PROJECT-SPECIFIC GOALS

Minimize ecological footprint

Passive survivability (cistern, organic garden, off-grid capability/flexibility).
Using LEED Platinum, Living Building Challenge as guides, goal = innovation beyond LEED.

Energy

Net zero-energy/zero-carbon emission home including the family’s transportation.
Fossil-fuel free/oil independent house, grounds and transportation.
Transportation (present/future) integrated into design—net-zero with enough solar for 5 electric vehicles. Conversion to electric fleet is in process.
Super-efficient enclosure, including windows.
Natural light primary/sole source of light during daylight hours. Connected load highly efficient, <1w per sf with all lights on at full power. All LED or CFL lighting fixtures, zero incandescent fixtures.
Ground source heat exchange as sole source of domestic (radiant hydronic) heat and pool heat.
Passive ventilation—no air-conditioning needed, but radiant cooling included as future-proofing and can be enabled for demonstration purposes.
Dedicated fresh outdoor air ventilation, 24/7.
On demand hot water loop.
Wireless control system to manage home energy, provide performance dashboard.

Replace conventional products/materials with environmentally preferable alternatives.
Durability—100 years or more. Earthquake safety comparable to schools and hospitals.
100% FSC or reclaimed wood for entire project - interior (achieved 100%) and exterior (achieved 97% due to a minimal amount of engineered lumber not available FSC).
100% reclaimed or salvaged stone for interiors and landscape. No newly quarried stone except kitchen counters where matching layout in reclaimed impossible.
Recycled metals for door and window hardware, railings, roof.
Zero painted surfaces.
No PVC onsite (except for certain small parts where alternatives not available).
Existing home deconstructed, materials reused and recycled.

Super-efficient plumbing fixtures.
All gray and black water treated and reused for irrigation; potable/city water for domestic use only.
High efficiency irrigation system using harvested rainwater (50,000 gallon cistern) and treated black/grey wastewater.

Enhance and restore native plant communities onsite to support native wildlife.
Long-term biological monitoring by team of field biologists.
Highly efficient pool. Uses ozonation technology, reducing need for chlorine by 50 to 75%.
Natural bogs for wildlife (bio-filtered, no chemicals).