xeriscaping - Sustainable Builder Blog

Elements of a Net Zero Home in Texas

By Build NATiVE | September 4, 2014

There are six key ingredients to a net zero energy home. Learn more about how to achieve net zero energy usage with proper orientation, responsive envelope design, rainwater collection, solar power, and more.

Turf War

By Build NATiVE | April 23, 2012

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image media=”102100″ media_width_percent=”100″ shape=”img-round” uncode_shortcode_id=”136294″][vc_column_text] There is something about the ubiquitous suburban lawn in a place like Texas (or much of America west of the Mississippi for that matter) that is unequivocally silly. Depending on conditions, a 25-by-40-foot yard can drink up to 10,000 gallons of water each summer. In places like central Texas, lawns…

The 5 Ingredients of Net-Zero Homes

By Build NATiVE | April 3, 2012

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image media=”102133″ media_width_percent=”100″ uncode_shortcode_id=”833362″][vc_column_text] A full understanding of net-zero housing implies a recognition that the homebuyer is paying for a comprehensive and complete building up-front. This includes all the energy and utility costs that he or she would have paid for on a monthly basis throughout the life of that house. While the mortgage will…