Current and future energy demand

• 65% of total U.S. electricity consumption
• Less than 40% of total U.S. primary energy use
• 30% of total U.S. greenhouse gas
• 136 million tons of construction and demolition waste
• 40% of raw material use globally
• Modest increases in energy efficiency would eliminate need for 600 power plants (DoE)
• Household energy expenditures can be reduced by as much as 50% for little cost

• Natural gas consumption increase by 50%
• Demand for electricity increase by 45%
• U.S. will need 1,500 new power plants (75 per year) to meet projected demand over next 20 years

• Lower operating cost
• Increased comfort
• Improved Indoor air quality
• Enhanced durability

• Utilize existing infrastructure
• Revitalize outdated/underutilized/ failing real estate
• Infill, grey and brown field
• Manage storm water through naturally water-cleaning ponds
• Provides for open spaces and greenbelts
• Saves money
• Minimize slope and soil disturbance
• Control erosion
• Leave existing vegetation when possible
• Use native/regionally appropriate landscape
• Use materials that require little to no water and provide shading

• Reduce material and waste
• Enhance durability
• Reduce maintenance
• Use recycled materials

• Bricks, drywall
• Engineered lumber, plywood
• Insulation
• Carpet, concrete

• Recycle waste materials during construction
Employ onsite recycling

• Advanced framing
• Properly installed insulation
• Effective drainage plane material
• Energy efficient windows
• Thermal enclosure: caulk, foam, sealing
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• HVAC design, equipment and installation

• System designed for specific loads of building
• Equipment size based off loads
• Energy Star rated fixtures and appliances
• Third-party inspections

• Blower door test
• Duct tightness test

• Products

• Low emitting plywoods and panel products
• Low VOC paints, glues and caulks
• “Green Label” carpets, pad and floor covering adhesives

• Tankless hot water system
• Water heater located within 30 feet of kitchen and bathrooms
• Energy Star water-conserving appliances
• Water efficient shower heads and sink faucets
• Ultra low flush toilets

• Minimize potential source of pollutants by point-source ventilation

• Vent or fans for space and water heating equipment
• Tightly sealed door and continuous air barrier between garage and living area
• Continuous ventilation systems
• Potential pollutant management

• Vent kitchen exhaust fans to outside
• Fan recyclers
• Filters
• Exhaust flows

• Moisture Management

• Controlled bathroom exhaust fans
• Moisture-resistant backerboard
• Slab vapor barriers
• No plumbing in exterior walls

• Household recycling
• Compact fluorescents
• Maintenance checklists
• Organic pest controls, fertilizers and cleaning products
• Native or low-water landscape
• Relative humidity range

• Environmental management systems
• Low VOC indoor paints and construction adhesives
• Purchasing local products