Sustainable Energy Practices
Renewable heating and cooling sources keep this building comfortable. Passive solar energy and the fireplace are the most visible sources of heat. The building is heavily insulated, similar to the way a thermos insulates a drink. All of these improvements create a highly efficient building that uses significantly fewer fossil fuels. Even more important is the geothermal system that provides heat and cooling.
Geothermal Heating and Cooling
Geothermal systems circulate a mixture of water and alcohol in underground pipes. Because underground temperatures are constant—warmer than outside air in the winter, cooler in the summer—it takes less energy to heat or cool the piped fluid to meet the building's energy needs.
A heat pump in each section of the building concentrates the hot or cold energy circulating through the pipes. Fans and ductwork move the warm or cool air through the building.
While geothermal systems cost more initially, they use 25—50% less electricity than a conventional system. These cost savings pay back the higher installation fees within five to ten years.
Learn about the ELC's sustainable building materials
