by Jennifer Walker

Created on: June 20, 2010   Last Updated: December 02, 2010

America is becoming more environmentally conscious, and as a result many people are looking for new ways to reduce their impact on the planet—and saving money on energy usage is just a bonus. While using solar panels and insulation are practices that have been in use for a long time, something that is increasing in popularity is green, or sustainable, architecture: designing a home or building in a way that is friendly to both the environment and the pocketbook.

“Truly green architecture means that our children’s children’s children’s children will have the same opportunities that we have in a healthy world,” says Doerr Architecture principal and founder Thomas Doerr.

Green Home Designs can be Affordable and Beautiful

Doerr, a Certified Green Points Architect in Denver, Colorado, started his firm because he wanted “to save my clients’ money, health and hopefully our planet.” He is well educated to do just that. He began his first internship in 1983, and since that time he has spent time as the chair of the Colorado chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on the Environment, plus he wrote the Green Architecture Checklist for Residences and edited the Green Architecture Checklist for Commercial Buildings.

In addition, he was an assistant editor of the Rocky Mountain edition of The Sustainable Design Resource Guide. He continually updates his knowledge with the latest information by attending conferences, and he teaches architectural design at The University of Colorado.

Doerr does green architecture renovations and original designs, working closely with clients to create unique homes and buildings with features that express the client’s individuality while saving resources—such as in the Finch House in Denver, Colorado, where the lines of the home reflect the passion of the ceramicist who lives and works inside.

These buildings harness the sun’s energy to reduce dependence on fuels, saving money and the planet’s resources. In addition, they are designed to keep wanted heat in and unwanted heat out, saving money on heating and cooling bills.

When your home is easier and cheaper to heat or cool, you will be able to keep it at a comfortable temperature all the time, which will make you and your family happy. Because no oils are used in the heating and cooling of the home, there are no toxins released that can compromise the inhabitants’ health.

Doerr green

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