The NC Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) sets up open-house tours where we can see the systems working, and see how they fit into the building's energy plan. Last year, we saw some interesting examples of passive solar design, where a house had been designed to capture the sun's warmth in winter, and keep it cooler in the summer. Also, we saw a lovely older home which had been renovated to include rainwater harvesting and many other green energy features.This is a way to explore options for your own home or business, whether you'd like to improve your existing home, or would like to plan a new design. It's really interesting to see the different systems in action. They have planned the tours to be as gas-efficient (and friendly) as possible. For example, in the Charlotte Tour, the site registration at the Government Center, 600 E. 4th St., offers educational literature and local green building experts for questions and answers, shuttle tours to the Discovery Place Green Roof, free parking, and refreshments.
Their self-guided tours run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. They include vegetative green roofs at the Federal Reserve and Discovery Place, solar photovoltaics (electric), solar hot water, and more. Six residential sites include features like solar electric, hot water, and pool heating; Energy Star, LEED, EarthCraft and HealthyBuilt Homes; and many other green building technologies.
Purchase tickets online at North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association. Ticket prices are $5 for members of NCSEA; $5 for students and teachers; $10 for non-members; and $15 for a carload. Children under 16 are free. For more information, contact Shannon Lingo, Charlotte Tour Volunteer Coordinator, slingo@energywisesolutions.net, or call 704-302-5926.
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