Sustainable Strategies

1. Right-size the house - not too big with unused space that we have to pay to build, heat, cool, and pay property tax on.
2. Select an infill site (see post on selecting a sustainable site)
3. Build the house with community connectivity in mind.  The less driving we have to do as a family to work, school, the store and activities will not only make us happier - but will save us on fuel costs over the long run.  My commute to work is 7 minutes and we are blocks from the schools - so the kids can easily ride bikes.
4. Protect from soil erosion and sediment run-off control during construction.  Techniques like using a silt fence.
5. Protect green space.  I plan on planting a prairie on my 1/3 acre hillside.  This should not only look nice - but should keep me from having to mow it (burning fuel and $)
6. Maximize open space by building an efficient 2-story house that is compact.
7. Stormwater Control.  Goal is to have post development run-off be equal to or less than the existing run off.  This is achieved through the rainwater collection tank, pervious paving material, and a dry well (if i have to)
8. Utilize a cool roof (white or light gray) to cut down on summer solar heat gain through the roof.
9. Design the landscaping with indigenous plant material to limit need for excessive irrigation.  Use captured rainwater for all remaining exterior irrigation needs.
10. Maximize water use reduction inside the house to reduce the burden and $ of Oakwood's municipal water system. In Oakwood, you pay for sewage conveyance tied to water consumption, so reducing consumption is a double bonus.  Use of low-flow fixtures and dual flush toilets will help achieve this.
11. High efficiency and multiple zoned gas furnace.  Variable speed fan motor.  Energy recovery ventilator which allows me to pre-heat or pre-cool fresh air with stale air leaving the house.  Be able to adjust setting remotely from my iphone.  Advanced air filtration for my terrible allergies.  Multiple zones will allow for maximum control over zones so as to not heat or cool spaces that we are not using at certain parts of the day.
12. On-site renewable energy via solar thermal collectors on roof.  Pre-heating hot water so my water heater does not have to work too hard.
13. Make house solar PV (solar electric) ready.  Add panels in the future when they are cheaper and have a quicker payback.
14. Design the house so recycling is easily managed (i.e. close proximity of kitchen to garage where containers will be kept)
15. Work to reuse or recycle construction waste and divert from the landfill.
16. Select materials with the highest amount of recycled content as my budget allows.
17. Specify material that are harvested and manufactured as close to the Dayton region as possible.  (no italian marble :)
18. Specify materials that are manufactured from rapidly renewable sources.
19. Use FSC certified wood (Forest Service Council)
20. Specification of low-emitting VOC materials, sealants, and paints.
21. Maximize southern exposure or daylighting and views.  All occupied spaces will have a direct view to the outside.
22. Tell people about the strategies to help further the understanding of the principles, tell the story, partner with like minded companies ...