Green Buildings Open House
The Green Buildings Open House Tour is an annual event held the first weekend in October. Sponsored in conjunction with the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) regional Green Buildings Open House and the Ithaca Green Building Alliance, this event draws hundreds of participants from around Tompkins County, the region, and even neighboring states. In any given year more than 30 sites have been highlighted, ranging from commercial to residential, natural building to LEED-certified. In 2009, this event won a Tompkins County Signs of Sustainability Award for its success at promoting sustainable living and a Tompkins County Tourism Grant for its efforts to bring in outside visitors to the area.
The 2012 tour will take place on October 13 & 14, with a special pre-event presentation Friday, October 12. Go to the 2012 Ithaca-Area Green Buildings Open House page for complete details. We hope you can join us and get inspired!
There's a map here for the 2012 Open House Tour; Saturday sites are marked with yellow pins, and Sunday sites are marked with blue pins.
Below you will find a slideshow of sites from years past.
Last Updated: October 8, 2012
Photo 1 of 17
The use of local materials, even stone from your own land, is an integral part of green building.
Photo 2 of 17
An unfinished room displays the use of clay plaster.
Photo 3 of 17
A classic timberframe and strawbale home in Trumansburg.
Photo 4 of 17
INHS renovates homes to be affordable and has done several that are Energy Star and LEED certified.
Photo 5 of 17
Green building extends beyond the walls of the home to the landscaping and surrounding land.
Photo 6 of 17
Green building creates a comfortable and healthy environment that stimulates a sustainable lifestyle.
Photo 7 of 17
Under construction, the intricacies of a new home can be seen.
Photo 8 of 17
A close-up of a timberframe.
Photo 9 of 17
A homeowner gives a group talk in front of her solar panels.
Photo 10 of 17
A home in Brooktondale built from rammed earth tires is a unique example of green construction.
Photo 11 of 17
Ithaca College's Park Center is pictured behind Mark Piepkorn, the 2009 highlighted speaker.
Photo 12 of 17
Minimizing water usage and using efficient appliances are two ways to make your kitchen "green"!
Photo 13 of 17
Truth windows in straw bale and rammed earth homes show the actual materials used to build the home.
Photo 14 of 17
By using non-toxic materials and reducing energy use, renovated homes can be just as sustainable as new homes.
Photo 15 of 17
Interiors that include local lumber and post and beam construction are both aestheitcally pleasing and ecologically conscious.
Photo 16 of 17
Living roofs insulate a home, minimize energy costs and are beautiful to look at it!
Photo 17 of 17
The Troll House at the Ithaca Children's Garden was built with straw bales and volunteer labor. Stop by!
