What is Sustainable Design?
Sustainable design is a philosophy that seeks to maximize the quality of the built environment, while minimizing or eliminating negative impact to the natural environment.

 

What is LEED?
The LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

 

What is Energy Star?
Household appliances that have earned the Energy Star® meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy. They can save families about a third on their energy bill with similar savings of greenhouse gas emissions, without sacrificing features, style or comfort.

 

What are Photovoltaic and Solar Water Heating Systems?
Photovoltaic (PV) systems convert sunlight directly into electricity by means of PV cells made of semiconductor materials. Solar Water Heating systems contain a solar collector and either heats water directly or heats a "working fluid" that, in turn, is used to heat the water in your home.

 

What is Xeriscaping?
Xeriscaping is a landscaping method developed especially for arid and semiarid climates that utilizes water conserving techniques such as the use of drought-tolerant plants, mulch and efficient irrigation.

 

What are VOCs?
Volatile organic compound (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals that may contribute to poor indoor air quality and may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to 10 times) than outdoors. Some products that may emit VOCs are: paints and lacquers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings.

 

How do I install Outlet Insulators?
Outlets and switches are literally big holes in your walls that allow outside drafts inside your home. By installing outlet and switch insulators you will save money on your energy bills for very little cost. Here's how:

Outlet insulators should be placed at all outlets (and switches) located along the outside walls of your home. Remove the outlet cover with a screwdriver; place the insulator over the outlet, making sure not to put any fingers or tools in the switch box were exposed wiring exists. Then replace the outlet cover with a screwdriver.

You can find outlet and switch insulators at most hardware stores and they usually come in a kit at very reasonable prices. The Water Saving Store sells a kit with 16 outlet and 8 light switch gaskets for only $3.88.