Just a quick report: the triple glazed windows really do make a difference! We have doubles on the south side, and while they do let in the heat during the day as planned, they also feel cooler when the sun goes down. By comparison, the triples are noticeably more consistent in their temperature. They don't get warmer with the sun, nor do they really cool when it is chilly out.

We are still waiting for the solar thermal to be hooked up, and should have something to report by the end of the month.

We are also waiting to hear back from the civil engineer who is calculating the irrigation efficiency for our landscape plan which was finalized last month. So far, the fifteen trees that we planted prior to Thanksgiving have endured abnormally high winds, and the rest of the low shrubs and perennials should weather this unusually warm winter just fine.

A review of the LEED Homes rating system is to come, as we are finalizing the documentation to submit for our LEED Homes certification. It takes time!

Solar thermal panels go up with the help of a crane. 

A red 4" red maple in the foreground, with two conifers behind, are some of the new plantings on the south side.

A River Birch will do well downslope of the house in an area that receives runoff from the slope.