1. Closed Circuit Geothermal Heating and Cooling System: Four vertical geothermal wells will extend 200’ deep into the ground, taking advantage of the earth’s natural temperature stability to help heat and cool the home. Additionally, a “slinky” system, using geothermal coils planted 8 feet below ground, will be used to test the cost effectiveness of slinky systems. The reduction in the amount of energy needed to control indoor air temperature is expected to reduce heating and cooling bills by 30% or more.

2. Solar Thermal System: Employing three 2,500 gallon thermal storage tanks, this system will store solar energy, which will be used to heat domestic water as well as to heat the house during the winter. Solar tubes will collect solar energy during the day, and the hot water will be pumped to the tanks until the heat is needed.

3. Domestic Water Solar System: A double wall heat exchanger will take heat from the solar tanks to heat domestic water.

4. Wind Power Generator: A low noise vertical wind turbine on the roof of the home will generate 1,500 kilowatts of power at a wind speed of 30 mph. The wind turbine will draw energy from high velocity wind that accelerates when traveling over the roof.

5. Displacement Ventilation: An innovative technique in ventilation, use of this process will efficiently deliver outside air to the breathable zone of people in the home.

6. Innovative QADUCT Ductwork: An above-ground highly energy efficient, zero air leakage is a durable insulated polyethylene ductwork which is an alternative to the inefficiencies of metal ductwork or carcinogenic PVC. The ductwork is  made with 40% of recycled content.  In addition, the ductwork is also UL-181 fire rated.

7. Greenhouse: A greenhouse will provide the opportunity to grow organic fruits and vegetables year round. A “trombe” wall will be used to absorb incoming solar radiation during the day and radiate the heat to the indoor space at night.

8. Green Roof: A portion of the roof will be designed to have a summer garden as well as summer green space. This system will result in reduced summer runoff of storm water and reduced energy costs due to high insulating value.

9. Site Drainage System: A drainage system, including graded landscaping, will direct rain and melting snow away from the structure to prevent water damage.

10. Rainwater Collection System: During the summer, the three 2,500 gallon storage tanks will be used to collect rainwater as it drains from the roof. The water can then be used for green roof irrigation as well as lawn and garden irrigation.

11. Gray Water System: Waste water from sinks and showers will be collected and then reused to serve all toilets in the house.

12. Heat Exchanger in Shower: A gray water heat exchanger located in the shower drain will transfer heat from the wastewater system to the incoming cold water stream to reduce the energy needed to heat the incoming shower water.

13. Living Wall: The house will have a living wall on a portion of the south side of the house to reduce solar heat gain.

14. Radon Removal System: As a proactive measure to address a commonly found but rarely addressed Minnesota health issue, any existing radon beneath and around the foundation will be pulled from the soil and continuously vented outside, ensuring that quantities of airborne radon inside the home remain at or below EPA levels.

15. Elevator: An indoor elevator will facilitate handicap accessibility to each level of the house, including basement and garage.

16. Natural Lighting: Interior spaces will be partially illuminated by natural light through the elevator shaft, solar tubes, sky lights and fiber solar lighting.

17. Composting Program: Organic waste will be recycled back into the soil through use of a composting system.

18. Comprehensive Recycling System: Recycling stations will be located throughout the home to make recycling simple and convenient. Jodi Taitt from New Hope has been very helpful in designing a convenient method of effective, efficient recycling.

19. LED Lighting System: Energy consumption of the lighting systems will be significantly reduced through use of LED lighting.

20. Recycled Materials: Building materials from the old home will be used by the reuse Center in Minneapolis.

21. Monitoring and Controlling: All energy systems will be monitored to establish the amount of energy that is saved, and interior space will be controlled for optimal comfort and optimal energy usage.

Sustainable Programs
This project is experimental in nature, and will incorporate the principles of

the following programs while designing, building and operating the home.

1. LEED^® for Homes (Pilot Program)

2. Energy Star

3. State of Minnesota – B-3

4. Minnesota GreenStar

5. National Home Builder Program (Pilot Program)