About This Blog
Those who know us, know that Nina and I are big U2 fans. So it seems appropriate that we would use U2 lyrics as a name for this site. Thanks U2, again, for helping us express our thoughts.
This blog is about the environment and a house we have build that is environmentally friendly. The environment is shared by everyone, so one persons actions affect all others. Those who care for the environment provide a benefit, and those who cause harm impose a cost on everyone. There can be no free rides. In order for us to pass along a healthy planet to our kids and theirs, everyone has to do their part, we have to carry each other.
Our homes use a tremendous amount of natural resources to construct and maintain. Heating and air conditioning burn huge amounts of carbon based fuels. Water is often wasted. Even in Chicago, where people tend to take water for granted, water levels are dropping and states are working to protect water rights. Materials are used with no consideration about where they originate or how they are harvested. Homes are designed to maximize square footage, even though many rooms in today’s designs go unused.
Our goal was to build a home that had a minimal effect on the environment. Through careful design, thoughtful use of materials and technology, we tried to build a house that will have a low impact throughout its life cycle. This project is not just about carbon dioxide and global warming. It is about recognizing that our natural resources need to be conserved, or we will lose them. It is about recognizing that many of the things people do are not sustainable and we need to find a better way to live with our planet.
Our guidelines for the house are those established by the US government’s LEED program. Refer to the US Green Building Council site. Our home is currently in the review process. We are hoping for a platnium level.
We built this house in order to show people what is possible. The technology exists to build and renovate house in a way that will minimize negative effects on the environment and create healthier living space We think it is time that owners, developers, builders and architects started using this technology.
This blog will describe what we have done, choices we have made and the costs and benefits of these choices. We want this blog to be a place where ideas can be shared. And we hope this blog inspires you. There are many ways to do something positive, we hope you find your way. As we tell our kids, “make good choices.”
Judy Storey said,
August 9, 2008 @ 9:23 pm
Matt and Nina:
This is so exciting . . . I look forward to your updates and maybe even photos??? Just thought I’d give you something else to work on!
Namaste
Judy
Peg Cartier said,
December 3, 2008 @ 2:41 pm
I am so excited to watch your home being built. Thank you for sharing how you came to start this project and how you are going about it. (I look forward to understanding why the windows don’t seem to match).
John Miller said,
March 16, 2009 @ 2:32 am
Hi, I live on Laurel and drive by your project regularly, which is why I looked this site up. I agree with Judy, you should put some pictures of your house up to show its progress as it is a very interesting looking house. I look forward to reading about your progress. Good luck with it!
Peg said,
July 1, 2009 @ 6:18 pm
I keep looking for an update. Was the grage issue resolved? When will the house be completed? It is looking really great!
matt said,
September 1, 2009 @ 1:42 am
Peg, Sorry for the slow response. Seems I am not a great blogger…yet. Request for garage variance was turned down. Kind of an uncomfortable situation for all involved. I really believe the Village let us and our neighbors down on this issue. Anyway, its done. Changes to garage are almost complete. It will conform with code. Whether it looks better??? House is done. Landscaping is being completed which will include the garden roof, which we are excited about. Thanks for your interest and comments.
Matt