Energy-Saving Measures:
This home stays cool in the Summer and warm in the Winter thanks to the upgrades performed.You’ll notice substantially lower utility costs all year round!
Solar Water Heater installed by Ra Energy of Portland, OR.
The solar exposure for this system is well placed with good exposure 9 months out of the year, providing substantial savings at the meter! (Link to Ra Energy Site)
“Low-e” EnergyStar windows manufactured by Empire Pacific in Tigard, OR. Low-e windows help keep you cool in Summer and warm in Winter. They can reduce your energy bill by up to 15%.(Link to Empire Pacific Site)
Formaldehyde-free insulation installed to EnergyStar specifications. JM brand available through Parr Lumber NW. EnergyStar installation of insulation saves 15-20% on your utility bill (Link to John Manville Site)
EnergyStar “cool roof” from Stoneway Roofing, Clackamas Or
Energy Star certified metal roofs can reduce cooling costs and energy consumption by as much as 40% by reflecting a high percentage of the sun’s energy back into the atmosphere; they decrease urban pollution as well! Metal roofs have a 50-year expected life span and can be 100% recycled once they’re taken out of service. (Link to Stoneway’s Metal roof FAQ)
90% efficient gas furnace installed 2005; service and efficiency updates in 2007. This furnace was nearly new when remodeling commenced; we updated ductwork to reduce energy costs even further.
Indoor Air Quality
Zero-VOC paint from Safecoat avallable through EcoHaus
Zero and Low-VOC wall finishes
Formaldehyde-free insulation from JM
Wheatboard underlayment available through EcoHaus
Plant-based wood finishes from Aglaia
VOC-Compliant adhesives, caulks, sealants
What about the Slate, Marmoleum, or deck sealer? The wood patch, adhesive, caulk, or grout? Every single one of these materials was chosen with Indoor air quality in mind!
Water Savings:
Dual flush toilets:
Caroma brand Tasman toilets in this home will save approx. 1,600 GPY of water over normal low-flow toilets, and 18,000 GPY over standard household toilets. They are a beautiful addition to the house; Caroma toilets are exceptionally well-engineered and virtually clog-proof. (Link to Caroma Site)
Aerators:
Low-flow aerators are installed throughout the home. Aerators decrease volume of water used whilst maintaining pressure.
Rainbarrels supply irrigation water for yard maintenance.
Low-Water Landscaping (AKA “Xeriscaping”)
This 10,000 square-foot lot has been designed to fend for itself! Even during the hottest days it will require almost no water. (For more information, see the FAQ section)
Stormwater Management:
This lot manages over 30,000 gallons per year of stormwater runoff from the roof through an integrated gutter/raingarden system- one in front and one in the back yard. A third raingarden in the front manages approximately 8000 gallons per year of street runoff (see the FAQ section for Raingarden info!)
Seven rainbarrels will hold an additional 250 gallons of rainwater for irrigation use.
Use of native+drought-tolerant plants and grasses: Each shrub, tree, grass, and wildflower has been chosen for its ability to thrive in this environment. The framework of the yard was established in Fall 2007; groundcover and vegetables were seeded/planted in the late Spring.
Much of the back yard is in full-sun year round, while the treed area in the back corner provides a more riparian setting Ferns and hostas as well as grasses and bulbs have made themselves at home.
A lawn has been seeded in the backyard for picnics and play; the front lawn is composed of drought-tolerant grasses and wildflowers
Other sustainable measures
All new plywood, trim, cedar is FSC certified
Salvaged barnwood used within the home and throughout the 14,000+SF lot
Salvaged metal kitchen cabinets and kitchen island
Salvaged schoolhouse windows in the the detached “art-space”
Salvaged doors, lights, and hardware throughout
Site milled trim and baseboards throughout