flush toilets with bidet seats and
graywater with smart irrigation controls for any exterior
irrigation.

PUSH FOR NETZEROPLUS
Durability is a green characteristic. On the roof, opt
SPECIFY SUSTAINABILITY HARVESTED/MINED MATERIALS for metal, clay tile, recycled rubber or extended-life
(recyclable) asphalt roofing. Side with fiber cement, cedar,
OPT FOR brick veneer or other long-lived products. Build decks and
LOW or patios with recycled plastic composites or long-lasting
NOVOC PAINTS wood species.

SWITCH TO LED LIGHTING
Look for formaldehyde-free wood floors, natural
carpet fibers, tile or other low-toxicity materials.
Choose countertops with high recycled content.

SELECT RATED APPLIANCES LOWER H 2 0 FLOW

SPECIFY HIGHEST RECYCLED CONTENT MATERIALS Consider alternatives to wood framing
such as Insulating concrete forms,
structural insulated panels, or
light straw. Each has strength and
resilience for certain geographic regions.
OPTIMIZE HVAC OPT FOR DURABILITY SPECIFY GREEN SURFACES

Carefully cover gaps
around windows, doors
and pipes with caulking
or adhesive flashing.
UPGRADE SHELL Tape all seams in house
INSULATION THINK BEYOND WOOD SEAL OPENINGS wrap. Make it tight.
SPECIFY RE-USED/SALVAGED MATERIALS

LOCATION EDUCATION HOUSE SIZE

Doubling a home’s size triples its
If you don’t understand basic green principles, you’re annual energy use for the life of
likely to make decisions you later regret. Reading the Homeowner’s the home. Think small and clever,
Handbook is a great primer for building it right. not big and boxy.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR ENERGY AND WATER CONSERVATION 5