daniel budiman/iStock
READ MORE ABOUT:
Whole house design is a primary part of a systems approach that "considers the interaction between you, your building site, your climate, and ... other elements or components of your home." Such elements and components include appliances, home electronics, insulation, air sealing, lighting and daylighting, space heating and cooling, water heating, windows, doors, and skylights.
What does this mean for the greenness of future homes? PathNet.org explains: "We have to start by understanding that a house is a system: a change in one part of the house system will impact other parts."
Such a holistic design approach can result in reduced utility and maintenance costs, increased comfort, reduced noise, a healthier and safer indoor environment, and improved building durability. Taking whole house design to the next level could create a home that generates its own electricity. For example, the US Department of Energy offers this guide to "How Small Solar Electric Systems Work."
Related Posts
Whole System Approaches to Sustainable Design
Green Glossary: Adobe
-
- {}
