Imagine arriving home from work or anywhere else and your favorite room or the entire home is pre-cooled in the summer or pre-warmed in the colder months in anticipation of your arrival. This would not only feel comfortable to the senses, but would certainly save money in comparison to leaving the heat or air conditioning [...]
Passive solar design utilizes a building’s site, materials, and climate to reduce the need for mechanical heating and cooling. Windows, walls, and floors can be made to collect, store, reflect, and distribute energy from the sun. Passive solar design helps to utilize this warm energy in the winter while limiting heat absorption and distribution in [...]
A geothermal heat pump, also known as a ground-source heat pump, is a central heating and/or cooling system that uses the constant below-ground temperature of soil or water to heat and cool a building. In the cooler months, this system draws heat from the earth or water and brings it inside the building using a [...]
Insulation is a crucial component of energy efficient buildings. It helps keep buildings cool in the summer and warm in the winter. According to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, heating and cooling costs are 50-70% of energy use for the average household in the U.S. The effectiveness of insulation is measured by the ability of the [...]
Earth buildings are structures that are made from earthen materials, such as straw or adobe. An earth building can range from a simple garden shed to a residential dwelling that is large enough to be called home by multiple people. Earth buildings are environmentally sustainable, affordable, stable, strong, comfortable, and are appropriate for a variety [...]
The often rainy, yet beautifully green Pacific Northwest has a surprisingly accommodating climate for a wide variety of plants to grow and thrive. Tropical-looking, but cold tolerant palms and banana trees have been grown here as well as plants that require chilly temperatures, such as apples, lilacs, and tulips. Despite the ability to grow such [...]
Solar power can lead to financial savings in the long run as well as being beneficial for the environment. The yearly reduction in carbon from generating electricity from the average 4 kilowatt home solar power system is equivalent to the amount of carbon absorbed by half an acre of trees. There are four primary [...]
Neighborhoods are more than just groups of buildings. They are where people live, work, play, shop, socialize, and learn. There are neighborhoods called ecodistricts that have this in mind while also considering resource efficiency and environmental sustainability as well as promoting health and well-being. According to EcoDistricts (formerly the Portland Sustainability Institute), these areas are [...]
When preparing to take the LEED Green Associate v4 exam, it is essential to prepare and study. Tips for preparing and taking the exam: Read the USGBC Green Associate Candidate Handbook. This downloadable guide includes up to date policies and procedures for the LEED v4 Green Associate exam, sample questions, exam references, and test specifications. [...]
LEED Green Associate LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) professional credentials demonstrate advanced and up to date knowledge of green building design, construction, and operations. The first step toward this is to earn a LEED Green Associate credential. This is the introductory-level credential for LEED, and demonstrates a general understanding of all [...]
