Adaptive Re-Use, is changing the use of something we no longer need into something new that we now need. Whether it be the up-cycling of old materials for a new purpose, or changing the function of an existing building—we are making the most of that which we already have, rather than sending the old stuff to landfill and manufacturing new items.

Air-Tightness is defined as the resistance to inward or outward air leakage through unintentional leakage points in the building envelope (cracks, holes, etc.). An airtight building, when combined with an appropriate ventilation strategy will result in lower heating and cooling costs, prevent mold and rot and create a more comfortable indoor space due to fewer drafts.

Passive Solar design refers to the use of the sun’s energy for the heating and cooling of living spaces. In this approach, the building itself, or some element of it, takes advantage of natural properties of materials and air created by exposure to the sun. Examples include operable windows placed for optimal heat gain in winter, shading devices and smart insulation.

Thermal Mass is a property of a material’s ability to absorb, keep, and release heat. Thermally-massive building materials such as concrete have a high capacity to absorb and store extra heat, often from the sun, which is dispersed into the occupied space when the ambient temperature falls below that of the Thermal Mass. Most materials which will absorb excess heat, will also absorb excess humidity. Thermal Mass materials act as temperature and humidity flywheels, reducing indoor temperature and humidity fluctuations without the use of energy.

Green Roof systems refer to the partial or complete covering of a building’s roof. Well-selected plants in a suitable growing medium spread out over root barrier and drainage layers, installed over the roof’s waterproofing membrane. Automated irrigation systems can also be integrated for ease of maintenance. Green Roofs contribute to the reduction of urban heat island effect, storm water retention, rainwater filtration, roof membrane protection, and to keeping a building cool through evapotranspiration.

Proper window shading will allow optimal solar heat gain in the winter, while limiting unwanted solar heat gain during the summer. Deep overhangs have several important functions: they can protect exterior doors, windows, and siding from rain. They can shade windows when solar heat gain is undesirable. And they can help keep basements and crawl spaces dry.