Green building strategies save energy, improve health, and are good for the planet, but they cost more. At least that’s the common belief — but what’s the reality?
Take the case of a passive solar-designed residence, an ancient energy-harnessing system that goes back to the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Anasazi of the American Southwest. Homes are built with an opening on the south side to collect the solar power, the building’s shell stores solar heat in the winter, and simple shading keeps the interior from overheating during the summer.
These three elements — windows, building mass, and shading devices — are found in almost every modern home. Consequently, passive solar design adds no extra cost to a home during construction, with the possible exception of a minor increase related to how the summer sun is shaded. When put together effectively, this strategy offers great comfort and a superb return on investment.