Here are some of the sustainable building techniques and materials at the Casa Verde house:
* Permeable pavers in the front courtyard that allow rainwater to penetrate into the ground and recharge the aquifer rather than run off into the street.
* Xeriscaped landscape, using native plants grouped according to water usage.
* Natural fibers for window treatments, upholstery and rugs: wool, cotton and linen, rather than synthetic fibers that may give off harmful gases.
* Bamboo flooring that is rapidly renewable, maturing in five years rather than the typical 30 for traditional wood. Cork flooring, which can be harvested without harming the plant.
* Sprayed-on, expanding-foam Icynene brand insulation, installed on the underside of roof sheathing in the attic. It seals the building from heat and humidity. A cutaway window in the house on a recent hot day showed that the attic temperature was only 70 degrees.
* Dual-pane, impact-resistant windows that provide good insulation and are resistant to debris during storms.
* Insulated concrete form construction. Rigid foam blocks reinforced with steel are filled with poured concrete. High insulation value, wind resistance.
* Duct work sealed with mastic, a concrete-based paste painted over joints to prevent air leakage.
* Air conditioning systems with a SEER (seasonal energy efficiency rating) of 15, exceeding the code minimum of 12.
* Photovoltaic pool heater that uses solar energy to warm the pool water.
* Compact fluorescent lighting. Uses less energy, generates less heat, lasts longer than incandescents.
* Energy Star appliances: refrigerator, dishwasher, range, oven, microwave, top-loading washer and dryer and ceiling fans. Certified to exceed federal standards for energy efficiency by at least 20 percent.
* Dual-flush toilet that uses 0.8 gallon flushes for liquid or light waste, 1.6 gallons for solid waste. Manufacturer Kohler says the toilet can save up to 2,000 gallons of water per year.
