Although this book sets the parameter for energy efficiency in the building's envelope, many other factors can add up to a more efficient home.

1 - Only God can make a tree
2 - Anything worth cutting a tree down for is worth doing well.

Home Design

  If possible - Design your home with the garage or closets on the North wall to buffer against the North wind and cold.

Framing

  Framing at 2 foot centers - will decrease amount of materials used and will also decrease thermal transfer points in the wall system.

  Be sure to check engineering and load bearing positions to ensure proper construction.

Water Heaters

  Place electric water heaters without legs on 2" of extruded styrene, not on a concrete floor. Seems logical but not often done.

Tape the joints of your ductwork

  By taping the joints where all of the sections of ducting are joined, loss of heated air will be minimized. This one simple procedure will pay you back over and over in heating dividends. When the heat is transported to the place where it is intended, with the desired pressure, the home's air pressure will be positive, thus slowing the infiltration of outside air. By getting the air to the areas where it is needed, your home will be more comfortable and energy efficient.

Use the sun to heat the areas used the most during the day

  If you think about it, this makes a lot of sense. Design your home to take advantage of the sun's heat and also natural lighting. Rooms that are used the most during the day should have larger windows for solar gain. These windows will also give you more natural light, decreasing the use of electricity.

Install a programmable thermostat

  You may say, I'll remember to turn down the thermostat before I go to bed or leave for work, but if you're like most of us, we forget or get off of routine and it doesn't happen on a continuing basis. A programmable thermostat will save you money automatically without you having to even think about it again.

Salvage !!!

If you are just working around your place, building a small outbuilding or a large home, by salvaging as many materials as possible for the project you will save money, and reuse something that is destined for the landfill. Besides, it's fun.

Buy food at your local farmers market

  By purchasing food at your local farmers market, you are adding greatly to your community and the health of the environment. Food produced locally is often times grown with minimal or no chemical use and is fresher and tastier than that shipped hundreds and thousands of miles to our tables. Supporting your local market strengthens the local economy, decreases the emission of greenhouse gases, saves fuel, increases the likelihood of genetic diversification and supports further growth of organic production. It is also a very enjoyable experience.