2. PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN
Solar orientation of the house has a powerful effect on
comfort and energy use. Passive solar design sharply
reduces the amount of energy a house will consume
using solar energy to heat homes in the winter and keep
them cooler in summer. The standard passive solar
house has a long east/west axis with most of its glass on
the south side of the house.
To build a passive solar house, costs no more than in
comparison with a conventional house. Energy bills are
reduced by at least 75% for the life of the house.
3. MAJOR WINDOWS FACING SOUTH
Ideally, major windows should face within 30 degrees of
true south. Even in winter, rooms with south-facing
windows can be warm and comfortable. South-facing
windows with some kind of shading allows the low winter
sun in for heat yet blocks the summer sun and thereby
helped to keep the owners cool.
4. ROOF OVERHANGS AND TREES FOR
SHADING
A proper passive solar house call for summer shading on the south, east,
and west. This usually is accomplished with overhangs, foliage and
porches. Designing roof overhangs over south-facing windows help sun to
penetrate the house in winter and block in summer. The overhangs help
shade a large expense of glass making house cooler in summer but still
allowing filtered sunlight inside. Deciduous trees on the south and east side
of the house offer shade in the summer but drop their leaves to admit light
during the winter. A band of evergreens on the north and west will blocks
the wind in winter.
The cost of the trees around the perimeter of the house approximately
would cost around $500-$1000 for the homeowner. In about 2-3 years, the
homeowner would have fully grown trees that will perform as a great
shading barrier from the sun.
5. FIBERGLASS, DOUBLE-GLAZED, LOW-E
WINDOWS
Window frames made from fiberglass are stable and energy efficient. They
expand and contrast exactly like the glass they hold. This reduces window
failures due to extreme cold and heat. Low-E is an energy efficient glass
solution that is capable of using natural light and keeping in heat at the
time the owners will most benefit from it. Windows with Low-E insulating glass
can save money and make the owners more comfortable all year around.
Also, a Low-E window designed for the south wall of a passive solar house
should have a low U-factor conjoined with a high SHGC.
6. WATER MANAGEMENT
Control storm water runoff on site with perimeter drains,
gutters, and subsurface drainage systems that
accommodate anticipated groundwater levels and
average rainfall. Also, large outdoor water tanks can store
hundreds of gallons of water for use later in irrigation or,
with proper treatment, for drinking and cooking.
Water storage tank prices range from $350 to $700.
7. INSULATED CONCRETE SLAB
Insulating the entire concrete slab with rigid foam
insulation is a better approach than insulating only the
perimeter, even if initial costs are higher. This is especially
important when using radiant-floor heat in a slab.
8. RADIANT-FLOOR HEAT
Air is not only medium that can be used to distribute heat
around the house. Water for a radiant-floor heating system is
typically heated by a boiler, but passive solar design and
energy-saving building techniques may allow the use of a
conventional water heater, a much less expensive option.
And when the tubing is installed in a concrete or other high-
mass floor, there are parallel benefits to be had as passive
solar thermal mass.
Radiant-floor heat costs around $7 to $19 per sq. ft.
9. AAC BLOCKS FOR WALLS AND FLOOR
AAC replaces the wood framing, wood siding, wood
sheathing, insulation, synthetic wrap, and sheet rock. Another
big advantage of this product is that AAC is fireproof, rot-
proof, termite-resistant, mold-proof, and substantially
soundproof. AAC minimize costs and save time while
maintaining high quality standards. AAC blocks is
manufactured with entrained air to boost R-values.
AAC blocks costs approximately $11 per sq. ft. or $50-$60 per
cubic meter.
10. SIPS BLOCKS FOR ROOF
Structural insulated panels are a combination of foam
insulation and skins of oriented stand board. They combine
insulation and structure in a single component. SIPs can be
used for floors, walls, and roofs. Houses built with SIPs are
highly efficient, comfortable, and have virtually no air
infiltration. Operating costs are half or less of a conventional
house.
SIPs panels cost from $4.27 to $5.52 per sq. ft.
11. CONCRETE TILE FOR ROOF
Tile has inherent insulation properties due to its high thermal mass. This
helps reduce peak energy demand and energy costs – making
house more comfortable to live in and less costly to heat and cool.
Concrete tile is made from naturally occurring, locally-sourced,
plentiful raw materials making it an excellent green product. Houses
with a roofs that are made from concrete tiles adds curb appeal,
reduces maintenance, improves energy efficiency and improves
protection from the elements.
Energy efficient roof systems that are made from concrete tile, save
up to 22% per year on heating and cooling costs compared to the
standard asphalt shingle roof. A single family home can save an
average of $15 to $20 per month immediately. Over a 30 year period,
the homeowner can save about $20,000. Material - $100 per sq. ft.
Installation - $7-$10 per sq. ft.
12. STUCCO
Stucco, which is a cement-based mixture, though
expensive, makes an excellent siding choice. When
properly applied it is extremely durable and requires very
little maintenance. Stucco is a green product made only
with lime, silica sand, and white cement. It can be installed
directly over concrete block or stone, wood-sheathed walls,
or special XPS foam for exterior insulation.
Conventional stucco costs range from $4.20 to $6.30 per sq.
ft. Installation costs per sq. ft. reaches from $6.61 to $11.29. A
1200 sq. ft. wall area will cost approximately $4400.
13. CONCRETE WITH FLY ASH
Fly ash is a by-product of coil-fired energy plants produced
by the millions of tons. Concrete that uses a high volume of
fly ash has a number of benefits. It diverts the waste from
landfills and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by cutting
the amount of Portland cement in the mix. It has a higher
compressive strength, is more durable and less permeable.
Also it shrinks less, and as result, it reduces cracking.
The cost of Fly Ash is generally less than Portland Cement
depending on transportation. The use of Fly Ash may
impart considerable benefits to the concrete mixture over
a plain concrete for less cost.
14. PEX TUBING FOR PLUMBING
Tubing made from cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) is a
greener alternative to copper and PVC tubing. It is much
faster and cheaper to install because it can bend around
corners without an extra fitting and the plastic is highly
durable.
Prices for PEX tubing depend on size and ft. coil and range
from $150 to $600.
15. SEALING HOLES AROUND ELECTRICAL
WIRES AND PLUMBING PIPES
Sealing holes around electrical wires and plumbing
pipes is an essential part of creating an effective air
barrier. The air barrier is the way to keep the conditioned
air in the house and stop heating or cooling the
outdoors. Expanding urethane foam makes a good
sealant for electrical wires and plumbing pipes.
16. AN ON-DEMAND WATER CIRCULATION
SYSTEM
An on-demand water circulation system gets hot water
to a distant bathroom quickly just before it is needed.
Unused water is re-circulated instead of going down the
drain. This process eliminating most of the wait and all of
the waste.
Standard an on-demand water circulation system costs
around $350.
17. BAMBOO FLOORING
Bamboo is environmentally friendly, sustainable, rapidly
renewable resource, recyclable, and also a durable flooring
choice. A few species of bamboo have same strength ratio of
steel and almost twice the compression ratio of concrete.
Bamboo do not promote dust or harbor dust mites, made with
safe resins, and have extremely low formaldehyde emissions.
Bamboo saves money because it is cheap and readily
available material. Production and transportation of bamboo
is cheaper than other materials. Because of its qualities
bamboo is an inexpensive alternative to hardwood flooring.
Bamboo flooring costs range from $1.49 to $2.69 per sq. ft.
18. CONTERTOPS MADE FROM CONCRETE
AND RECLAIMED WOOD
Concrete is a green choice for countertops, though it is
porous and will stain if it is not sealed or waxed
periodically. It can be formed into an infinite variety of
shapes and enlivened with pigments, inlays, and
decorative aggregate. My favorite is a combination of
concrete and reclaimed wood. Such a beautiful and
“green” union. Wood for countertops must be sealed
carefully, especially around the sink, and should be
resealed as the finish wears through.
