The "Energy Revolution" in Sedona

What is the "energy revolution and is it happeing in Sedona, AZ? This revolution is a fast growing global movement to provide a consistent fundamental pathway for protecting our climate through investment in renewable energy with no carbon footprint, like wind, solar and nuclear power. It requires a fundamental shift in the way, we as people, consume and generate energy. It's about becoming energy independent as a nation and as individuals. It has tremendous potential to boost the U.S. and global economy, provide sustainable jobs, and elevate the quality of our lives as individuals. The Energy Revolution ┬¥ also involves how we remodel, design and build the buildings we all live and work in every day of our lives.  Here are four ways that Sedona can play an important role in the revolution.

1. Dwellings that respect the Region  The residential architecture and interior design in Sedona is greatly influenced by the beautiful and inspirational landscape of the region. No matter what level of new green homes or green remodels, most home owners are still very concerned about how their home fits their lifestyles and how much beauty and inspiration can be brought into their lives. Consumers still want styles that will reflect the region and stand the test of time! The high desert region is rich in texture and natural color. The mountains and outcropping of red rocks are pure and simple works of art created by nature at its best. Pure and simple ┬¥ is the key. This phrase is in sync with the spirit of the "Energy Revolution". A style based in the honest and sparing use of material over the urge to overstate the design is long overdue. The choice and use of sustainable materials produced and sourced locally and using the least amount of energy contributes to energy independence. The beauty and inspiration that we need as humans can be achieved by applying the design principles of balance, contrast, and emphasis to fewer sustainable materials combined with professional expertise. It is not a matter of how much ┬¥ we do with building materials, but how smart ┬¥ we work with them.
2. High Performance Envelopes and Building Systems:  The foundations, exterior walls, windows, doors and roofs are the elements that form the envelope of the house. The single most important aspect of an energy efficient building is innovative design of the building envelope. So the choices for building materials and methods will dramatically energy consumption to heat and cool the house and provide power to light house and run equipment and appliances. The better the envelope, the less the consumers will spend on buying equipment and paying for the energy to run it!The good news is that manufacturers continue to advance the performance of window and door systems, ICF's, SIP panels, spray foam, rigid board insulation, loose fill insulation for use in remodels and new construction. And there are major advancement under way in the technology of solar panels, solar hot water heating, ground source heat pumps, hot water heaters and efficiency furnaces. More good news; the cost of the equipment and materials is coming down as we implement the technologies. The "Industrial Revolution" is evolving to become the "Energy Revolution".
3. Compact Dwelling:  There is a clear growing trend to make small spaces perform bigger. This requires a keen sense of space planning making sure that every cubic inch of space accounts for something functional as well beautiful. Built-in cabinets are replacing closets and furniture; great rooms are replacing formal living and dining rooms. Hallways are getting very short and pocket doors or vanishing doors and walls ┬¥ are increasing. For example, a 3 bedroom home can be planned in 1900 square feet and still feel spacious if innovation configured.
4. Passive and Active Solar Homes:  Many building sites in Sedona are fortunate enough to take advantage of the southern sun exposure, particularly in Arizon where the sun shines often! "Passive" solar design involves the orientation of the home to take advantage of the rising and setting sun each day throughout the year. An understand of heat transfer, thermal mass, and building orientation are essential to a new century home design. "Active" solar solutions, like photo voltaic panels and solar hot water installations, are excellent methods to harness the free energy that is produced by the sun and reduce our dependence on the power grid. The combination of both active and passive solar design is an example of integrated design that experienced design professionals provide.
5. LEED Certified Design:  More and more green enthusiasts are looking to go to see their homes certified as green such as the USGBC's LEED for Homes certifications up to the highest level, Platinum. Some are even going for a Passive House ┬¥ or zero ┬¥ energy homes. All of these energy efficient dwellings are very well insulated, virtually air-tight buildings that are heated and cooled with minimal reliance on mechanical systems and mostly reliant on natural resources like free solar energy. Fresh air is introduced through HRV's (Heat Recover Ventilators) and balanced exhaust systems. We are surprised at the number of clients who want certifications to prove that their home is really green.