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DESIGN
FOOTPRINT & BUILDING HEIGHT
Determine your property footprint's developed to undeveloped ratio to accomodate habitat connectivity, rainwater and wastewater management. Use best practices listed below for building height.
1
Leave 50%+ of your property undeveloped and permeable to rainwater to ensure enough space for future maintenance and water management.
2
Elevate off the ground to reduce the impact of moving earth, reduce moisture, and improve ventilation.
3
Leave green areas that connect to neighboring habitat.
4
Designate space for a septic drainfield, where there are no trees or driveway and 30+ m from nearby wells or streams.
5
Limit building height to stay below the tree line and reduce light pollution.
ARCHITECTURE
Use architectural sustainability best practices for your design/build projects.
1
Build on an east-west axis with windows that allow cross-ventilation by northeast winds.
2
Use double-pane windows and avoid windows on the west-facing side to keep the heat out.
3
Include large roof overhangs (60+ cm) to keep the sun off windows and protect from rain.
4
Limit exterior lighting features, use motion sensors, low-mounted or covered fixtures to reflect light downward and reduce light pollution.
5
Include overhead fans in all spaces and limit enclosed spaces with AC units to save energy.
6
Include tall vaulted ceilings that are vented near the top of the wall to allow heat to escape.
7
Plan for grey or rainwater collection, solar energy, or a solar hot water heater.
PROTECT WILD BIRDS FROM WINDOW COLLISIONS
Add WindowAlert window decals to prevent bird collisions. WindowAlert window decals uses ultraviolet (UV) technology visible only to birds. WindowAlert decals are made of a UV coating that reflects UV rays creating a visible barrier for birds, aiding in collision prevention and contributing to conservation. WindowAlert decals ensures bird safety without compromising human visibility. Buy from WindowAlert or Amazon.
SUSTAINABLE NOSARA
YOUR GUIDE TO ALL THINGS SUSTAINABLE IN NOSARA