Comments on: The Future of Eco-Friendly Home Design

By: Laurie Sims

Laurie Sims — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 03:56:16 +0000

Great post. I echo that the future of eco-friendly home design would also include allowing for “green” interior furnishings, like some of the interior options you mentioned. If you look hard enough, you can find green options for every room in your house. I own a company that sells organic and latex mattresses, so it’s not a furnishing that would necessarily require design consideration. But it’s one of those green options that can nicely accompany a solidly designed eco-friendly home.

By: jay

jay — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:20:00 +0000

hi, am from philippines planning to have my own house with green house concept, please anyone can recommend an architect to design or do the plannings with affordable price for making the design. thanks a lot pls. email me @ hurd8myn@yahoo.com

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:25:05 +0000

Hi – I’m also based in the Philippines. I’m looking for eco-friendly contractors/suppliers to build a restaurant in Makati. Does anyone have any suggestions?

By: Lito N. Tagle Jr.

Lito N. Tagle Jr. — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:09:40 +0000

Hi,

Anyone can help me building my house to be Eco friendly., i’m from the philippines.

Thanks,

Lito

By: Matt Williamson

Matt Williamson — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:42:31 +0000

I am recently joining the eco band wagon. Running a remodel and room addition company for several years, i have never paid much attention to what i was doing to the environment. Dumpster after dumpster i was adding to the problem. Recently in the midwest we had a major cold snap. 400$ electric bill are you kidding me. Whoever invinted the heat pump should be shot. Needless to say i am planning a new home now. Radiant heat, solar panels to cover atleast 25% of the electricity, cistern system for sprinklers, tankless water heater, metal roof….. If anyone has anyhing to add i would appreciate it very much. Matt

By: Kyle Pemberton

Kyle Pemberton — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 21:27:00 +0000

I have the same question as chu, but i live in arkansas and i was wondering how accessible materials and the cost of them would be for me to do a “green” or a “leeds” type home?

By: chu

chu — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:29:04 +0000

what is the price for houses like this?

By: Green Design Websites? | Ways to go green

Green Design Websites? | Ways to go green — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:02:18 +0000

[...] http://earth911.com/blog/2009/01/19/green-building-codes/References : Leave a Comment [...]

By: seattle architects

seattle architects — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:51:58 +0000

as a seattle architect, we know that one needs to do more than install dual-flush toilets these days to make a “splash”. its great to see buildings going for and getting LEED Platinum sustainability ratings. Our architecture firm in bainbridge island WA, specializes in green building design and we are working now on a platinum residence, so i can totally relate to how challenging it is. silver is one thing….platinum is another. Kudos!

By: Johnny GAExpert

Johnny GAExpert — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:15:35 +0000

Benefits of Geothermal Heat Pumps

The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have both endorsed geothermal heat pump systems as among the most energy efficient, environmentally clean, and cost effective systems for temperature control. Homeowners can expect to enjoy a comfortable, reliable, and economical system while also reducing energy use and pollution.

Ground source heat pumps provide heating, air conditioning, and, if so equipped, supply the house with hot water. They are smaller than a traditional heating/cooling unit and can easily be retrofitted into any home. The mechanical components are safely located underground or within the home – which eliminates fears of vandalism or theft. With extreme durability the parts can last a generation and require very little maintenance. These systems do not have fans, so instead of hearing and feeling blasts of air, you will enjoy a quiet, consistent temperature throughout the day. Geothermal heat pumps can even improve your health and reduce allergies because they excel at humidity control, thus there is a reduced chance for mold and mildew growth.

In addition to being practical and providing a luxurious atmosphere, geothermal heat pumps are exceptionally good for the environment and extremely safe. These systems do not have on-site emissions or flammable materials. By eliminating any combustion you do not have to worry about fumes, odors, or carbon monoxide in your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if just 100,000 homes converted to a geothermal heating and cooling system, carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 880 million pounds. Currently, atmospheric CO2 is 30% higher than it was 200 years ago and if not reduced can cause serious detrimental global impacts. Geothermal technology offers a wonderful solution to lowering these greenhouse gases.

There has never been a better time to invest in a geothermal heat pump system. Contrary to popular belief, geothermal units are surprisingly affordable and save you more and more money over time. While investing in a geothermal unit is initially more expensive than a traditional system, the annual savings on energy bills more than compensates for the initial output and you can usually expect full payback in three to five years. With efficiency ratings at least three times higher than other heating and cooling systems it is estimated that you can save between 30 to 70% on heating and cooling costs. Also, recent Congressional legislation has provided a 30% tax credit for the installed cost of a residential heat pump system, no cap.

When you consider the durability, comfort, cleanliness, and energy savings it is obvious why the government has endorsed them as the best systems for temperature control!

http://www.geothermalexperts.net