Category: Green 101 Landing

Carbon positive homes take the concept of carbon-neutral design one step further by producing more energy on-site than the building requires to operate — sending energy back to the grid and setting a new standard of sustainable living. We achieve carbon positive homes by building with low embodied carbon materials and creating an energy surplus under operation.

A Nationwide Guide to Future-Proofing Your Home

The future may be uncertain, but the value of a home doesn’t have to be. In fact, building, renovation, and design can be done with adaptability in mind. Preparing for changes can lead to even greater lasting quality, renewability, higher resale value, and often, overall savings in price.

Green Building and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

The UN Sustainable Development Goals can help inform your building choices for a more efficient use of resources and a healthier, happier life. Transform your home and support economic growth and a sustainable future.

Stuff in Your Home: Making It More Earth Friendly [Podcast]

Stuff in Your Home: Making It More Earth Friendly Marla Esser Cloos (aka The Green Home Coach) is...

17 of the Best Books About Sustainable Home Design

Even though Elemental Green is an online resource for all things related to residential green building and renovation that doesn’t mean that we don’t love books. Here are some eco-home books packed with great inspiration and information.

What Home Buyers Should Look For (and avoid) in High Performance Homes

If you are in the market to buy a home, read the sales material carefully. If you aren’t sure about a phrase or a term, make sure to ask what that means. If you see a feature that you’ve never seen before, ask how it works and what the benefit is for having that feature in your home.

A Roadmap to Building Affordable Zero Energy Homes

To achieve zero energy, designers and builders everywhere are employing an array of design concepts, product choices, and financing approaches. Because there are so many ideas, it seems appropriate to offer a quick rundown of the most cost-effective measures for getting to zero energy.

18 Trends for Sustainable Homes in 2018

Think sustainable home design is just a fad? Think again. Green is growing and growing and growing. Whether you’re already on the bandwagon or you’re just starting to dip your toes in, here are 18 trends for sustainable homes in 2018, so you can start planning your eco-upgrades for the coming year.