2.1

Select a site and orient the house to optimizes daylighting, ventilation, passive solar, and microclimate opportunities

Use climate responsive and passive strategies to optimize site and house comfort

Guide Links:
Components: Equipment: Heating (furnace), and Components: Ventilation House: Window Orientation

Web Links:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory www.nrel.gov

2.2

Protect and enhance site features and biodiversity

Preserve existing site features, trees, shrubs, and habitat

Enhance or restore the site to create habitat

2.3

Protect the site from run off and erosion during and after construction

During construction, use straw bale or silt fencing on steep slopes

Protect on-site storm sewer inlets

Protect and reuse site topsoil

Chip site cleared brush and trees for mulch

Balance cut and fill to minimize earth removal

Web Links:
www.abe.msstate.edu/csd/p-dm/all-chapters/chapter4/chapter4/silt-fen.pdf

2.4

Manage and conserve site water

Use storm water management and water conservation strategies

Install rainwater catchment system for non-potable water use and/or provide gutters or infiltration system for rooftop runoff (e.g. incorporate cisterns, rain gardens, drain tiles, etc.)

Reduce turf and plant grasses that use less water

Use permeable materials for walkways, driveways, patios, etc.

Install high-efficiency drip irrigation system

2.5

Use site landscaping, landforms, adjacent buildings, garage, etc. to protect from winter winds

2.6

Use native plants with resource efficient, low-maintenance landscaping

Use native and hardy plant materials in response to specific soil and site conditions

Use xeriscaping strategies

Consider integrated pest management systems

Web Links:
www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Organics/Xeriscaping

2.7

Add value by connecting the site to the neighborhood

Create open spaces that connect to the community and neighbors (e.g. yards, gardens, play areas, common spaces, streetscape, etc.)

Consider added value: street trees, garage, landscaping

Design the yard for outdoor uses (consider public street versus private backyard)