- LEED
- Energy Effiency
- Zero Energy Design & Construction
- Passive Solar
- Sustainable Systems & Materials
- Water Harvesting & Recycling
- Architectural Design
- Residential & Commercial Construction
LEED
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), provides a point rating system for environmentally sustainable construction. LEED buildings consist of three levels of rating, silver, gold and platinum and are rated through third party verification.
Energy Efficiency:
Palo Santo Designs builds and designs with the highest energy performance in mind. As well we can access the energy performance of your building using the Home Energy Rating System and provide you with the most economical and performance oriented energy efficiency retrofits.
Zero Energy Design & Construction:
As buildings account for 40% of the total US green house gas emissions, we seek to minimize the environmental impact of the building sector by designing and constructing net zero energy buildings. Zero energy buildings produce on sight as much or more renewable energy annually as the building uses.
Passive Solar:
Passive solar buildings are precisely designed and constructed to maintain interior thermal comfort both in winter and summer months. The buildings heat them selves passively with solar gain and stay cool in summer months through proper orientation of the building, use of high thermal mass building materials, tight construction, and appropriate insulation. As well the design of the over hangs and shading and appropriately placed windows for air circulation and passive heating and cooling provide a comfortable home that is easy on the wallet and the environment.
Sustainable Systems and Materials:
As we seek to minimize the use of natural resources and maximize performance, durability and indoor air quality we utilize both passive and mechanical sustainable systems. As well as using the most environmentally preferred materials, such as local, non-toxic, recycled and sustainably sourced.
Water Harvesting and Recycling:
We design, construct and retrofit buildings to harvest rainwater and recycle water into gray and black water systems. As well we promote the use of water conserving plumbing fixtures.
Architectural Design:
Our integrated design team (hyperlink to PSD Team page) produces construction documents (blueprints) for our residential clients, which incorporate all sustainability measures from the design inception, meeting your needs timely and appropriate to your budget.
Residential and Commercial Contracting:
As a fully licensed, bonded and insured general contractor Palo Santo Designs is qualified and experienced in the construction and renovation of low carbon residential and commercial buildings.
