What are some features of eco-friendly houses?

Question

I'm doing a project on advantages of eco-friendly houses and I need help. Can someone give me some features of these houses that are significantly environment-friendly? I already have -

1. Alternative flooring

2. Geothermal energy pumps

3. Alternative hot-water heaters

Also links would be good. Best answer available.

Answer 1

Depends where you are , the house needs to face the right direction to maximise on the winter sun and avoid overheating by the summer sun .

Rain water tanks can get buried under ground and supply the household in flushing toilets , water plants all year round .

Solar panels can utilise energy off the grid .

Wind generator can power this up and charge up your battery to run your car on .

Answer 2

Typicaly they have dirt floors, dirt walls and sod roofs,  that way you have running water each time it rains, and dusting and sweeping are not a big issue.

Answer 3

* Two Bedrooms ONLY...

the main contributing factor is "TOO MANY PEOPLE" if we reduce the population growth, we can SLOW the problem  - not fix it.. even 1 kid is growth since (unless you died in childbirth) both parents are still alive...

*  a GARDEN - producing some food... this saves on pesticide/herbacide use - (if done correctly) and reduces shipping...not just veges - fruit trees too...

*  Free range chickens in the yard - again this reduces shipping if you produce some of your own food...

* SMALL SIZE - to reduce the amount of heating required....

* A big tree on the South - to reduce cooling expenses

http://www.gomestic.com/Personal-Finance...

Answer 4

This question is really a big one.  I do know of one site that can tell you all about this issue.  It's mother earth news.  My grandfather gets this publication, but there website has articles covering everything eco friendly.  Especially on eco living houses and well anythin of the matter that you can think of.

Answer 5

Replace all lights with energy efficient light bulbs. Make sure all windows are at least double glazed and has no air infiltration. You can get special window glazing that has high R-values. Made sure exterior doors don't have air infiltration. Make sure walls and roof are well insulated, if house is raised off ground add insulation below floors. Use renewable materials, low flush toilets, fausets & shower heads. Adding a water less urinal might be a good idea if it will be well used. Roof overhangs can be extended or retrated to let sun light in during the winter and keep it out during the summer. In USA west walls can get very hot helping to heat house during summer. By planting tall trees next to west wall can help shade wall.  Consider solar panels and/or wind power. Compost all organics and use it as fertilizer. Use low water landscaping. Consider using grey water for landscape water.

Answer 6

this months readers digest had some interesting pages on eco houses.