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The footprint of the average home is growing larger: the modern "three car garage" is the same size as the average home of the 1950s! A “green” home should maximize comfort without splurging on space.
3. Design with the sun in mind
In Florida, homes should be built to minimize exposure to the sun, with few to no windows on the southern side and only small, high windows on the east and west walls. Trees can be planted in these areas to provide shade. The entire home must be well-insulated to reduce heating and cooling needs.
ECO-Tips: Keep Your Home Cool Naturally
4. Use “Florida Cracker” architectural design
The original Florida home was built with many windows and doors to promote air circulation and wide awnings and wrap-around porches to provide shade. Design your home with this architectural style in mind for a naturally cool home. Check out this concept at the Florida House Learning Center.
Florida House Learning Center 4600 Beneva Road South, Sarasota 941-316-1200
5. Minimize environmental impact
Minimize the impact of your new home by working with the local landscape. Maintain the existing vegetation on the home site—only invasive exotics should be removed. If the land has already been cleared, restore it with native plantings. Avoid creating ornamental landscapes or laying sod; these are expensive and wasteful practices. Instead, keep your yard space small and focus on developing native gardens that mimic natural habitat. Use only micro-irrigation when necessary.
ECO-Tips: Eco-Friendly Yard
6. Brighten your home with day-lighting
Large windows on the north side of the home and high windows throughout the house will permit soft, natural light. Choose “low-emissivity” windows to reduce heat gain from the sun. Tubular skylights, found at your local home improvement center, are an efficient form of day-lighting that cause little to no solar gain.
7. Plan for energy-efficiency
Homeowners can reap energy savings for years with an energy-efficient home design. Begin by choosing energy-efficient heating and cooling systems that are strategically located for comfort and convenience. All new appliances, from refrigerators to light fixtures, should be specified according to ENERGY STAR ratings.
ECO-Tips: Conserve Energy for a Brighter Future
8. Build with sustainable wood
Use sustainably-harvested wood when possible to help protect our old-growth forests. Forest Stewardship Council provides a reliable certification standard for sustainable wood products. Home Depot, Inc. retail stores carry FSC lumber and wood products—just look for the seal.
Forest Stewardship Council Certified Lumber Companies
Smartwood Sustainable Wood Products
Home Depot: FSC Certified Products
9. Look for recycled building materials
Save money and create a unique antique look for your home with used building materials. Check out salvage centers, estate sales and deconstruction sites to find free and low-cost doors, tile, sinks, tubs, stone and other building materials. Avoid reusing old windows and lighting fixtures.
Sarasota Architectural Salvage 1093 Central Ave., Sarasota 941-258-7730
Habitat For Humanity Home Improvement Outlet 1757 East Ave., Sarasota 941-363-0777
10. Build your home pest-free and termite proof
Choose materials that will withstand termite infestation and prevent pest problems naturally. Please see ECO-Tips: Natural Pest Control for more information.
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