Zero Energy Home Dallas

As you begin making plans to build a new home, one of the first steps in the process will be to choose a builder.  Taking the time and effort to incorporate eco-friendly materials into your home and creating an energy efficient atmosphere can go a long way toward reducing your footprint.  Alone, you might find this a difficult and daunting task, but with the help of a green builder, you will be guided all through the process as to how to improve the environmental efficiency of your new home.

Ferrier Custom Homes was established in 2004, but its parent company, Ferrier Builders, has been in the green building business since 1984.  This company provides assistance throughout the design and building process for new homes, remodeling and commercial structures.  Rather than forcing certain ideals or green methods down your throat, this company helps design a house that includes the sustainable features you choose for your home. Read the rest of this entry »

If an entire home renovation with solar panel cells and space heating design is not in your budget, there are other ways you can cut the cost of your monthly bills.  Energy Star Appliances are tested and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as products that meet strict energy efficiency standards.  According to the EPA, Americans saved approximately $17 billion dollars on utility bills in 2009.  The energy saved by all of these products was equivalent to the emissions of 30 million cars.   Read the rest of this entry »

For most of the last century, Texas has been oil nation.  After the 1901 discovery of oil at Spindletop, the Texas economy shifted away from its agricultural roots to a petroleum-driven market. Though this natural resource brought unprecedented wealth and growth to the area, it hasn’t provided the same benefits to nature.  As the world begins to look for more sustainable energy sources, even Texas, were oil has been the state’s livelihood, is putting more focus on renewable resources. Read the rest of this entry »

Spanning from the heart of north Texas all the way up to Oklahoma’s southern border, the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area continues to slowly ooze outward by the day.  Already the 8^th largest city in the United States, Dallas is still growing, enticing new residents with a relatively resilient economy and its major city amenities.  In order to keep up with the expansion, new buildings and structures go up almost overnight, a practice that when not done responsibly and carefully can be among the most environmentally damaging processes in a cities development.  From building design to construction to operation, the energy using impact of erecting new edifices is greater than that found in any other facet of our economy.  As the Metroplex continues to sprawl in all directions, lawmakers have undergone efforts in hopes that Dallas will keep the environment in mind, hopefully paving the way in green energy initiatives among America’s largest urban centers. Read the rest of this entry »

The Dallas chapter of Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1985.  Building more than 70 homes each year, the Dallas Habitat for Humanity is the second largest home builder in the city.  This organization enlists volunteers to help build homes for underprivileged families in the community.  In place of a down payment, the future homeowners must complete 400 hours of volunteer work on their house.  They pay no interest on their Habitat Humanity loan to help keep costs low and earn more equity.  Recently, the Dallas chapter decided to adopt new green building standards for new homes. Read the rest of this entry »

In addition to the environmental benefits that come with using energy efficient appliances and renewable resources to power your home, these efforts are also very cost effective.  Green Built Texas Homes is an organization dedicated to raising awareness about how to create more sustainable homes throughout Texas.  A Green Built home emphasizes waste reduction while the home is being built, through recycling and storm water control.  Read the rest of this entry »

As energy costs continue to rise, it is important to stretch your dollar as far as you can.  Much of our monthly energy bill is made up of frivolous uses that could be eliminated.  Not only will you save money but when you conserve energy you reduce the effects of carbon emissions that are released during electricity generation.  Take a look at these five cheap, or free, and easy ways to conserve energy. Read the rest of this entry »