PV Gap

Patricia Said:

How do you like these green building ideas?

We Answered:

Where I live there is a five star rating on all new housing so people have to install either solar or a rainwater tank. In europe there is even a 10 star rating system. As we are in a long term drought our water use is limited and many people use a grey water system for flushing their toilets and watering their garden. Solar passive design of a house can go a long way to reducing its energy needs and requires being smart rather than costing a lot. The retrofitting of existing housing stock is expensive but there are many simple inexpensive things you can do like switching off lights and unused appliances at the socket, install a reduced flow shower head and a dual flush toilet. Check the energy use of appliances before you buy them. If you're cold put on a jumper before you crank up the heating. If a room is always hot grow a tree or vines outside to cut out the sun. Buy second hand and choose items without packaging and that are produced locally. It's about your behaviour as much as the buildings you live in.

Ricardo Said:

How can I find a grant to build a house using recyclable materials and using renewable resources?

We Answered:

I'm not sure if you're taling about EarthShips or not, but most grants, loans, etc for home building will require the home to be marketable and that it be a quality home when finished.

I don't think that EarthShips, currently, are very marketable. But that's just my opinion based on the small number of them actually on the market.