*LEED credits they are associated with
DOUBLE STUD WALL ASSEMBLY
Two layers of studs are used to provide a thicker-than-normal wall system so that a lot of insulation can be installed. The two walls are often separated by several inches to reduce thermal bridging through the studs and to provide additional space for insulation.
*Energy & Atmosphere
BLACKWATER RECYCLING SYSTEM
Blackwater is wastewater discharged from toilets, kitchen sinks, and dishwashers. If treated and recycled, it can reduce onsite water use by up to 90% as well as alleviate stress on septic systems. The system works by routing household water into a tank using gravity. Then, the blackwater is given time to settle and bacteria works on it for 24 hours. It then is diverted into a secondary tank that further aerates and treats the water, until it is clean enough to be used for
irrigation.
This will be the first residential blackwater permit in San Diego County.
*Water Efficiency
GREYWATER RECYCLING SYSTEM
The greywater system recycles water from washing machines, bathroom sinks, and showers/baths, for landscape irrigation. This is a great way to conserve a valuable resource and save money on utilities.
*Water Efficiency
PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM
Solar panels capture energy in sunlight, known as photons, and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. The electrons then flow to an inverter, which changes DC into alternating current (AC). AC is the type of electricity that comes out of a wall outlet. In a sunny location such as San Diego, solar is a consistent renewable resource that reduces demand on the power grid.
We will implement a 30 kW photovoltaic system.
*Energy & Atmosphere
PASSIVE HOUSE
Passive House is a rigorous, voluntary building standard which results in roughly 90% reduction in heating and cooling energy usage and up to a 75% reduction in primary energy usage from existing
building stock. It is meant to aggressively meet the climate crisis carbon reduction imperative while making a comfortable, healthy and affordable built environment.
For more information or to check out the San Diego Passive House chapter, visit www.PHAsandiego.org
*Innovation in Design
RAINWATER/STORMWATER HARVESTING SYSTEMS
Rainwater is water collected from the roof and stormwater is collected from the rest of the site. We plan to recycle rainwater for all indoor potable and non-potable water use, and to use stormwater for irrigation and fire suppression purposes. These systems reduce the demand on the watershed during this time of drought as well as prevent relatively clean water from entering the sewer systems.
We will have a 36,000 gallon rainwater collection tank and a 45,000 gallon stormwater collection tank.
*Water Efficiency, Sustainable Sites
WIND TURBINE
Casa Aguila is ideally located for an onsite wind turbine with high elevation and constant winds flowing through the San Pasqual Valley. The wind turns the blades, which rotates a shaft, which connects to a generator that makes electricity. Unlike solar, wind is available through the day and night to generate electricity.
This site will have a 3.2 kW wind turbine.
*Innovation in Design
ENERGY STAR APPLIANCES
Household appliances are responsible for 20% to 30% of a home’s total energy use and about 25% of its indoor water use. Refrigerators use the most energy – a whopping 16% of the home’s total. Efficient household appliances save substantial amounts of both energy and water. ENERGYSTAR is the trusted, government-backed symbol for energy efficiency making it easy for consumers to identify energy efficient products. These products aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money on energy bills, all without sacrificing performance, features, and comfort.
*Energy & Atmosphere
NATIVE & DROUGHT TOLERANT PLANTS
The landscape around a home should be designed to minimize the impact on the local environment. This home will have a type of landscaping called “xeriscape” which uses native and non-invasive drought tolerant plants. Compared to an average home which uses 80,000 gallons a year for landscape irrigation, the landscape vegetation around this home will require little or no irrigation.
Having permeable and non-permeable surfaces that direct water to permeable areas is important to allow water to penetrate naturally into the ground in order to prevent stormwater runoff. Managing stormwater runoff is critical in preventing pollution and sediment in rivers, lakes, and oceans.
*Sustainable Sites
FSC CERTIFIED TROPICAL WOOD
Tropical wood is being cut down and exported at a much faster rate than it is growing, which is contributing to deforestation and habitat loss for many species. Any tropical wood on the property is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which takes into account the environmental, economic, and social impact on the forests and its surrounding ecosystems.
*Materials & Resources
ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATOR
Energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) are air-to-air heat exchangers that use the energy inside a building to treat incoming outdoor ventilation air. They greatly improve indoor air quality and reduce energy costs and heating and cooling loads.
*Energy & Atmosphere
DUAL FLUSH TOILETS
Dual flush toilets use two buttons to flush different levels of water, depending on what is necessary. Toilet flushing typically accounts for an astounding 30% of a home’s water use and so replacing toilets is a great opportunity to save water – dual flush toilets can save an average of 40,000 gallons annually. That water saving represents a significant reduction on water bills. Look for toilets that have EPA’s WaterSense designation.
*Water Efficiency
HVAC – HEATING, VENTILATION & A/C
Dual-zoned high-efficiency forced air systems for heating and cooling will be installed for each floor of this home. Separate programmable thermostatic controls will provide independent thermal comfort on each floor to save energy. The sizing of the equipment and ducting will be carefully selected using energy modeling to maximize efficient energy usage and delivery. The HVAC ductwork has been completely sealed, and insulated ducting will be installed wherever possible.
*Indoor Environmental Quality
ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTING SYSTEMS
Interior and exterior lighting accounts for about 5% - 15% of a new home’s energy use, and selecting energy efficient lighting offers the least expensive and easiest opportunity to save energy and money. This home uses only dimmable ENERGYSTAR Compact Flourescent Light bulbs (CFLs) and dimmable LED lighting fixtures/bulbs. CFL lighting provides a 68-75% energy savings, longer bulb life, and decreased operating temperature compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.
*Energy & Atmosphere
PEST CONTROL
In the U.S., termites cause damage to around 600,000 homes a year and an estimated $5 billion a year is spent to repair termite damage. This home's wood framing will be coated with sodium-borate treatment that is deadly to termites but completely safe to humans and the ecosystem. This home should never have termites and should never have to be chemically "tented".
One little-known approach to assist in controlling pests in your home is to limit landscaping immediately adjacent to the home. Maintaining a buffer zone between landscaping plants and house perimeter limits the habitat suitable for insect infestations.
*Sustainable Sites
HIGH EFFICIENCY WATER FIXTURES
Household faucets account for 15% of a home’s wateruse and showering makes up 17%. In this home, water- saving 1.5 GPM (gallons per minute) bathroom and kitchen faucets are specified, as well as custom showerheads with 1.75 GPM flow rates.
Installing water-saving fixtures can significantly reduce water and energy use. More importantly, be smart with water and turn off faucets when not in use and shorten your song in the shower.
*Water Efficiency
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