Through the successful design and construction of several net-zero energy homes since 2005, Ecofutures Building refined the methods, techniques and technologies necessary to achieve net-zero energy.  Ecofutures is now offering this set of skills and knowledge to new home builders, remodelers, homeowners and community planners nation-wide.  This new service falls under our net-zero and high performance home consultancy.

We are here to help homeowners and business owners construct and retrofit buildings that are as green and net-zero energy as occupants want them to be.  In short, we are here to help homeowners build for the 21st century.

Consulting by Ecofutures may be comprised of a variety of diverse components, like:

Architectural Plan Review  passive solar gain  optimal site orientation thermal envelope design & assembly  effective moisture management renewable energy systems integration fossil fuel-free heating and cooling  healthy indoor air quality green & sustainable construction materials calculating & offsetting carbon emissions

Solar Site Analysis
Because the key to building for net-zero energy is in building orientation to harvest as much "free" solar energy as possible, site selection is one of the most important decisions in planning your project.  Unfortunately, we know that it can also can be the most overwhelming decision.  To alleviate the stress of choosing a site or retrofit package, we will be available to visit one, or many, building sites with you.  During our visit we will use a variety of tools to analyze natural conditions to inform and transform the project's design.

Optimizing HERS Scores
Particularly for projects located in Boulder County - where stringent BuildSmart rules apply - the HERS rating process can often be time-consuming and overwhelming.  Our extensive experience working with HERS raters and the rating process has given us the skill set necessary to ensure that HERS models are as accurate as possible, and that the optimal package of modifications are selected to lower the HERS score without compromising project goals or budget restrictions.

Mechanical System Design
Integrating renewable energy into the home's heating, cooling and ventilation systems is possibly the second most important aspect to designing and building for net-zero energy.  We have experience working with a wide variety of technologies and feel confident that we can help you and your builder select the best-fit technology package to make your home affordable for many years to come.

Adapting Designs for Occupants with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity 
Building and remodeling for homeowners with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is extremely difficult; it requires vigilance at every stage in design and construction.  We are experienced in working with MCS and can suggest a wide array of materials and methods that are known to be acceptable to those who suffer from MCS.  More information about this disorder and the related symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome can be found in our commercial retrofits page, Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality.

Healthy Indoor Air Quality Guarantee
TIn many new home projects, the design process begins with a goal of building a safe and healthy home, but after many subcontractors have come and gone, the initial indoor air quality safeguards have gone out the window.  In reality, to guarantee the home is built to the highest standards of building health, a supervisor should be present on site before every new subcontractor sets foot in the building to verify no toxic materials are used, and no substitutions are made that can compromise the project.  Through mechanical systems design, interior finishes specification, on-site supervision and in many other ways, we can help make sure your home is not only environmentally friendly and comfortable, but also safe for you and your family.

And much more!

Costs for this service will depend on the size and complexity of your project; typically this will be between 1% and 2% of the total construction budget.

Contact the Ecofutures office for more information:
303-415-9694
info@ecofuturesbuilding.com