Energy

1. Large areas of South-facing windows augmented with stainless steel reflectors to collect additional light, provide the bulk of the solar energy input for space heating. Operable insulation greatly reduces losses at night.
2. Four active hot-air collectors on the south are used
   
   to duct hot air to areas without direct southern exposure, and in some cases, to remote thermal storage bins.
3. Back up heat during cloudy periods is by high efficiency wood stoves (stored solar energy), with warm air being ducted to all rooms.
4. Solar Collectors for domestic hot water will be added in 2006.
5. Photovoltaic arrays will be added for a large portion of electrical demand in 2007. This will involve power sharing with the local utility.
6. Air-to-air heat exchanged fresh air systems will provide fresh air to guestrooms with minimal energy loss, and assured thermal comfort, in winter. Fresh air in summer enters through operable windows.
7. Thorough ventilation, in conjunction with fans, is the only cooling strategy required in summer at 1900 feet of altitude.
8. Extreme conservation measures have been built in to the structure to make the solar features effective and efficient.

Sustainability

1. The buildings are largely constructed of wood, mostly from local mills, and some of it recycled. Exterior pine siding, removed from one building, has been re-fabricated and used as an interior finish in all three.
2. All detergents, soaps, shampoos, and other cleaners are biodegradable.
3. Wood used for back-up space heating is grown on site, with a large enough woodlot for perpetual replenishment.
4. New exterior siding is of cedar with all surfaces stained for longevity, thereby obviating the need for frequent painting or replacement.
5. Herbs, flowers, and fruits used for jellies, are grown on site.
6. Fabrics are of natural fibers.