HVAC Systems

Requirements: 1 metal roof, 2500 gallons of rain, and the desire to save the planet

Get an in-depth look at a near-zero energy house featuring recycled materials and solar-heating and rainwater-harvesting systems

Video tours and takeaways from Portland's Build It Green! 2008 event

Solar panels aside, you can’t see the upgrades that make this downtown remodel so energy efficientby Richard Renner

HERS Index allows more latitude for recognizing reductions in energy consumptionby Tristan Korthals Altes

An innovative solar-heating system is the foundation of an artist’s small country house, where an equally smart plan accommodates both life and workby Charles Miller

Common-sense solutions for creating homes that are self-reliant, resilient, and versatileby David Johnston, Scott Gibson

College students design and build nearly net-zero energy homesby Charles Bickford

Compact and beautiful, mkLotus is a zero-energy house with major appeal by Tim Schmidt

Testing an attainable approach to green practices, an architect designs his own home for a friendly fit in a historic districtby Michael McDonough

Innovative site work and a thoughtful floor plan preserve views and a stand of mature pine treesby Eric Odor

An architect designs a small in-town house that uses sustainable materials, solar energy, and water conservation to improve quality of life (and afford it)by Christopher Stafford

A team approach creates an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly house for a growing marketby Christopher Briley

Winner of a national green-building award, this low-maintenance house should produce as much energy as it usesby Nathan Good

A true "family room" emerges from a practical budget and a taste for simplicityby Maria LaPiana