Focus on Energy: Site Planning for Saving Energy

branches are above the house’s eaves. Even with the leaves off, the branches block out a lot of the desirable winter sunlight. Site Planning for Saving Energy One large tree can get rid of as much heat as five 10,000-Btu air conditioners. by Alex Wilson Take a close look at a house built in Colonial times. Chances are, it incorporates energy-conserving features in its orientation, plantings, and other site characteristics. Our ancestors knew that by properly situating a house and protecting it from cold winter winds, they would have to cut and split less firewood. That kind of forethought makes just as much sense today. This column will review the three most important energy considerations in site planning: slope, orientation, and plantings. Following simple guidelines