eco-friendly Projects
Green Roof [project page]
The green roof reduces the footprint of the house to control the water runoff problems often generated by impermeable surfaces and negates spikes in heating/cooling demand. Further research is still needed into the quality of water leaving the soil and the impact of green roofing on the urban heat island effect.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) [project page]
Growing concern for the environment has caused a rise in what has come to be called "green building." The United States Green Building Council has been developing over the past 4 years the "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design," or LEED green building rating system, with the purpose of accelerating the implementation of green building practices and establishing a standard for the certification of environmentally conscious buildings. The rating system is based on credits awarded in 6 categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Innovation and Design. The Home Depot Smart Home intends to achieve a Platinum rating.Photovoltaic System Design [project page]
The Home Depot Smart Home photovoltaic system will tie together PV modules, batteries, a flywheel, charge controller, and an AC inverter for selling power back to the grid. Multicrystalline and thin-film modules will face true south and reside at a tilt angle of Durham’s latitude of 36° in order to maximize annual output. Initially, power consumption will cover 20 percent of The Home Depot Smart Home demand but could increase as we experiment with newer technologies utilizing monocrystalline material or laser-etched photovoltaics.
Recycling [project page]
Automated sorting and compacting of the entire range of recyclable materials will make recycling more convenient and efficient in The Home Depot Smart Home. Weight and dimensions distinguish a discarded object so that it can be distributed into the appropriate container. The compression mechanism can withstand pressure of 400 pounds in compliance with local recycling centers. Reclaimed water cleans and drains the compactor while not in use. The prototype was designed to reasonably fit within a dishwasher-sized kitchen cabinet. The ability to use this station as a one-stop-shop for both recyclables and general trash makes recycling more convenient and more likely.
Site Context, Landscaping [project page]
The natural environment can both conserve and protect our landscape, giving it greater resistance to stress and drought, saving money and resources. Xeriscaping takes into account the regional and microclimatic conditions of the site, existing vegetation and topographical conditions, the zoning of plant materials according to their water needs and the placement of water pervious materials to minimize runoff and increase infiltration.
Water Catchment, Purification/Rainwater Harvesting [project page]
A rainwater catchment system reduces the amount of potable water used in irrigation and common household purposes. Grey-water systems isolate black-water, leaving gray-water available for reuse. Research is underway for new techniques of UV treatment rather than residual chlorine purification.