Why Look Globally?
We can gain a lot of valuable information by looking at what other countries and communities do to address universal issues such as green building and sustainable living. It is important to use global examples so we can learn tips and tricks from other cultures and lifestyles that we would have never thought of on our own. Looking at other communities for this issue is even more relevant if we look at communities that are geographically similar to western Montana. This way we can gain valuable inspiration that is successful in places similar to our own.
Western Montana’s Defining Characteristics
We all know western Montana is a beautiful, unique, and complex place to live. These are some of the characteristics that define western Montana and allow us to compare our home to other regions around the world:
- Semi-arid climate
- ~15 inches of annual rainfall
- 4 distinct seasons
- 3,000-3,500 feet above sea level
- 46˚-49˚ N latitude
- Extensive mountain ranges
- Coniferous and/or Boreal Forests
Global Examples with Similar Characteristics
Portugal
Similarities to western Montana:
- Similar elevation
- Comparable climate
- 4 distinct seasons
Example
Bragança, a city with harsh winters and mild summers, utilizes south facing windows to help naturally heat their homes in the cold winter months. By positioning windows in such a way, more solar radiation enters the home and less electricity/gas is required for heating. In warmer summer months, blinds and shades can block out the unwanted rays to help keep homes cool.
India
Similarities to western Montana:
- Long, hot summer days
Example
Studies in India have shown that vegetative shading around homes can decrease temperatures by 10°-15°F by blocking solar radiation. This technique would be helpful for the hot summer days in western Montana. Check out https://www.mtnativeplants.org/ for native Montana species to plant in your yard for shade!
Germany
Similarities to western Montana:
- Mountainous region
- Similar temperatures
- Similar seasonality
Example
In Germany they have designed high performance homes that reduce energy consumption to less than 5.5 % of a comparable home. They do this by providing high quality insulation, keeping the house air tight to reduce heating or cooling escaping, positioning windows to maximize solar radiation, and using heat recovery ventilation to keep the energy in the house. This concept shows how to build high performance, sustainable housing in another first world country with seasonal climate. Visit this website to learn more about Germany’s Passive House designs.
Australia
Similarities to western Montana:
- Similar average rainfall
- Semi-arid climate
Example
A project in Australia, the Illawarra Flame House, demonstrates how a home can be retrofitted with green features. This old fibro-house was renovated with solar panels, a rain water collection system, grey water recycling, energy efficient appliances, and an advanced building management system. The home in now net-zero and a leading example of green retrofitting. This is a good example of how people in western Montana can update their older homes without having to start from scratch. You can learn more about the Illawarra Flame Project here.
South Korea
Similarities to western Montana:
- 4 distinct seasons
- Similar temperatures
Example
Unsangdong Architects designed a home that uses modern technology to maximize efficiency and sustainability. Some features of their E+ Home are green roofing design, solar panels, heat recovery ventilation, and advanced air filtration. This example demonstrates how a smart design can make your home more efficient and sustainable. Moving forward, perhaps western Montanans might take to these green designs for their homes.