What the Building Community Can Do

Town planners

• Pay close attention to the layout of building lots to allow for solar orientation and energy-efficient landscaping.
• Suggest the redesign of new developments and renovations that do not consider the simple principles of renewable energy.
• Assess how people will get to and from the development, or how effectively job and workplace opportunities are provided within the development.

Building inspectors

• Educate builders and planners about the ideas presented in this paper. Your efforts will increase local expectations for energy performance.
• Enforce energy-efficiency standards.

Developers

• Develop energy-efficient buildings that take advantage of renewable energy opportunities. Doing so will increase the marketability of your product, help your customers save money, and contribute to a healthier environment.

Real estate brokers

• Promote energy-efficient buildings by educating the buyer and builder about the benefits of saving energy.
• Highlight desirable energy features when marketing buildings or developments.
• Emphasize the attractiveness and comfort of buildings that use renewable energy.

Contractors

• Educate building tradespeople about the advantages of renewable energy technologies and practices.
• Work with tradespeople who promote environmentally responsible building.
• Go beyond the energy codes in your community.

Builders

• Exceed local building codes in terms of insulation, windows, mechanical units, and construction quality.
• Educate owners, architects, inspectors, and others involved in the building trades.
• Use durable, healthy building materials that come from local sources.
• Minimize waste on the construction site.

Architects

• Become knowledgeable about design practices that incorporate renewable energy and energy efficiency.
• Educate clients and builders.

Suppliers

• Provide energy-efficient, healthy materials.
• Work to create a market for recycled products and renewable energy.
• Promote interest in energy efficiency with educational displays and special incentives.