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Part 3 of 4. Presentation by Christian Grieco of the case study he undertook of renovating his tract home in Upstate NY to substantially reduce his family's carbon footprint by implementing a whole host of solutions that are available today.

Part 2 of 4. Presentation by Christian Grieco of the case study he undertook of renovating his tract home in Upstate NY to substantially reduce his family's carbon footprint by implementing a whole host of solutions that are available today.

Watching video "How to Approach Net Zero Energy & Drastically Reduce Your Carbon Footprint (1 of 4)"

A new paradigm is emerging. Consumption for consumption sake- the basis of the american economy is not sustainable. The linear nature of our people made environment can be replaced with a new way- a cycle of use and reuse. A new way, a better way.

Jim and Laurie live in the Mohawk Valley of Upstate New York. They built their home almost entirely by hand using all local materials. Timber frame construction with straw bale and masonry walls provide thermal mass and super insulation. The home takes advantage of the property geography by being built into the side of the hill (earth burmed) which greatly reduces the heating and cooling load. Jim and Laurie incorporated both active and passive solar systems. The home is off the grid- electricity is produce

Bob and Lisa Pett bought a traditional center hall colonial in 2003 that is located in Upstate NY. The Pett's concern about the upward trend of energy prices as well as their interest in cutting their carbon emissions lead them to install a solar electric system. The system is a 5.6Kilowatts with 33 solar panels and one inverter in the garage. The Pett's have made other energy conscious changes to their home including increasing insulation, installing an energy recovery ventilator, properly venting bathroom

Paul and Joanne Coons renovated a greek revival house making it energy efficient. In 2002 they installed pole mount photovoltaics then solar thermal panels to heat domestic hot water, a radiant floor system and their biodiesel processor. The Coon's manufacturer their own biodiesel to power their diesel car and to run a boiler for backup heat. This couple is taking action to substantially reduce their carbon footprint and do their part to slow the onward march of climate change due to human activities that a

This an updated edition to the orginal that was uploaded in Sept of 06. About 5 additional minutes of footage have been added David and Harriet built a passive solar house in Troy NY in 1981. The home receives 2/3 of its heat by the sun through south facing windows. Tight construction and good insulation allows the solar gain heat to stay within the building. This saves about 500 gallons of heating oil per year. Supplemental heat is obtained by burning 1 1/2 cords of wood through the whole heating season. T

his is the second edition incorporating additional footage. David and Sarah built a passive solar home in Upstate NY in 2002. Fifty percent of the heat the home needs is generated from the sun. Supplemental heat is obtained by burning 1 cord of wood over the entire heating season. All the needed electricity is produced by a 1 Kilowatt onsite solar electric system and a 1 Kilowatt windmill coupled with a battery bank to store power for when it is needed. This home is one of hundreds that open their doors eve