SUSTAINABILITY
• Use durable, locally produced materials such
as pressure-treated southern pine shingles.
• Minimize painting and staining by using
materials that weather or have integral color.
• Use wood from the region—avoid cedar or
redwood, for example.
• Consider ground-coupled heat pumps, passive
solar, and other energy-saving heating techniques.
• Ventilate all buildings and rooms, especially in
conjunction with passive solar strategies.
• Use operable windows for effective ventilation.
• Consider constructed wetlands, sand filters,
and other alternatives to mechanical systems
for sewage treatment.
• Install porous paving to minimize erosion.
• Consider modular buildings that can be taken
apart and stored out of season.
• Use daylight for interior spaces.
• Minimize disruption of natural landforms and
vegetation when planning for roads, trails,
utilities, and structures.
• See the “Common Principles” section in the
introduction of this chapter for more
recommendations on sustainability.
Figure of strategies used in passive solar design