STRATEGY: DESIGN FOR HARMONY WITH THE PLANET
» Site, orient, and shelter the home to make conserving and best use of renewable resources. Use the sun, wind, and water for all or most of your energy needs and rely less on supplementary, nonrenewable energy.

» Use “green” materials and nontoxic, nonpolluting, sustainable, and renewable products; produced with low energy and low environmental and social cost, and biodegradable or easily reused and recycled.

» Design the house to be “intelligent” in it’s use of resources and complement natural mechanisms, if necessary with efficient control systems to regulate energy, heating, cooling, water, airflow, and lighting.

» Integrate the house with the local ecosystem, by planting indigenous tree and flower species. Compost organic waste, garden organically, and use natural pest control—no pesticides. Recycle “gray water” and use low- flush or waterless toilets. Collect, store and use rainwater.

» Design systems to prevent export of pollution to the air, water and soil.

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