Building a Green Planet:

Prepared by:

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)

Purpose Plan and design a realistic family home that is environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient within a budget of $300,000. 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. 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. Home and car need to be realistic for a family of four.

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

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. 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. 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. 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.

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

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

Our House

Floor Plan 1,750 sq. ft Note: A skylight will be placed above the Dinning Room to help with natural lighting.

Construction

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

Land Cost of land is $3,750 for 1.5 acres. 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. 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. 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. 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 It is located in Mt. Vernon, GA

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

Electrical Services

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

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

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

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

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

ComfortHeat™ technology accurately predicts the need for heating while cutting energy swings in half. ComfortHeat™ technology accurately predicts the need for heating while cutting energy swings in half. IdealHumidity™ system constantly controls both temperature and humidity IdealHumidity™ system constantly controls both temperature and humidity Automatically adjusts for peak efficiency and performance Automatically adjusts for peak efficiency and performance Energy Star Rated Energy Star Rated Rated 7 out of 7 on heating efficiency, cooling efficiency, and quiet level. Rated 7 out of 7 on heating efficiency, cooling efficiency, and quiet level. Up to 19 SEER Up to 19 SEER Up to 9 HSPF Up to 9 HSPF WeatherArmor protects outdoor units. WeatherArmor protects outdoor units.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ceiling Fans Sea Gull White Celebrity Ceiling Fan Energy Star Rated Energy Star Rated Helps circulate air Helps circulate air 52 inch diameter fan 52 inch diameter fan five reversible blades five reversible blades "country-quiet" operation "country-quiet" operation stable hanging system stable hanging system One in each bedroom One in each bedroom One in the living room One in the living room Price: $ Price: $109.50

SunWize Residential Grid-Tie System with battery backup SunWize Residential Grid-Tie System with battery backup Complete package contains all necessary components such as: 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 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! 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) Generates 1200 W per hour of sunlight (there an average of 5 hours of sunlight per day) 25 year warranty 25 year warranty No moving parts, virtually maintenance free. No moving parts, virtually maintenance free. Price: $9,600 Price: $9,600

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. 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. Generate your own electricity and reduce your electric bill. Provide backup power for critical loads during utility power outages. Provide backup power for critical loads during utility power outages. Reduces the burning of fossil fuels and the production of radioactive waste. Reduces the burning of fossil fuels and the production of radioactive waste. Generates clean energy form the sun. Generates clean energy form the sun. Increases the value of your home. Increases the value of your home. Protects against future rate increases. Protects against future rate increases.

Energy Savings Compared to Average House the Same Size

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

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

Recycled, refurbished cabinets Recycled, refurbished cabinets Cost for cabinets in bathroom and kitchen $7500. 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. 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 Cost for counter tops $1,200

Low VOC paint and sealants. Low VOC paint and sealants. Sheetrock Sheetrock – Installation and materials – Cost $3,900 Painting Painting – Labor and materials – Cost $4,025 Flooring Materials Materials – 2.5 recycled/refurbished hardwood Installation Installation – $2/sq. ft. Cost $3,700 Cost $3,700

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

Landscaping Preserve the natural trees already on the property. Preserve the natural trees already on the property. Any additional plants will be transplanted, reclaimed plants. 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. 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. 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. Lot will be reseeded including the earthen cover on the home to prevent erosion. Cost for grass seed $50 Cost for grass seed $50

Spruce Creek Rainsaver

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

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

Government Incentives

Eco-friendly car

2008 Honda Civic Hybrid Integrated Motor Assist IMA® Integrated Motor Assist IMA® – Couples a 1.3-liter, 8-valve, i-VTEC® 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor Continuously Variable Transmission 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 Price $22,660 MSRP

We... 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).

Facts Purchase Green Power from the power company for a couple extra dollars a month. Purchase Green Power from the power company for a couple extra dollars a month. Use fluorescent lights. Use fluorescent lights. Wash clothes in cool water instead of hot water. 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. 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.

Facts Have Energy Star appliances when available. 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. 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. Wash only full loads of clothes. Lower the thermostat on hot water heater to 120° F. Lower the thermostat on hot water heater to 120° F. Set thermostat to 68° F in the winter and 78° F in the summer. Set thermostat to 68° F in the winter and 78° F in the summer.

When the outside temperature is comfortable, we will turn the air conditioning /heat pump off and open windows and doors to save energy. 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 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 sun’s energy for photosynthesis instead of absorbing heat like normal roofs do. Our grass roof is more energy-efficient than a conventional roof because the plants use the sun’s energy for photosynthesis instead of absorbing heat like normal roofs do.

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 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 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. We do not have any bath tubs in the house to encourage water efficiency.

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