SolarTerra Design LLC

For information about sustainable building technologies, systems and principles, please contact us at info@solarterra.com

Research authored by SolarTerra Design LLC

2006 Central Arizona
"Green Building" Survey Results

PDF File

Living Off-Grid: Solar-efficient, Resource-efficient and Enjoyable

PowerPoint - PDF File

Home Design Considerations When Incorporating Sustainable Systems

PowerPoint - PDF File

Resource Links for product, technology, organization and government research

U.S. Green Building Council, the nation’s foremost coalition of leaders from across the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work.

DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, DOE's Building Technologies Program works to improve the energy efficiency of our nation's buildings through innovative new technologies and better building practices.

DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency), a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency

Home Power Magazine, a web site and magazine dedicated to renewable energy systems with hands-on articles

Mother Earth News, the original guide to living sustainably

Co-op America's National Green Pages, a source of companies committed to acting socially and environmentally responsible and offering "green" products and services

The Natural Home Building Source, a source of energy efficient appliances and products

Gaiam, a source of solar energy and sustainable living information and products

The Natural Step, an international organization that uses a science-based, systems framework to help organizations and communities understand and move towards sustainability

Environmental Organization Web Directory, a web directory of international environmental organizations and companies

Local Philosophy, an online guide to living a sustainable lifestyle and a source for finding fresh local foods and sustainable businesses near you

Books for background and reference

These books have been useful resources for our architectural and systems design, as well in understanding how to do business more sustainably. Click on their image or title to check their availability and read reviews at Amazon.com.

Patterns of Home: The Ten Essentials of Enduring Design, by Max Jacobson, Murry Silverstein and Barbara Winslow, ISBN: 156158696X

Passive Solar House: The Complete Guide to Heating and Cooling Your Home, by James Kachadorian, ISBN: 1933392037

The Solar House, by Daniel D Chiras, ISBN: 1931498121

The Natural House, by Daniel D. Chiras, ISBN: 1890132578

Adobe and Rammed Earth Buildings, by Paul Graham McHenry, Jr, ISBN: 0816511241

Serious Straw Bale, by Paul Lacinski and Michel Bergeron, ISBN: 1890132640

The Natural Plaster Book, by Cedar Rose Guelberth, Dan Chiras, ISBN: 0865714495

Photovoltaics: Design and Installation Manual, by Solar Energy International, ISBN: 0865715203

Solar Water Heating, by Bob Ramlow, ISBN: 0865715610

Wind Energy Basics, by Paul Gipe, ISBN: 1890132071

Achieving Energy Independence - One Step at a Time, by Jeffrey R. Yago, ISBN: 0966933605

Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands (Vol 1), by Brad Lancaster, ISBN: 097724640X

The New Create an Oasis with Greywater, by Art Ludwig, ISBN: 0964343398

The Natural Step for Communities, by Sarah James and TorbJorn Lahti, ISBN: 0865714916

The Natural Step for Business, by Brian Nattrass & Mary Altomare, ISBN: 0865713847

The Deep Economy, by Bill McKibben, ISBN: 0805076263

The Ecology of Commerce, by Paul Hawken, ISBN: 0887307043