learning how to make your home more sustainable is the first step towards environmental stewardship and energy independence. Whether you’re considering a new build or looking to retrofit your existing home, our resources will help you make an informed decision.
this site covers everything from electrification strategies and materials to wildfire protection and water use, all of which you can find on the Best Practices page Best Practices page. Some of these strategies have rebates to make them more affordable. And for those ready to connect with people who can help you update your home systems, visit the contractors page for a directory of local contractors ready to help you get started.
high-performance homes exceed building standards and are designed to be more efficient, durable, self-reliant, and comfortable than conventional homes. There are many approaches to creating a high-performance home, but all have major benefits to our quality of life.
scale down the square footage by utilizing space efficiently. An average home uses 0.45 kWh per square foot; the fewer the square feet, the less energy a house will require to run.
by incorporating the elements below, you can transform your living space into a high-performance home that maximizes its durability and energy efficiency.
design buildings to maximize natural sunlight for heating and lighting, with large south-facing windows and thermal mass materials to store and release heat.
use fire-resistant roofing, siding, and decking materials to reduce the risk of ignition and enhance the building’s resilience against wildfires.
use high-performance insulation materials with continuous install in walls, roofs, and floors to minimize heat loss while ensuring quality air sealing.
install electric heat pumps for heating and cooling, which are more energy-efficient than traditional propane systems and can perform well in cold climates.
equip homes with ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and LED lighting to reduce electricity consumption.
integrate solar photovoltaic panels to harness renewable energy, offsetting electricity consumption and reducing reliance on propane.
reduce irrigation frequency and improve efficiency to help decrease drastic water use, especially from July to September when irrigation water use is at its highest.
design landscapes using native, drought-resistant plants that require minimal irrigation. Use permeable hardscape when possible to reduce stormwater runoff.
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incorporate smart home technologies to optimize energy use, monitor indoor climate, and manage water usage efficiently.
Sign up for a free audit from NorthWestern Energy to identify how energy is being used in your home. Alternatively, perform your own energy audit.
Use high-performance insulation materials with continuous install in walls, roofs, and floors to minimize heat loss while ensuring quality air sealing.
Replace lawns with native, drought-tolerant plants and defensible space to drastically cut down on irrigation needs.
Update your schedule and inspect the system to ensure efficiency. Convert spray irrigation systems to drip irrigation. Install weather-based smart controllers and/or rain sensors.
Replace propane heaters with high-efficiency electric heat pumps for both heating and cooling, significantly cutting energy use.
Retrofit homes with fire-resistant materials and vent coverings to reduce vulnerability to wildfires. Don’t know where to start? Invite Big Sky Fire Department for a wildfire home assessment.
Air seal windows and doors. If necessary, replace old, single-pane windows with double or triple-glazed, low-emissivity windows to improve thermal performance and reduce energy loss.
Retrofit roofs with solar photovoltaic panels to generate renewable energy and reduce dependence on propane and grid electricity.
Integrate smart thermostats, energy monitoring systems, and water meters to optimize energy and water use, and provide real-time data for better resource management.
protecting your home while you're away
heading out of town? Make sure your home is efficiently set up while your gone. Click below for our comprehensive Idle Home Checklist designed to help you save energy, reduce costs, and protect your home while you’re away.
interested in landscaping?
check out Alpenscapes, Big Sky’s go-to resource for creating appealing, alpine-appropriate landscapes that are fire-safe, water-wise, and ecosystem-friendly.
