Green and Thrifty

February 1st, 2006 by Peter Schmelzer

Once in a while, it is good to be reminded of the fundamentals.

The AIA KnowledgeNet does just that. KnowledgeNet is a service of the American Institute of Architects that provides news and best-practices e-newsletters to its members. In today’s episode, we are reminded of the basics of thrifty green design.

Here are the key points, which we already use in our practice:

  • Keep it Small (Don’t overbuild)
  • Consider Building Orientation (Factor is sun, wind, shading opportunities)
  • Eliminate Floor Finishes (Look at exposed concrete)
  • Design an Open Layout (Less expensive in many regards)
  • Use H2O-efficient fixtures (Doesn’t cost more but saves $$$ & H20)
  • Be Mindful of Material Sizes (Minimize labor and waste)

    • These no-cost strategies can help your new home be green and match your supply of greenbacks.

    Posted in All Entries, Best Practices, Sustainability Comments Off on Green and Thrifty