Water
Low-Flow Fixtures: Before the discovery of low-flow fixtures, the average toilet flushed 3.5 gallons of water – much more than necessary! Thankfully, over time, manufacturers have introduced toilets that flush as little as 1.28 gallons of water, saving 3,000 gallons of water per year.
Tankless Water Heater: We are all familiar with traditional tank water heaters, but did you know there are tankless water heaters? Rather than heating water while it sits in the tank, it heats the water as it flows through an electric coil. This has been estimated to save 50% on your energy bill.
Appliances
ENERGY STAR Appliances: If you’ve shopped for appliances lately, you are probably familiar with the ENERGY STAR label. This Environmental Protection Agency label promises to save you money on your energy bill while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting our environment. These products are a must in your custom home!
SEED Homes
Landscaping
Trees: Planting trees on the southern and western side of your home provide shade in the summer when they are full of leaves, and allow winter sun to pass through once they have lost their leaves. Choose plants native to your area that require less maintenance and also support wildlife.
Rooftop Gardens: This unique feature is gaining popularity around the world and is now seen on over 400 rooftops in Portland, Oregon! Not only do they look nice, but the’re a popular green construction choice, because they act as insulation and soak up rainwater to reduce water pollution. Even better, they are a less expensive option costing $8-$12 per square foot, versus conventional roofing, which is usually around $15.75 per square foot.
Feldman Architecture
As part of the Building a Better America Council, Westlake Development is committed to reducing our carbon footprint by buying local and encouraging the use of energy efficient products and green construction materials. Find out what Westlake can do for you!
Sources:
Green Roofs: Low-Tech Ways To Save Tons Of Energy
Top 10 Ways to Make Your New Home Green
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