Before (left) and after (right)
Earth Home Above Ground
Mike and Joan Gerard
This historic single-family home, built in 1894, was partially collapsed when the Gerards bought it in 1983 for $9,000. Today, with super-insulation and both solar-thermal and solar-electric power, the home is comfortable year-round with no furnace or water heater and an AC system 1/6 the size of those in neighboring houses. Spectacular views of the Gateway Arch from two roof decks are just some of many rewards for the owners’ resourceful hard work on this home. Read more
Before (top) and after (bottom)
Sustainable Rehab of Historic Properties
Patty Maher, Tiger Lily Development LLC
These century-old City of St. Louis homes are gut-rehabbed to both ENERGY STAR and historical standards. Through Patty Maher’s top-quality, job-generating structural work, they can last another century. They’ll consume half the energy of homes of this size and vintage, as they help to re-energize their historic neighborhood. Read more
Solar powers both house and car at the O’Rourke home
Net-Zero Energy Home
Steve and Maria O’Rourke
On a winding street in a typical 1960s suburban St. Louis subdivision, this single-family ranch-style home has had a super-efficiency overhaul of its energy systems, including installation of solar power. The owner’s experience as VP of a solar energy company facilitated project planning, smart use of energy incentives, and converting to driving an electric car that “runs on sunshine.” Read more