[Greenbuilding] energy, dryers and shutters

[KMJ Buckley]

I’ve been hanging out to dry for 12 years—prompted by a move to France where initially we had no dryer. Eventually we realized we didn’t need one, whether in a house or a condo in US. 
1. Regardless of where we live, there is always one room that works best—that and sun, of course. Towels are an issue—hang out on windy days. But one thing no one mentioned—the clothes last so much longer. It’s amazing. And I second small loads. The French climate was warmer than the Northeast but lots of rain—wash with the weather. 
2. Look to old solutions, pre central heating. Window shutters closed every night are practical, not simply decorative, and we immediately feel the heat difference. In the summer, it does the opposite: close during the hottest part of the day if you are home or close before leaving for work. And, of course, shutters are good security. 
3. Get to know the house air flow before renovation. Encourage or block but remember corners in linked rooms when the corner will be regularly used (bed, desk, seating).
4. Know the winter wind direction before placing the house or adding windows on renovation. Again, in France many of the southwest houses have roofs nearly to the ground on the prevailing wind side. Initially, of course, this was where the animals were and their heat helped heat the house. I wouldn’t go that far but the roof slant is more important than we may think (getting a planning dept to agree may be an issue).
5. If on acreage with trees, when possible look at older trees for wood construction. Trees quit being a carbon sink after early growth and cutting a tree then using the wood keeps the CO2 “encased” until it burns or rots.
Thank you, Kati 

 

Kathleen Buckley
Journalist
TelFR +33 (0)5 62 09 50 76
TelUS +1 707-307-7770

Read the news: more than fruity, juicy or corked.
       
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