In this 3-part blog series, Cherie breaks sustainable design into three steps. The first covers reducing energy use through Passive Heating and Cooling, the second covers options with Mechanical Systems, and the third covers Indoor Air Quality, Water Efficiency and Sustainable Materials.
Passive Heating and cooling:
Arguably the most important aspect in creating a green home is designing a home that uses as few natural resources as possible. A key component is reducing energy use through passive heating and cooling. We use 3d modeling to take the guesswork out of passive design solutions. 3d modeling calculates a home’s energy loss, energy use and heat gain. This provides us with direct feedback to determine the best placement of windows and type of glazing, the amount and type of insulation used, the size of overhangs, and the selection of a heating and cooling systems. In general, passive heating and cooling techniques are economical, and get the most bang for your buck in achieving a low energy use home. Here are some basics in passive heating and cooling techniques to consider:
- High efficiency and energy star appliances
- Reduced lighting, lighting on dimmers or controls
- Window shades
We promote an integrated approach to sustainable design; employing interdisciplinary team of engineers and designers to explore and evaluate potential green design opportunities from the earliest planning stages.