Jetson Green has the story on low-cost Net Zero Energy homes on Lopez Island, whose high land prices make housing out of reach for teachers, government and other workers. Note the natural circulation provided by the clerestory windows. Quoting from the Jetson Green article, the community's other green features include:
- "Small footprints designed to reduce energy and resource use;
- Overhangs for heat gain in the winter and shade in summer;
- Vegetated trellises designed to shade lower windows;
- Super insulated walls and roofing;
- Straw bales at north, east, and west walls;
- High efficiency, operable windows;
- Solar shades on window interiors;
- Insulated night and light shades at windows;
- Concrete floor as thermal mass;
- Energy Star appliances and CFLs;
- Low flow plumbing fixtures;
- Solar hot water heating and power from a 33.8 kW photovoltaic system;
- Rainwater catchment for toilet flushing, washing machines, and stormwater control. "
The community is called Common Ground and is the latest project of the Lopez Island Community Land Trust, whose mission, among other things, is to create sustainable and permanently affordable housing.
Image Credit: Mithun
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