1/10/2008 7:40:00 PM LEEDing the way in building green homes
Courtesy/Catalyst Architecture LLC
This sketch shows the plans for Katie Cannarella’s eco-friendly home in Talking Rock Ranch.
PRESCOTT - Matthew Ackerman believes people's opinions about environmentally-friendly homes are changing.
Ackerman, an architect at Catalyst Architecture, thinks the downturn in the market, along with the international spotlight on unsustainable living, has people looking at different ways they can live in harmony with their environment.
"What we're finding is not only do people want to do something different, but they are interested in the community impact of it," he said. "We want this to be an expression of our values and concerns."
Katie Cannarella is one of those people.
Cannarella and her husband are working on the design of a 2,200-square-foot environmentally-friendly home in Talking Rock Ranch.
Her attempts to live in a green home began roughly 30 years ago while she lived in the Mojave Desert area of California.
That was where Cannarella spent time on two former residences to use solar energy, incorporate natural stone, use a wood stove for heat and minimize disturbing the surrounding vegetation.
Plans for the Cannarellas' new home include eliminating forced heating and cooling systems, installing radiant flooring for heat and possibly installing solar panels.
Cannarella is not bothered that initial costs could be higher than those of a traditional home.
"Even if it costs us more, this is what we want to leave behind, so to speak, for our family and grandchildren," she said. "Basically, we're being responsible."
Cannarella is looking to build a home that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design specifications.
Ackerman is the first LEED-certified professional in the county, and he explained that it is a flagship program of the U.S. Green Building Council.
The program is attempting to set national standards for environmentally-friendly buildings.
Ackerman is working on the Cannarella residence, which could be the first home of its kind in the community.
Ackerman said a green or LEED home can look like any other home.
"It's a matter of shifting priorities," he said.
Contact the reporter at jsoifer@prescottaz.com
Reader Comments
Posted: Thursday, January 17, 2008
Article comment by:
Robert Raudebaugh
I found the article interesting and am glad the Courier is printing articles of this kind. However I didn't find the article very substantive. I am building a green home in Williamson Valley and have already taken the first several steps in getting it LEED certified. It is one of the 50 pilot homes for developing the LEED for homes process, and I am now officially a LEED certified builder. I would be more than happy to have you take a look at our project and would be willing to answer any questions about the process should you be interested.
Posted: Friday, January 11, 2008
Article comment by:
Matthew B Ackerman, LEED AIA
Jason: Thanks for the article and exposure on this important topic. Public interest in The LEED for Homes program has far exceeded expectations. In Arizona, the USGBC expected about a half-dozen homes to participate in the initial LEED for Homes pilot program. As of the end 2007– according to Richard Zimmerman, the LEED for Homes 'certifier' for our area– there were over 1,900 homes on track for LEED certification across the state. Nationally, a total of only 125-150 homes were expected in the pilot program, by the end '07 there were well over 11,000 units registered with the USGBC for certification. These numbers not only indicate a much greater interest in the LEED program in particular, but seems to show much deeper concern for our environment in general than many might expect. This is very encouraging.
