Use of renewable fuels, fuel cells, and photovoltaics can help homeowners achieve energy efficiency.

When building or planning to build you home, consider using fire resistance construction materials, especially roofing and cladding. Many property insurers offer premium discounts for these features.

Consider how you will benefit from LaHouse and explore the advantages of being recognized as a: Key Contributor, Key Partner, Key Ally, or Brick Donor.

Thank you to all our generous donors to LaHouse.

Taking steps to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems could help reduce your utility bills, and increase your comfort at home. Make Energy Star® smart decisions when it comes to your home’s heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, read here for important details.

The wind hazard zones for Louisiana are shown in the Wind Speed Map. Minimum design standards for wind loading have been developed by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and are referenced in the International Building Code and International Residential Code at the International Code Council (ICC) website http://www.iccsafe.org.

A great deal of moisture can move from the ground into and through a foundation and floor system, which can lead to decay, mold under flooring and high indoor humidity. To prevent these problems, keep rainwater away from the foundation with a 5% slope (6 inches/10 feet) of the grade around the house, prevent materials from absorbing water, drain groundwater with underground drainage before it gets to the foundation and allow the moisture in a foundation to escape.

Over the life of a product, more-durable and longer-lasting options are generally better investments. These options are also better environmentally because they reduce both solid waste and resource waste.

Using environmentally-friendly, or suitable "green" materials can curb the natural resource depletion and pollution when building or restoring your home. Learn how these materials can make your home durable, resource-efficient and more...

Use this checklist to explore and select features and components of a sustainable house in Louisiana.