Green-Built House

Sunset magazine, in collaboration with the State of California's Sustainable Building Task Force, the City of Palo Alto, the California Integrated Waste Management Board, the California Energy Commission, and Clarum Homes, recently built two demonstration homes to highlight the ease and advantages of using environmentally-friendly products, landscaping, and building techniques. One home was completely furnished with eco-friendly products and the other showcased efficient use of water, energy, materials, and indoor environment.

Featured products and techniques include: (1)Tiles, counter top, and sink basin made from recycled glass; (2)Tankless, on-demand water heater that saves up to 70% in energy and provides endless hot water; Composting and worm bins; (3)Bamboo furniture; (4)Radiant roof barrier sheating to reflect up to 97% of the sun's heat; (5)Energy-efficient kitchen appliances; counters made with quartz chips; cabinets that use wheatboard, a non-toxic particleboard made from straw waste; (6)Integrated solar cells that look like roofing tiles; (7)Dual-flush toilets that allow a choice of flush volume; (8)Landscaping that features native plants and vegetables grown decoratively in planters manufactured from crushed stone; (9)Furnishings that include area rugs made from recycled soda bottles, chairs made from sustainable wood, bamboo floors, and pollutant-free paints.

To learn more about California's Green Building Program, visit www.ciwmb.ca.gov/greenbuilding or call (916) 341-6500. To view the Enviro-Home™ by Clarum Homes, visit www.clarum.com.