Building a Green Planet:

1
Building a Green Planet

• One House at a Time

2
Prepared by

• Danielle Lee
• Stacy Jarriel
• Baker Romine
• Heather Zimmer

3
Acknowledgements

• Special thanks to
• Davis and Collins Heating and Air
• Way Contracting
• EMC
• Winnelson Plumbing Supplies
• M M Electrical
• Solar Direct (sales representative Rex James)

4
Purpose

• Plan and design a realistic family home that is
  environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient
  within a budget of 300,000.
• Choose an environmentally-friendly and
  fuel-efficient car for 25,000 or less.
• Home and car need to be realistic for a family of
  four.

5
Items to be Determined

• Location, land, and orientation
• Floor plan and size of home
• Foundation and building materials
• Heat, electrical sources, and appliances
• Windows, roof, insulation, and landscaping
• Estimate power consumption, power generation, and
  power to be purchased.
• Compare to traditional home in the same location
  with equal power consumption.

6
The Earth Sheltered Home

• A home that utilizes the most natural resources
  of our planet, Earth, to reduce heat-loss and
  maintain a steady indoor temperature.
• Earth is piled on the roof and against exterior
  walls, packed, and sloped away from the house.
• The house will be oriented in such a way so that
  the windows will be south-facing in order to make
  the greatest advantage of natural light.

7
Why Earth Sheltered?

• Much less susceptible to extremes in outdoor
  temperatures.
• Indoor temperatures are more stable than in a
  conventional home.
• Less exterior maintenance than a conventional
  home such as painting and cleaning gutters.
• Provides natural soundproofing.
• Blends harmoniously into the landscape.
• Extra protection against storms, tornados,
  hurricanes, and other natural disasters.

8
Why Earth Sheltered?

• Generates a 60-85 savings in fossil fuel usage.
• Construction methods generate wood conservation.
• Use of passive solar design provides natural
  light throughout the home.
• Construction methods make the home virtually
  impervious to pests, dust, and other irritants
  from outside.

9
Our House
10
Floor Plan1,750 sq. ft
Note A skylight will be placed above the Dinning
Room to help with natural lighting.
11
Construction

• A specialist in Earthen Home Design and
  construction will complete the majority of the
  home.
• The remainder will be completed by
  subcontractors.

12
Construction

• Price of earth sheltered shell 105,000
• Includes
• Footings
• Overhangs
• Wrapped corner parapets
• Concrete blockouts
• Treated wood
• Poured concrete chimney sleeves
• Electrical blockouts
• Retaining walls
• Insulation
• Waterproofing
• Backfill
• Drainage
• Price of skylight 3,800

13
Land

• Cost of land is 3,750 for 1.5 acres.
• The plot is mostly clear with only an old farm
  house to be torn down.
• Demolition cost is 2,000 which is included in
  the site prep charge.
• The lumber from the old farm house is not
  pressure-treated it will be mulched and reused
  in the landscaping.
• It is located in Mt. Vernon, GA

14
Site Preparation

• To be arranged by the owner
• Cost 84,250
• Includes
• Excavation
• Water on site
• Electricity
• Temporary bathroom
• Crushed rock to be placed in the footings

15
Electrical Services

• To be provided by a subcontractor
• Cost 7,875
• Includes
• Breaker panel
• Meter
• Receptacles
• Wiring (electrical, TV, phone, etc.)

16
Lighting

• For our home, we have chosen not to have
  incandescent light bulbs and instead have
  fluorescent lighting throughout our home.
• There will be approximately 35 fixtures.
• Cost for fixtures 1,200.

17
Plumbing

• We will hook up to the city water and sewage.
• To be completed by a subcontractor
• Cost 4,073
• Includes
• Installation
• Fixtures
• Shower enclosure
• Bathroom and kitchen sinks
• Toilets
• Faucets
• Washer and Dryer Hookups
• Water heater

18
Plumbing

• MC-91 Digital Temperature Controller /-2 F
  Included
• Up to .81 EF Providing Significant Energy Cost
  Savings
• 12-Year Limited Warranty On The Heat Exchanger
  5-Year Warranty On All Parts Standard 1-Year
  Labor Warranty
• Price 934

• Rinnai Tankless Water Heater

19
Tankless Water Heater Savings Analysis

• Twenty year total Savings 35,173. Twenty year
  Avg. Annual ROI 502

• The Rinnai can produce 14 times more hot water
  per hour than the leading competitor.

20
Plumbing

• Sinkpositive Multi-purpose Accessory Sink
• The sink automatically runs with the toilets
  fresh water refill cycle after each flush
• There are no knobs or handles to touch after hand
  washing
• Reduces hand-transmitted diseases
• Price 89.90

21
Plumbing

• Shallow sink to minimize water
• Aerator also minimizes water usage
• Total cost 145.00

22
Water Savings Compared to Average House the Same
Size.
23
Air Conditioner/Heat Pump

• Carrier Infinity Heating Cooling System
• Uses Puron refrigerant which does not deplete
  the ozone layer
• Removes and kills germs and airborne allergens
• 2 speed air handler changes according to
  cooling/heating needs
• Cost 7,500 for 3.5 ton unit.

24
Air Conditioner/Heat Pump

• ComfortHeat technology accurately predicts the
  need for heating while cutting energy swings in
  half.
• IdealHumidity system constantly controls both
  temperature and humidity
• Automatically adjusts for peak efficiency and
  performance

• Energy Star Rated
• Rated 7 out of 7 on heating efficiency, cooling
  efficiency, and quiet level.
• Up to 19 SEER
• Up to 9 HSPF
• WeatherArmor protects outdoor units.

25
Appliances

• Energy efficient
• Energy star rated
• Effective Catalyst cleaning action wash system
  fully saturates clothes quickly and thoroughly
• Pre-wash with auto advance
• automatic temperature control
• Set-and-forget detergent advantage system with
  3-compartment dispenser
• Price 699.88

• White Kenmore HE2 Plus 3.6 cu. ft. Super Capacity
  Plus Front Load Washer

26
Appliances

• White Kenmore HE2 6.7 cu. Ft. Super Capacity
  Electric Dryer

• Moisture sensors
• 6 temperature settings
• Numerous drying options
• Price 679.99

27
Appliances

• 5.4 cu. Ft. max. capacity
• Speed bake convection system
• Speed-clean self-cleaning option, and seamless
  ceramic cook top
• Price 950.00 dollars

• Bisque Frigidare 30 in. Electric Self Clean
  Freestanding Range w/SpeedBake Convection System

28
Appliances

• Patented Circuwave cooking system which provides
  more power for faster, more even cooking than
  with traditional microwave ovens.
• 2-speed venting system
• Available child-lock system
• Price 269.99

• Bisque GE Appliances 1.7 c. ft. Microwave Oven

29
Appliances

• White Kenmore 18.2 cu. ft. Top Freezer
  Refrigerator w/ Factory-Installed Ice Maker

• Energy star rated.
• Rounded doors
• 2 clear humidity controlled crispers
• Factory installed ice maker
• Price 529.88

30
Electronic Air Cleaner

• Friedrich Electronic Air Cleaner
• Energy Star Rated
• 35 more energy efficient that conventional air
  cleaners.
• One of the highest clean air delivery rates in
  the industry.
• Four step particulate filter process.
• Price 429

31
Ceiling Fans

• Sea Gull White Celebrity Ceiling Fan 1535-15
• Energy Star Rated
• Helps circulate air
• 52 inch diameter fan
• five reversible blades
• "country-quiet" operation
• stable hanging system
• One in each bedroom
• One in the living room

• Price 109.50

32
Photovoltaic System

• SunWize Residential Grid-Tie System with battery
  backup
• Complete package contains all necessary
  components such as
• SunWize Solar Modules
• UniRac SolarMount roof support structure
• OutBack Inverter Power System
• OutBack PSPV Combiner
• Concorde Sun-Xtender Batteries
• Complete Documentation and owner's manual
• Optional kWh Electric Meter displays net power
  produced by your system

• Batteries are charged when the system produces
  more than we use so electricity will be available
  at night
• Often more energy is generated than needed so it
  is sold back to the power company THEY PAY YOU!
• Generates 1200 W per hour of sunlight (there an
  average of 5 hours of sunlight per day)
• 25 year warranty
• No moving parts, virtually maintenance free.
• Price 9,600

33
Photovoltaic System Benefits

• Photovoltaic systems are about 8/W that they
  produce in an hour, but with government and power
  company incentives, the price drops to 3/W.
• Generate your own electricity and reduce your
  electric bill.
• Provide backup power for critical loads during
  utility power outages.

• Reduces the burning of fossil fuels and the
  production of radioactive waste.
• Generates clean energy form the sun.
• Increases the value of your home.
• Protects against future rate increases.

34
Energy Savings Compared to Average House the Same
Size
35
Exterior Doors

• Open design allows for maximum transmittance of
  sunlight into home.
• Weatherproofing will be applied around all
  exterior doors and windows.
• Price 1,200

36
Windows

• Pine interiors available with factory-applied
  white finish.
• These windows have no grids in order to provide
  maximum lighting.
• Price 1,956

• High-Performance Low-E4 glass stays cleaner and
  reduces water spotting
• Nearly-invisible TruScene insect screen optional
  
• Traditional style
• Rich natural wood interior
• Attractive low-maintenance exteriors
• Convenient tilt-in cleaning
• Variety of grilles and insect screen options

37
Interior Doors

• Salvaged, refurbished doors
• Price 80-100 dollars per door (included).

38
Cabinetry and Countertops

• Recycled, refurbished cabinets
• Cost for cabinets in bathroom and kitchen 7500.
• Countertops for kitchen and bath combine recycled
  glass with a binder of cement, additives,
  pigments and other recycled materials such as fly
  ash - a waste by-product of coal burning power
  plants.
• Cost for counter tops 1,200

39
Interior Finish

• Flooring

• Sheetrock and Painting

• Low VOC paint and sealants.
• Sheetrock
• Installation and materials
• Cost 3,900
• Painting
• Labor and materials
• Cost 4,025

• Materials
• 2.5 recycled/refurbished hardwood
• Installation
• 2/sq. ft.
• Cost 3,700

40
Exterior Finish

• HardiePlank siding
• Single faced, cellulose fiber-reinforced cement
• Resists rain, hail, impact, flame, wind and
  humidity.
• Sustainable and durable
• 50 year warranty
• Incorporates natural ingredients that are
  nontoxic.
• Cost 2,077

41
Landscaping

• Preserve the natural trees already on the
  property.
• Any additional plants will be transplanted,
  reclaimed plants.
• All landscaping consists of local plant life that
  is well adapted to the climate and will require
  less watering.
• Large deciduous trees in the front provide shade
  and block direct sunlight in the summer.
• Lot will be reseeded including the earthen cover
  on the home to prevent erosion.
• Cost for grass seed 50

42
Rainwater Collection

• Specially designed gutters collect rainwater in
  collection barrels.
• This water will then be recycled for watering
  plants.
• Holds 54 gallons.
• Child-Safe Design
• It's all one piece, with a closed top, so you
  won't need to worry about children or pets
  getting inside.
• Fully Screened - Insect Proof.
• Cost 229

• Spruce Creek Rainsaver

43
Permaflow Drain

• To replace the p-traps in all sinks.
• Increases flow turbulence, self cleans propels
  debris outside.
• Easy turn external paddle, provides emergency
  bypass.
• Environmentally friendly no more harmful
  chemicals.
• Transparent construction for fast
  troubleshooting.
• Never needs plunging, snaking, or expensive drain
  cleaning.
• Price 39.95

44
Compost Bin

• Tumbleweed compost tumbler.
• Unique tumbling action tips contents from top to
  bottom to provide maximum aeration.
• At least four loads of compost can be produced in
  the time it takes to produce one by traditional
  methods.
• Price 189.95

45
Government Incentives

• Windows and Skylights 10 up to 200
• Exterior doors 10 up to 500
• Insulation 10 up to 500
• Heat Pump/AC 300
• Water Heater 300
• Photovoltaic System 30 up to 2,000
• Total Savings 3,420

46
Eco-friendly car

• 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid up to 45 mpg
• Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle
• A Super-Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle with
  zero-evaporative emissions and carries a
  15-year/150,000-mile warranty on emissions
  equipment.
• 1.3-Liter, 8-Valve, i-VTEC 4-Cylinder Engine
• Drive-by-Wire Throttle System
• An electronic position sensor connected to the
  accelerator pedal that sends an electronic signal
  to the powertrain control module.

47
2008 Honda Civic Hybrid

• Integrated Motor Assist IMA
• Couples a 1.3-liter, 8-valve, i-VTEC 4-cylinder
  gasoline engine with an electric motor
• Continuously Variable Transmission
• Substitutes the gears found in traditional
  transmissions and replaces them with a metal
  push-belt running between a pair of
  variable-width pulleys.
• Provides better fuel economy and acceleration
  when compared to a conventional transmission.
• Price 22,660 MSRP

48
2008 Honda Civic Hybrid
49
Facts

• We. . .
• Use and consume less.
• Recycle (newspapers, white paper, clear and
  colored glass, plastic water and milk bottles,
  aluminum, cardboard, batteries and fluorescent
  light bulbs).
• Reuse materials when possible.
• Use non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products.
• Carpool, bike or use a fuel efficient car.
• Unplug constant energy-use appliances when not in
  use (TVs, VCRs, DVDs, microwaves, computers).

50
Facts

• Purchase Green Power from the power company for a
  couple extra dollars a month.
• Use fluorescent lights.
• Wash clothes in cool water instead of hot water.
• Conserve water by using faucets that use less
  water and a sink in our bathroom that uses the
  fresh water that fills the toilet to wash your
  hands.

51
Facts

• Have Energy Star appliances when available.
• Hand wash and air dry dishes instead of having a
  dishwasher because dishwashers consume energy in
  several ways electricity to run, heat water,
  and dry dishes while using water in large amounts
  during the process.
• Wash only full loads of clothes.
• Lower the thermostat on hot water heater to 120
  F.
• Set thermostat to 68 F in the winter and 78 F
  in the summer.

52
Facts

• When the outside temperature is comfortable, we
  will turn the air conditioning /heat pump off and
  open windows and doors to save energy.
• We will have a compost bin to use our wastes to
  our advantage. The compost will be used for
  fertilization and mulch for our grass and plants
• Our grass roof is more energy-efficient than a
  conventional roof because the plants use the
  suns energy for photosynthesis instead of
  absorbing heat like normal roofs do.

53
Facts

• We will not have a driveway because we do not
  want to cover the natural environment with a
  material that absorbs heat. We want to impact
  the natural environment as little as possible.
• We will not have a garage because we can protect
  our vehicle in a more energy efficient way using
  a car cover. This eliminates the wasting of
  money, energy, and materials on a garage.
• We do not have any bath tubs in the house to
  encourage water efficiency.

54
Sources

• www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?cproducts.pr_tax_cre
  dits
• www.compostguide.com/ 
• www.energyfederation.org/lowimpactliving/default.p
  hp/cPath/394_979 
• www.energyfederation.org/lowimpactliving/default.p
  hp/cPath/27_53
• shop.pfwaterworks.net/category.sc?categoryId5 
• www.energyfederation.org/lowimpactliving/default.p
  hp/cPath/27_860_268

55
Sources

• www.sinkpositive.com/
• www.energyfederation.org/lowimpactliving/default.p
  hp/cPath/30_83_1394
• shop.solardirect.com/
• renewsalvage.org/
• www.residential.carrier.com/systems/infinity.shtml
  
• www.jameshardie.com/
• automobiles.honda.com/civic-hybrid/

56
Sources

• lowimpactliving.com/products/Outdoors---Landscapin
  g/Rain-Barrels/384