Go Green With Renewable Energy Resources: Principles and Practices In Residential Construction: Green Home Green Planet

High performance, energy efficient Eco homes may include features like geothermal heating, wind power and solar panels, but these are not the defining features of green living. They come in second, and some you can even do without. A green home starts with being well-designed, well-insulated, and if possible, has glazing oriented to the south for passive heat gain.

Sustainable design seeks to reduce negative impacts on the environment, and the health and comfort of building occupants, thereby improving building performance. The basic objectives of sustainability are to reduce consumption of non-renewable resources, minimize waste, and create healthy, productive environments.

Beginning with passive energy efficiency, MacHale discusses the Passive House standards that create energy efficiency through smart design within the environment. In Part Two, the reader will learn about active energy efficiency--solar panels and other technologies for home power generation. Lastly is an engaging and informative discussion of the current relationship between public utility companies and power-generating homes through a system called Net Energy Metering.

Green Homes puts emphasis on the financial factors of investing in sustainable homes, both the good and the bad. The initial cost of "going green" will result in increasing cost savings in the future as energy prices continue to rise. Throughout the book, there will be mention of different prices, financing options, and investment analysis which will provide the reader with a better understanding of residential sustainability and how it can positively affect life at home.