Lead the nation in Sustainable Solar Neighborhoods!

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Lead the nation in Sustainable Solar Neighborhoods!
Nov 11, 2012 Chris G13	12 23 8

Now that housing prices seem to be on the rise, we should work with housing developers to plan the next generation of sustainable homes that lead the country in efficiency and innovation. Not only will this stimulate the building economy, it will also attract people to our city. Homes should be affordable and super energy efficient, like some "net zero" models that some builders advertise. Targeted areas could be both in fill lots that are vacant, areas where old vacant structures exist, or new developments in areas like North Phoenix or the Desert Ridge area. Features could include: standard solar panels, sustainable materials, affordable price range, passive solar design, ability to send excess power back to the grid for credit or even operate off the grid, as an option. In fill area homes could be smaller and more modular for fast construction, while sustainable neighborhoods in North Phoenix could have a more standard appearance. Make these developments a shining example to our country as a way that Phoenix stands out, is looking to the future, and is putting people back to work!

8 Comments

by Trent R1 We could put these not only on homes, but on the roofs of business and government buildings as well. Provide covered parking with solar panels on top and run the electricity into the building.

Nov 14, 2012 at 1:46 AM
by Patrick B4 As a complement to this idea, here's my modest solar proposal:
http://www.myplanphx.com/shaping-phoenix-s-future/get-serious-about-solar-energy

Nov 12, 2012 at 3:13 PM
by Derek H1 This would happen naturally if we would repeal minimum parking requirements, repeal maximum density requirements, make roads pay for themselves 100% instead of only 65%, desubsidize gasoline, add the cost to our health of gasoline usage into the price of gasoline (up to $1600 per person annually), add the environmental cost of carbon into the cost of energy, add the cost of the urban heat island effect caused by a roof into the owner's property taxes, repeal the mortgage interest deduction, and so on.

In other words, by increasing freedom and correcting market failures to make the free market more efficient, people will naturally choose to live in a sustainable neighborhood.

Nov 12, 2012 at 11:55 AM
by Patrick B4 It doesn't have to be equal dollars, but could still be given equal priority in planning new right of way and retrofitting old right of way.

Nov 12, 2012 at 4:45 PM
by Derek H1 Giving bicycle and pedestrian projects each an equal share of transportation dollars as cars would do a lot of good, but that's also a lot to hope for.

Nov 12, 2012 at 3:35 PM
by Patrick B4 Small steps: I'd settle for prioritizing car, foot, and bike traffic equally in our planning. It would simultaneously enhance neighborhood quality of life and promote more urban/sustainable development throughout the city. Not all of Phoenix needs increased density at the moment, but we can clear the way to more connected and livable neighborhoods.

Nov 12, 2012 at 2:14 PM
by Patrick B4 The suburbs will always beat us at being suburban. I say we make some serious efforts to promote a different style of building within these city limits.

Nov 11, 2012 at 10:23 PM
by Wesley H1 What exactly is a 'sustainable home'?

Nov 11, 2012 at 6:09 PM

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