Regional Priorities

Not every building will go on to get LEED Certified. We understand that for some the LEED process may be too complicated or prohibitive for certain projects.

Given the unique climatic conditions of the Coachella Valley, we have prepared a list of green building priorities specific to our region. These regional priorities are focused on primarily on two areas: conserving water and keeping cool. Above all else, focusing on these two goals could drastically improve the buildings here in the Desert.

At the very least, every building in the Valley should embrace these sustainable design systems:

1. Cool roofs

Dark colored roofs absorb heat. A light or reflective roof can lower the temperature of your roof by up to 70 degrees and cut your cooling bills by 40%.

2. Reduction of heat islands

Extensive paving of a site stores heat and raises the temperature around a building by around 20 degrees above the ambient temperature. By avoiding impervious paving (black asphalt, concrete driveways), you can lower the temperature around the building. Reducing these heat islands could potentially save the Valley $20 million a year in air conditioning savings.

3. Desert-scaping/xeriscaping

Our special climate is hard on foreign plants. Large expanses of turf grass requires endless watering just to stay green. Skip the grass and plant native species plants. This desert-scaping is more beautiful and requires 80% less water.

4. Drip irrigation

The hot, dry climate of the desert evaporates over 80% of sprinkler water before it ever reaches the roots. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the roots, saving thousands of gallons per home per year.

5. Insulation & efficiency

We spend a lot of energy, money and effort to keep our buildings comfortable year-round. Conserve the energy you do use with simple energy efficiency techniques using insulation, caulking and weatherstripping. You can cut your cooling bills in half with the right measures.

6. Passive solar orientation

When planning a new building, don’t forget that the Sun provides heat. By shading, tinting or shrinking your south and west-facing windows, you can cut your energy use dramatically. Every building should be have a passive solar orientation.

7. Waterless and Ultra low-flow Fixtures

Waterless toilets and urinals save thousands of gallons of fresh drinking water per building per year. If you are leery of waterless fixtures you can use ultra low-flow futures, such as dual flush toilets or pint-flush urinals, save water without the worry.

8. Graywater

Why flush the toilets with fresh, clean drinking water at all? By saving up the soapy water from the laundry and showers, you can flush the toilets with that instead. Called graywater, it saves thousands of gallons of water per building per year. And it’s permitted here in California.

9. Solar Thermal

Our year-round sunshine is beautiful, but it is also powerful. Inexpensive solar thermal systems can produce up to 100% of the hot water in your home without any additional energy. You can heat your pool with free hot water too!

10. Solar Power

Lastly, clean, abundant and renewable solar power just makes sense. Install the panels on your roof and you can eliminate your monthly electric bill. Most residential installations pay for themselves in 5 to 10 years.