Did you know that Geothermal energy represents one of mans earliest forms of renewable energy? That’s right, since prehistoric times man has harnessed the inert insulating R-values offered by the earth. As Contemporary man we could learn a lot from our predecessors. By living in caves, early man was protected from the harsh brutality of all the earths other surprises. Not only were they sheltered from wind, rain, snow, cold, heat, and storms, but their bunkers also gave them security from other threats and predators.
As we evolved we departed the relative security of our underground homes to dwell in the comfort of Houses, apartment buildings, and condominiums. Perhaps there weren’t enough caves to go around, or maybe people didn’t want to live in the dark. Well geothermal energy is still available and I suspect it always will be. The good news is that we don’t have to live in the dark to enjoy the many benefits of living underground.
Underground Homes, otherwise known as Earth Shelters, are truly the most energy efficient homes available today as they utilizing all of earths comforting properties. However there are many ways to harness this energy while living on top of the earth. The future of geothermal energy is now! The uses vary greatly and include large scale energy production as well as individual home energy solutions.
The process of converting oil to energy is only 50% efficient while converting geothermal to energy is 80% efficient. The potential for this form of renewable energy is absolutely enormous. Modern day applications include:
Heat (in the form radiant floors)
Air Conditioning
Hot water
Swimming Pool Heating and cooling
And much more!
The common misconception is that these applications can only be used in new homes. The truth is that existing homes and their systems can be retrofitted to accept geothermal applications.
Industry and business would benefit dramatically with the implementation of Geothermal Energy Practices. Consider the food industry. There is an enormous amount of energy expended in the dehydration of food products as well as refrigeration. Industry that uses drying as a part of their manufacturing process such as lumber companies are prime candidates. Heating and cooling large commercial spaces or businesses that use an abundance of hot and cold water such as commercial laundromats would experience huge savings as well. The possibilities are endless. Home owners. CEO’s, managers and business planners alike would benefit greatly from retrofitting existing plants and operations, and those who are building for the future would see significant savings in both the short and long term. Geothermal energy accounts for over 9700 megawatts of electrical energy and that number is expected to climb fast. The earth holds an estimated 42 million megawatts of attainable energy at all times. In fact Sweden has the largest geothermal system in the world and has decreased it’s dependence on fossil fuels by 70% and is on track to be free of oil energy reliance by the year 2020.
If your ever traveling across the country side you may have the occasion to see a home built into the side of a mountain or someone parked on top of their house, it may seem odd at first but the truth is these underground homes are among the most energy efficient dwellings in the world.
There are many common misconceptions about Earth Sheltered or Underground homes. One misconception being that the homes are dark and claustrophobic. The truth is that a properly built home will have an open ended face which would have southern exposure. A dome style would have reflective light walls which disperse natural lighting to every part of the home. They often include skylights which magnify the the internal light and is referred to as co-linear. Another misconception is that interior air quality is poor due to the lack of ventilation. The implementation of Air exchange systems will demystify this myth and in fact the air quality is usually significantly better than that of a conventional building. Many people also believe that an underground home is cold. If you’ve ever lived in a home with a basement, then you would know that it stays warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. The earth acts as an insulator and maintains a mean temperature of 55 degrees year round. This is a geothermal property that saves thousands of dollars as well as preserving an abundance of fossil fuels. In addition to these advantages, earth sheltered homes can be built into the side of a mountain or other landscapes that would otherwise be unusable therefor preserving valuable farm land. Other advantages include:
Incredible structural integrity making them safe from hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, fire, earth quakes and other natural disasters
Preserving land (you can park on the roof)
A significant reduction in utilities and energy costs
Energy Tax savings and tax incentives
Insect invasion is a non issue due to impenetrable shell
Thieves and vandals will be less likely to target these homes because of the single open wall
pipes will not freeze
Exterior maintenance is almost nonexistent
The disadvantages are few. These homes are nontraditional and must be planned with extreme caution. A leak due to improper waterproofing can be a costly fix. Removing tens of tons of earth from the roof can add up to thousands. Another disadvantage may be resale value. Due to the unconventional style, buyer might tend to shy away. finally, until these homes become a little more mainstream, the initial construction costs are slightly higher than that of a conventional style home. That being said, the long term energy savings and tax incentives far outweigh that initial expense. With the implementation of Wind andSolar Power Generators and the incorporation of geothermal energy, it is probable that the owners of underground homes will live ‘Off The Grid’ never having to pay a utility bill again. These are green homes and are a true representative of sustainability. Energy for the Future and Global Warming: Geothermal Energy: Easyread Large Edition
Nestled on an expansive 15 acre site of historic significance, River Park at Raritan is Somerset County’s premier luxury apartment location. Imagine living along the pristine banks of the Raritan River and overlooking the Duke Estate with the convenience of being within downtown, two blocks from the New Jersey Transit and less than a 5 minute drive to the Bridgewater Commons Mall and historic downtown Somerville. River Park at Raritan offers unsurpassed amenities including a heated swimming pool, a fully equipped, state-of-the-art fitness and cardio center, an executive business center, outdoor tennis and basketball courts. Enjoy billiards in the clubhouse or relax partaking in our continental breakfast. There is also underground parking with elevator access. Rich appointments are found inside our homes with gourmet kitchens with European-style cabinetry and a full complement of appliances as well as full sized washer and dryers in each apartment home. Select from a wide array of choices and indulge in the newest high-end apartment community within the region. River Park at Raritan, where luxury and quality meets apartment living.
we finished waterproofing and backfilling an Earth Sheltered Home on February 10, 2009. this home is a custom design with a 3 car earth sheltered garage. www.daviscaves.com
$299,000
2 bedrooms, 2 full baths
1825 N Commerce St 100, Milwaukee, WI 53212
http://shorewest.com/1163451
For more information contact: Christine Caponigro
Email: ccaponigro@shorewest.com
(414) 844-1432
Shorewest – Elmbrook/Wauwatosa
11622 West North Avenue
Wauwatosa, WI 53226
School District: Milwaukee
MLS Number: 1163451
Property Type: Condominium
From the soft whisper of a lake breeze, a leisurely stroll along the Riverwalk or the stirring rhythms of Jazz in the Park this elegant BeerLine condo affords you an unrivaled location to embrace the absolute best of city living! From the moment you step inside, the light ,bright ambience of this unit will have you planning your housewarming party. Soaring 10 ‘ceilings, gleaming maple floors, & knock down plaster finish fuse with a professionally designed color scheme to create a chic residence filled w/stunning amenities! Gas fireplace! Maple cabinets, sleek stainless steel appliances, & miles of granite counters elevate the kitchen to a culinary art center! Ceramic tiled full baths! Master w/dual vanities & whirlpool. Walk in closets!2 underground parking spaces! In unit laundry. Home warranty!
A straw bale house in Wales
Anti-Flag – Spaz’s House Destruction Party – Underground Network
mini excavator on roof of Montana Earth sheltered home February 2009
Nestled on an expansive 15 acre site of historic significance, River Park at Raritan is Somerset County’s premier luxury apartment location. Imagine living along the pristine banks of the Raritan River and overlooking the Duke Estate with the convenience of being within downtown, two blocks from the New Jersey Transit and less than a 5 minute drive to the Bridgewater Commons Mall and historic downtown Somerville. River Park at Raritan offers unsurpassed amenities including a heated swimming pool, a fully equipped, state-of-the-art fitness and cardio center, an executive business center, outdoor tennis and basketball courts. Enjoy billiards in the clubhouse or relax partaking in our continental breakfast. There is also underground parking with elevator access. Rich appointments are found inside our homes with gourmet kitchens with European-style cabinetry and a full complement of appliances as well as full sized washer and dryers in each apartment home. Select from a wide array of choices and indulge in the newest high-end apartment community within the region. River Park at Raritan, where luxury and quality meets apartment living.
An easy “how-to” on the basics of beginning a straw bale garden.
This is a passive solar home.
we finished waterproofing and backfilling an Earth Sheltered Home on February 10, 2009. this home is a custom design with a 3 car earth sheltered garage. www.daviscaves.com
$299,000
