Beyond energy, there is habitat, and the life and resources it sustains. Homes have a substantial and often negative impact on the local ecosystem,  but with a little care and planning this impact can be reduced and even reversed. Build habitat and conserve water by minimizing lawn and planting native and adaptive plant species. Take it a step further by exploring xeriscaping.

Use your roof to collect rain water which can be stored in cisterns or rain barrels for periods of draught. Create bioswales and rain gardens to recharge groundwater supply, and replace impervious driveways decks and pathways with permeable materials to prevent rainwater runoff. Install rain sensors and utilize seasonal adjustment features on your sprinkler system to avoid unnecessary watering.