TMC recommends the following approach to maximizing green building concepts, environmentally friendly practices and utilization of alternative energy systems. 

Passive Solar

• Locate project on site for best solar orientation
• Floor plan to maximize passive heating and cooling opportunities
• Overhangs and landscaping to maximize passive heating & cooling
  

Active Solar

• Projects to include value engineered Solar electricity systems
• Solar Hot water to be included
• Solar attic fans where appropriate
  

Wall Systems

• Wall framing to be 24” on center to minimize material costs
• Wall framing to be 2 x 6 construction for maximum insulation
• All bottom plates to be caulked and sealed to slab
  

Doors and Windows

• All specified door and window frames must be energy efficient
• Low E glazing is minimum requirement for energy efficiency
• Window upgrade options to maximize energy efficiency based on project budget
  

Insulation

• Wall minimum is R-23, Roof minimum is R-38
• Radiant barriers in attic for hot climates
• High quality weather stripping
  

Roofing

• Use light colored roofing in hot climates to reduce heat island effect
• Utilize skylights and sun tubes for passive day lighting
• Option to harvest roof and gutter rain water
  

Finishes

• Low VOC emitting paints, caulking and adhesives
• Low VOC emitting carpets and other finishes
• “Green” material selection when ever available
  

Plumbing

• Provide grey water waste piping
• All fixtures to be high efficiency and water conservation models
• On demand water heaters where appropriate
  

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

• Select high energy efficiency heating and cooling systems
• Incorporate fire places as heating units
• Attic fans, evaporative cooling and whole house fans where appropriate
  

Electrical

• All recessed can lighting to have compact fluorescent bulbs
• Lighting control systems
• Green Switch technology
  

Landscaping

• High efficiency and rain sensitive irrigation controllers
• Drip irrigation where ever possible
• Tree location sensitive to passive heating and cooling