Resources for Sustainable Building

The Sustainable Building Program provides resources on sustainable building products, methods, and practices; a resource directory of regional businesses that provide local sustainable building services and supplies; as well as, a comprehensive listing of tax incentives for sustainable development and renewable energy.

Draft Sustainable Development Educational Booklet for the Residential Checklist

Sustainable Building Service Provider Directory

Final Tiny House Permitting Policy

Incentives for Sustainable Building

Sustainable Site Planning - Minimize negative impacts on sites by conserving and protecting natural systems including soils, plants, watersheds, and wildlife habitats. Maximize open space, accessibility, stormwater retention, community and transportation connectivity, and renewable energy opportunities.

Passive Solar Design
- Northern Arizona receives over 340 days of sunshine/year.
- With a relatively cold climate and so much sunshine, Flagstaff is an ideal place to take advantage of passive solar energy.
- By orienting your home according to the sun and using specific landscaping strategies, energy consumption for both heating and cooling can be greatly reduced.
- Below are sun angle diagrams that can assist in site planning for solar gain in northern Arizona:
  Site Planning Sun Angles
  Summer Solstice Winter Solstice
- Passive Solar Design Policy
Erosion Control
Stormwater
Low Impact Development
Invasive Species Management Brochure and Species-specific Management Guide
Xeriscaping, Native Landscape and Pollinator Habitat New!
Eco-Friendly Herbicides, Eco-Friendly Termite Control, and Integrated Pest Management New!
Wildlife-Friendly Fencing New!
Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition's Residential Lighting Tips
Firewise Communities® Firewise Information:

Building Materials - There are many methods and materials available to improve the quality, durability, and energy efficiency of your home, as well as, reduce its impact on the environment. The County does not recommend any method over another, but we have provided some resources to help you better understand the different materials that are available.

Energy (Conservation, Renewable)

Water Conservation & Reuse - Northern Arizona has an arid climate with limited water resources. The depletion of groundwater is an especially critical issue. Of all the resources we use, water is one we truly cannot live without. It is therefore important to incorporate water conservation measures into building design.

Indoor Environmental Quality - Carpets, paints, particle board, detergents, insulation, sealants and household cleaners can contain toxins that are emitted into the indoor air of a home or building.
Other concerns with indoor environmental quality can include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, radon, pet dander, mold, dust and pollens. Minimizing toxins and maximizing ventilation strategies are effective approaches to incorporating good indoor environmental quality in new and existing buildings.

Aesthetics

Aesthetic Sustainability Elements for Buildings New!

Waste Reduction - Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle

Construction and Demolition Waste Management Plan Template
Construction Waste Recycling Resources
What & Where of Recycling
Coconino County Building Materials Reuse Facebook group page (for giving away, trading, selling building materials) New!
Composting

Other Resources

Permitting Information