2004 Closing the Circle Award Winner, Sustainable Design

The U.S. Army Proving Ground, Yuma, Arizona houses more than 1,700 military and civilian employees and hosts more than 10,000 visitors per year. These homes are inefficient and not sustainable. So, the office of Research and Technology Application decided to construct an energy efficient model home so that others would notice the benefits of sustainable housing and future housing would be modeled after it.

• Energy Efficiency: Yuma's model house features many energy efficient processes. Solar technology is used to heat the building, which is highly insulated so that heat does not escape. The home is constructed with structural insulated panels (SIPs) that are made of polyurethane foam. In order to cool the building, this home relies on strategic architectural shading. Windows are shaded with porch roofs and ramadas. Also, there is a high efficiency air conditioner and other energy star appliances, which reduce energy use so that this house will not use more than 20,000Btu/sf/yr.

• Water Efficiency: Because APG is located in a very dry climate, the model home attempts to conserve as much water as possible. APG installed low-flow fixtures and water-saving devices in sinks, showerheads, toilets, and dishwashers, as well as drought tolerant plants. When mature, these plants will be placed in locations that will provide either shade or sun where appropriate. All of these sustainable efforts have saved the model home money, energy use, and promoted environmental health. Yuma's house uses one third of the energy that an average home uses.

For more information please contact, Sue Ibrahim at (928) 328-3021 or Soheir.Ibrahim@yuma.army.mil.