This northern California firm designs alternative construction systems -- strawbale, rammed earth, renewable energy systems and gray water. The firm uses non-toxic and recycled materials and replaced their computer servers with energyefficient systems that reduced carbon emissions by 5,000 lbs/year. Twice per year, they change the angle on their photovoltaic panels to provide both passive solar heating and cooling, as well as increased electricity output by 5 to 10%. In addition to their electric and biodiesel cars, they converted an AWD Audi to run on E85 ethanol. The company adheres to the Architecture2030.org challenge for their designs that sets greenhouse gas reduction targets for new and existing building construction. They received the Acterra Business Award for the Sustainable Built Environment and two AIA/COTE Top Ten Green Project Awards.
