Page 20 - November 2015 Green Builder Magazine

The Homeowner’s Handbook SIXTH EDITION

What Makes a HOME

Resilient?

Renewable Energy
Onsite wind and solar PV systems
save energy and turn your home into
a “power house” that can potentially
feed the grid. Solar shingles or
building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV)
system can minimize the aesthetic
impact of a solar array.

Durable Materials Rainwater Harvesting
Long-lasting siding materials Harvesting and storing water
such as brick, stucco and fiber onsite not only saves energy,
cement also tend to be fire but ensures your home has a
resistant. Look for products with reserve supply if centralized
50-year warranties. If you do use service is interrupted.
wood for trim or siding, choose Recycling graywater and using
a long-lasting, sustainably it to water landscaping or flush
harvested species such as cedar. toilets will stretch your home’s
water budget.

Smart Siting Solid Structure
Locating homes out of flood and wind zones Reinforced wood framing and
and siting them to best take advantage of alternative systems, such as
passive solar energy makes them inherently structural insulated panels (SIPs)
resilient. In the case of this home, its unique or insulated concrete forms
circular shape prevents pressure from building (ICFs), are all good options for
up on any one side. creating strong, durable buildings.

IMAGE CREDIT: DELTEC HOMES WWW.DELTECHOMES.COM