Family restores home in deepest shade of green
When it comes to green living, there are many shades. The lightest shade is “greenwashing” which surprisingly, isn’t really green at all (all talk, no action). On the other end of the spectrum, the deepest shades of green represent a restorative path that helps to actually reverse environmental damage and enhance the human experience.
Most homes are still far from green. Perhaps this provides an opportunity for us to grow in an exciting new way that is profoundly different from what we’ve done in the past. Rather than our old model based on sprawl, a new model based on improving the quality of our existing homes and neighborhoods could play a key role in the new green economy. Meaningful improvement should replace mindless expansion.
A recent article about a residential restoration project caught my attention since it was done by a leader in the green movement and because it brought to mind the latent potential of our community.
David Gottfried founded the U.S. Green Building Council in 1993, an interesting story of personal transformation chronicled in his book, “Greed to Green.” He went on to create the World Green Building Council. Gottfried has had a major influence on the construction industry and like many who are dedicated to improving the world, he walks his talk.
The Gottfried family recently moved into their Oakland, Calif., home, a Craftsman-style bungalow built in 1915. The 1,500-square-foot home is half as large as their previous one. They specifically wanted to reduce their home’s footprint and show that a family of four can live happily in a smaller space, as humans historically have.
The deep green restoration of their home has resulted in the highest-scoring green home renovation since the LEED for Homes Green Building Rating System launched in January 2008. Forget deep green, this is deep platinum, the highest LEED rating.
Gottfried works in a regenerative LifePod (flexible-use solar structure) in the backyard of the home, cutting out the air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions associated with a commute to the office. The home is in an extremely walkable neighborhood, so most amenities, along with some healthy exercise, are obtainable without driving.
The home is designed for net-zero energy, using a solar photovoltaic system for power generation and a solar thermal system for space and water heating. The home strives to produce all the energy it needs to operate without drawing from the power grid.
Rainwater is captured and used for toilet flushing, reducing reliance on potable water supplies. Gray water, used water from the home’s two showers, bathtub and two sinks, is used to water the landscaping. And the family plans to grow its own vegetables.
The project has been well-documented. More details can be found at www.gottfriedhome.com or through additional links at www.greendream.biz. They are well worth exploring.
Many Southern Nevada homeowners are striving to reduce energy costs and add value to their homes. Realtors are searching for ways to differentiate their listings in a challenging market. As the housing market struggles to recover, there will be once-vacant properties in need of improvements. Green strategies work in all these scenarios and can strengthen and diversify our local economy.
One aspect of the Gottfried project that is both encouraging and revealing is the financing. They received a discount on the loan for using solar energy and for obtaining LEED certification. This is important because it acknowledges the value of green strategies as a solid financial investment. However, this shift must be accompanied by an increase in green awareness and expertise among Realtors, appraisers, loan officers and underwriters before it is in full swing.
As Sara Gottfried writes in their project blog (ecocraftsman.blogspot.com), “We used New Resource Bank for our construction loan, and we were so sad to witness the disconnect that still remains between a bank that understands the value of green but is coupled to and handcuffed with an appraisal industry that gives you a higher appraisal for more square feet, bedrooms and bathrooms. We feel many of the ‘green’ McMansions popping up everywhere are greenwash — is it really green to have a 5,000-square-foot home? Seems to miss the point and spirit of green.”
The real value of green homes deserves an honest accounting in the financial equation, as this will serve to benefit everyone. The Gottfrieds overcame the problems they encountered by educating those involved in their funding process.
Every aspect of our society has similar opportunities for learning and change. For all the challenges we face, these are exciting times. There has never been a more appropriate time to embrace green living as a way to help our fellow citizens, to heal our planet and to improve the outlook for future generations. We are all in this together, and together we can build a deep green platinum future.
Steve Rypka is a green living consultant and president of GreenDream Enterprises, specializing in renewable energy, green building, alternative transportation and lifestyle choices for both residential and commercial clients. The company is committed to helping people live lighter on the planet. Rypka can be reached via e-mail at steve@greendream.biz. More information relating to this column is posted at www.greendream.biz.