Estimates vary, but it is well known that commercial and residential buildings consume the majority of energy compared to transportation and industry. Including the industrial sector, buildings account for at least 50% of the total energy consumption in the U.S.

Based on 30 years of research and development since the oil crisis in the early 1970’s, Harrison Fraker of U.C. Berkeley states “we can reduce the energy consumption in buildings by 50-70% through intelligent conservation, and the application of passive solar heating, natural ventilation and careful day lighting.”¹ At CRG, our common-sense approach to green building focuses first on these fundamentals.

Good building design begins with understanding local climate, topography and orientation. Utilizing site attributes together with locally available resources to achieve an efficient passive energy design has been a “no brainer” since humans first started constructing shelter. Taking advantage of deciduous trees that shade a south-facing wall in summer, yet allow the warmth and day-lighting needed on short winter days is an example of an obvious but often overlooked passive strategy. Locating an entry so that it is sheltered from prevailing winter winds and rain is another. CRG will consider these fundamental design issues during the initial siting of your projectr.

Your Green Home² recommends bringing together various experts early in the design process to address energy modeling, mechanical design, lighting, landscape design, etc. This integrated and proactive strategy may identify significant opportunities for saving energy that might not be realized with a more traditional approach. Between the expertise of our staff and that of our subcontractors, CRG brings the necessary skills for such an approach that can save money during construction as well as over the life of your building.

Relatively simple steps to achieving maximum energy conservation:

Create “a tight envelope” with installation of high-quality insulation, high-performance windows, and minimizing air leakage.

Install energy efficient heat sources, appliances, and lights are the next priority. The nominal up-front investment required for these enhancements are somewhat offset by cash incentives, and will quickly be recovered by reduced operating costs.

Alternative energy sources such as solar water heaters and solar electric systems (photovoltaics) can be utilized, but only after the energy needs are minimized as much as possible by first taking the steps outlined above. (The trade-off here is cost, which is significant, but can be offset with available incentives and tax credits.).

A well designed super-insulated home with passive solar heating may not require a central heating/cooling system, even in a cold climate. Addition of energy efficient appliances and alternative energy sources will further reduce energy needs and possibly result in an energy neutral building.

Suncroft House is one of the few net zero energy homes in this area.

CRG will work with you and your contractor to ensure that your home/building is constructed to suit your energy goals without sacrificing aesthetics.


¹ Berkeley Environmental Design Frameworks, Spring 2007. Regents of the University of California.
² Wilson, Alex. 2006. Your Green Home, A Guide to Planning a Healthy, Environmentally Friendly New Home. New Society Publishers, Canada.