An information & news web site designed
to encourage
energy- and resource-efficient building practices & land use decisions
—with a focus on Ventura County.
“Smart building” covers everything from how energy-efficient your water heater is to how easy it is to walk to the nearest bus stop. It means making smart decisions to save money, save energy, stay healthy, and live more comfortably while also protecting resources for future generations.
Stories about “smart” projects from all over Ventura County
—from residential remodels to agricultural greenhouses,
downtown redevelopments to the County’s own Government Center.
We asked local energy efficiency expert David Inger of
VCREA and VCREC which energy saving upgrades offer the most
dramatic savings. Here’s his list.
Strategies for saving energy inside by keeping it cooler
outside. Step into the shade and save.
Solar water heating, passive solar design,
solar electric systems—everything under the sun.
How we design our communities and streets is just as
important as the design of each building. A look at current
smart land use planning strategies: compact development,
mixed use, complete streets and smarter parking.
The best time to plan for energy efficiency is to do it right
from the start. Ventura County Energy Resource Center
(VCERC), Savings By Design & California New Homes Program
offer expert advice to help you design energy savings into
your project.
Green building guidelines provide detailed standards for
energy and resource conserving buildings. These guidelines
are a great source of new energy saving ideas.
Certification programs objectively rate buildings according
to how well they have met established "green" standards.
Links and information about about various rebates and
tax incentives.
about build it smart!
Assisted by a grant from the Southern California Association of Governments,
the Ventura County Planning Department has joined hands
with local groups, businesses and individuals to develop the Build it
Smart web site. This site is a tool to help residents throughout the
county make sense of the multitude of new-and not-so-new-strategies,
techniques, building materials, and other products that make building
projects and land use decisions smarter and more ecologically responsible.
You'll find that the site gives extra attention to the issue of energy efficiency. Besides helping to address two pressing issues-climate change and rising energy costs-the energy efficiency measures featured here also end up being wise economic investments.
That's pretty smart.
