Michael and Beth Yerke's house might look like any other home on Chicago's upscale North Side, but looks can be deceiving.
This home's cutting-edge energy infrastructure and high-tech green materials make it one of a kind—even in a city that's working hard to be the nation's greenest. The home stands alone as Chicago's first entirely carbon-neutral, all-renewable-power home—and its renewable energy system will pay for itself in about five years.
Designed by architect Patricia Craig, the stately 4,500-square-foot home meshes well with its neighbors, classic brownstone buildings in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. But the home is much more than just a pretty face, thanks to the involvement of David Dwyer, founder of American Renewable Energy, a company that designs, finances and builds renewable energy systems for homes, businesses and communities. Dwyer used multiple renewable energy sources and energy-efficient strategies to build the home to Energy Star standards and reduce its carbon dioxide emissions to nearly zero. (Carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels contributes to global warming.)
A geothermal energy system, complemented by a solar thermal array, provides the Yerke home with forced-air space heating, radiant in-floor heating, air conditioning and hot water. Several gas fireplaces help warm extra-cold Chicago winter nights, and the couple offsets the home's minimal electricity and natural gas use by purchasing carbon-emission offsets and renewable energy credits.
Green Energy Pays Off
Under the Yerkes' foundation, 22 loops of pipes, called geothermal wells, reach 80 feet into the earth and circulate a solution of water and glycol, a natural additive that absorbs heat and functions as antifreeze. In summer, heat from the air is pulled from the house into the water/glycol solution and transferred to the earth. In winter, the system works in reverse to heat the home.
A six-panel solar energy unit complements the geothermal system, providing heat for the home?s hot water and radiant heat to the basement floor. When Chicago winters get extremely cold, the solar panels add to the heat from the geothermal system.
Michael, who books shows for Chicago's House of Blues—a global entertainment company famed for its live music—and Beth, a graphic designer, chose their renewable-energy system based on the long-term financial benefits.
"David first laid out the costs of a traditional heating and air conditioning system versus the costs of the renewable system," Michael said. Dwyer said the annual operating cost of the renewable system, without adjusting for inflation, would be approximately $5,460 less than a conventional system. He emphasized that the renewable systems use no natural gas. "Natural gas inflation has been far more dramatic than that of electricity," Dwyer said.
Although the initial cost for the renewable system was greater, the Yerkes received a rebate from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity through a program designed to encourage renewable energy use. With the rebate and lower operation costs of the renewable system, the Yerkes' additional investment should be returned in four to six years. "After that, we're ahead of the game," Michael said.
Although they installed the system before their daughter, Carolina, was born, the couple now relishes how it keeps her basement playroom constantly comfortable with radiant in-floor heat. "We're very glad we chose this system," Michael said. "It's good for the environment, it's quieter and it saves us good money on heating and cooling."
Creating A Welcoming, Sustainable Home
With the energy infrastructure savings established, Michael and Beth focused on creating a sustainable, inviting interior. For the home's flooring, they chose responsibly harvested, Forest Stewardship Council-certified Brazilian cherry with an all-natural, nontoxic resin finish. The family room furniture is made from organic fibers and wood from locally discarded trees and, like the floor, features natural finishes.
Plush furnishings and multiple fireplaces make the entire home feel comfortable. "I wanted people to have places to land when they come in," Beth said.
Just as they enjoy the environmental and financial benefits of their house, the Yerkes also savor its warm, hospitable aspects. "My favorite features are the things that make it cozy and inviting—including the fireplaces and the lantern in front," Beth said.
Excerpted from Natural Home, a national magazine that provides practical ideas, inspiring examples and expert opinions about healthy, ecologically sound, beautiful homes. To read more articles from Natural Home magazine, please visit www.NaturalHomeMagazine.com or call 800-340-5846 to subscribe. Copyright 2007 by Ogden Publications Inc.
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