By Lucy Stolzenburg, TXSES Executive Director
Since the mid 1990s, the Texas Solar Energy Society has partnered with Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) for the Cool House Tour. The self-guided tour presents the latest examples of sustainable and energy efficient design and construction for the hot and humid Central Texas climate.
Though this isn’t specifically a solar tour, it always features several solar installations. This year, our twenty-second, six of the eight homes and projects were solar powered. Three remodeled homes proved you don’t always need to tear down an old house, and one highlighted the challenges and rewards of making a historic home energy efficient and comfortable.
Three urban infill homes set sustainability standards for new construction, and one proved to be 16 percent more energy efficient than homes of comparable age and size. Northeast of downtown Austin, Whisper Valley captured the attention of the building industry with a community-wide geothermal system, solar panels on each home, and a wealth of programs to keep residents actively involved with an outdoor lifestyle.
It’s an honor to partner with Austin Energy Green Building, the first utility-sponsored program in the country to dedicate itself to teaching professionals and citizens the details of energy efficient design and construction along with how to choose appropriate products and appliances. AEGB has been honored with numerous awards, including the 2011 United Nations Habitat Scroll of Honour Award for being the first in the United States to lead the way in sustainable building practices and commercial construction, providing valuable electricity, fuel, water, and construction material savings.
The program ensures that buildings are energy efficient, thus making a positive, sustainable, durable contribution to the city. Today’s Energy Star and USGBC LEED programs were inspired and built on the groundwork of Austin Energy Green Building.
Take a look at some highlights of tour day. Many thanks to the architects, builders, developers, and contractors who have made a commitment to sustainability, and special thanks to the homeowners who opened their houses to curious visitors on a hot Sunday in June.
And as always, the Cool House Tour would not be possible without the selfless efforts of dozens of TXSES volunteers.
Images provided by Austin Energy.