21 Mar Pat & Dale Bulla – Living Green, pt. 1

Pat & Dale Bulla are two of Austin's best environmentalists. They’ve been featured in dozens of publications for their award winning, home-based efforts in energy conservation, water conservation, electric transportation, nature-scaping, habitat restoration, and green gardening.

When it comes to living out a faithful conviction to caring for the creation, Pat & Dale have wisdom to share. In part one of this series, we share Central Texas energy conservation tips implemented by the Bullas when building their most recent home.

Energy Conservation

• Chose a lot with many trees and good orientation; saved many trees and planted more native trees for diversity and for shading house and driveway.
   
• Picked an environmentally friiendly architect, who was very conscientious about energy efficiency, to design our 2,300 square foot home; ditto homebuilder. 
   
• Utilized passive solar design and have no west windows and large roof overhand for sun protection in summer. 
   
• Utilized radiant barrier and excellent insulation. 
   
• Installed 7 ceiling fans, one in every major room.

• Utilized great deal of natural light from well placed energy efficient, casement windows with low E glass; window placement allows for breeze flow-through and “chimney” effect.

• Utilized great deal of fluorescent lighting (including “natural light” color and also the larger 4100 Kelvin fixtures reflecting onto ceiling).

• Used high efficiency gas heating, 96% efficient, and electric air conditioning unit, 16 SEER.

• Utilized programmable thermostat.

• Use all “Energy Star” appliances, including refrigerator, dishwasher, front-loading washing machine, and any new appliances we purchase.

• Wash most clothes most of the time in cold water.

• Use dryer on “heat” for some wash loads; for many “hanging clothes” just toss briefly on “air dry” and then place them on hangers on a rod in laundry room or else on rod under stairs outside to dry.

• Occasionally do some summer cooking in small toaster oven or crock-pot outside kitchen.

• Added PV solar panels with City grant program, 5.1+ kW system.

• Added metal roof when hail damage required roof replacement.

Pat & Dale Bulla are members of First Unitarian Universalist Church in Austin, the Interfaith Environmental Network (IEN), and the IEN Energy Action Team.