04-07-10
An Intelligent State of Mind
Washington has some darn good ideas. Like this one, published by Cooler Planet:
Called zHomes, the 10 units, scheduled for completion in the spring of 2011, will feature townhomes that generate as much energy as they use, first by using cutting-edge construction technologies to reduce each unit’s energy use by almost two-thirds (or 5,255 kilowatt-hours per year, as compared to an average 13,989). These technologies also take advantage of large amounts of recycled material, as well as materials with lower VOCs (volatile organic compounds) for healthy indoor air.
But the crowning achievement is the installation of solar photovoltaic panels to provide for the entire reduced energy footprint, energy-efficient appliances to keep that footprint small, and water conservation policies that mean residents also use 60 percent less water than similarly-sized homes by recycling rainwater and using all water-efficient appliances.
These homes will also be affordable, demonstrating to builders, buyers, and policymakers that this is possible and that even “average wage earners can live sustainably.”
If you are considering purchasing land in Washington, please consider implementing these water saving techniques. With the area’s rainfall, utilizing rain barrels and other systems, water use could be dramatically reduced. Washington residents are increasingly hopping on board with these progressive and effective ideas. Come see what change looks like!
03-28-10
Look Before You Leap
While the prospect of buying land is exciting and while you may just want to snap up the first piece of gorgeous Washington land you see, it’s more prudent to hold your horses and evaluate what you’re really acquiring. Purchasing land is an agreement—one that is important we all respect. We become stewards of the land and are charged with protecting it.
Before you buy, learn as much as you can about the climate and threats such as erosion and flooding, seismic activity, and history of forest fires in the area. These questions are not meant to scare you away from the idea of investing in Washington, but to help you better understand your investment. For example, the Pacific Northwest has a reputation for rain, yet while Washington receives an annual rainfall of approximately 27.6 inches, there are a myriad of other regions in which rainfall is nearly double that (see: The South).
All these factors will help dictate what you should build and where you should build it. Learning as much as possible about the area will inform how you should construct the foundation of your home/barn. When building, we must be careful we’re selecting, for example, the correct septic tank for the topography and soil. Once you learn the facts you are free to begin serious contemplation about the pros and cons of investing in Washington. An investment, you may come to decide, is well worth your while.
