© 2024 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.
2128 Red Rose Way
OFFERED AT $1,695,000 NEW LISTING
Your Mesa Realtors
1427 Kenwood Road
2bed/2bath (easy modification to a 3 bedroom) single-level home with mountain and city views. Enjoy the with vaulted ceilings, an updated kitchen, living room fireplace, and dual-pane windows/sliders. The features a stainless steel Viking stove and dishwasher. The second bedroom is over-sized, as it was previously
329 San Ysidro
Offered at $3,250,000
1547 Shoreline Drive
Offered at $7,995,000
Welcome to your next home located in the highly sought-after Mesa neighborhood of Santa Barbara! This is a very well-maintained property that offers a great mix of comfort, style, and a touch of ocean vibe. This home is perfect for anyone looking to live near the beach and walking distance to grocery, shopping, and restaurants.
1553 Shoreline Drive Offered at $3,495,000
The spacious backyard features a large deck and natural landscaping. This backyard is ready to be transparadise. There is plenty of room for lawn, fruit trees, jungle-gym, trampoline, and more. Towering over a gorgeous oak tree providing wonderful shade over the deck. This home is located on a very quiet, tucked away cul-de-sac at the end of Kenwood Road. Attached 2-car garage with interior access.
privacy on this fabulous Montecito estate. Resting at the property is a charming Craftsman style home circa 1912. Today, it modern amenities, and still charm. Located in MUS.
OFFERED AT $998,500
Rare ocean front estate on the Mesa! This spectacular 4bed/4.5bath ultra-luxury property boasts ~5,100+ sq. ft. of living space resting on over 1/2 acre of prime California coastline. Enjoy unparalleled ocean views from every corner of this contemporary home. Must see in person!
The house features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The kitchen and bathrooms have all been beautifully updated.
The kitchen is at the heart of the home, making it easy to cook and entertain at the same time. You’ll also enjoy some nice peeks of the ocean around the house, adding to the beachside feel. There is a finished detached 2-car garage, giving you plenty of room for parking and storage.
1/2 acre ocean front lot! This is a once in a life time opportunity to purchase a vacant piece of ocean front property located in one of Santa Barbara’s most desirable neighborhoods. Build your dream home to the exact specifications that you desire. Panoramic ocean views! The Richardson Team
Mike and Kyle Richardson Team@mrrealtors.com
Mike and Kyle Richardson Team@mrrealtors.com
805.963.1704
805.963.1704
www.mrrealtors.com
www.sbrealtor.com DRE
#00635254 + #01902531
Tips and Tricks with Statement Stone
Statement stone or stone that is the focal point is the darling of interior design trends these days. Solid stone slabs (one continuous piece of stone) are widely used for kitchen and bathroom countertops. But statement stone, which often has a lot of contrast, movement, and veining, is being used as the material for both countertops and backsplash, installed all the way up the wall in lieu of backsplash tile.
Using a solid slab of natural stone, such as quartzite or marble, as both the countertop and backsplash creates, to me, a distinguished and elevated look. If you’re thinking of updating your kitchen and bathroom and want to add statement stone, here are a few tips to consider:
Timelessness
Adding large stone slabs is an ment, so be sure to first decide on the overall look and feel that you want to create. If you’re seeking the “wow” factor and want visual impact, consider slabs that have a lot of movement, contrast, and veining. However, if you prefer a more serene vibe, then select a stone that is muted or has less contrast or veining.
In addition, finding colors in the stone that will work with the other elements in your home including furniture, artwork, hardware finishes, and flooring for years to come is important. If you’re drawn to the look of statement stone but not sure you want to commit to it on such a large scale, try buying a remnant piece to use as a tray or add as a top to an accent table.
Resale Value
If you’re making some updates to your home and plan to move or sell it in the next few years, think about whether you’ll be able to make back your investment. If your home is valued on the lower end of the market, investing in marble slabs throughout your kitchen and bathroom may not pay off. To appeal to a wider audience, consider adding stone that is lighter in color and has less veining and contrast.
Cost
The cost of natural stone slabs, as well as fabrication and installation fees, makes this a design element that can be on the pricier side relative to other aspects of a bathroom or kitchen remodel. A great way to save some money is to search for remnant pieces, especially if adding natural stone to smaller areas like a bathroom vanity countertop or fireplace hearth.
Use
When adding statement stone to your home, it’s also important to think about how that area will get used and which material you’re installing. Whereas marble is certainly beautiful and timeless, it is porous and will stain more easily than quartzite or granite, so a marble countertop in an active kitchen may not be the best choice. Granite and quartzite are also more durable when it comes to heat, so think about heat resistance when selecting the materials that will be installed near an oven range, stovetop, or fireplace.
Balance
Lastly, there is such a thing as too much stone. If you add a bold, high-contrast stone in your open-concept kitchen, let it be the focal point by not adding elements that visually compete with it. Adding one statement stone to your kitchen island and a different one to your kitchen backsplash may look overdone.
I’d love to see how you’ve added statement stone in your home! Tag me on social media @vacayrentaldesign!
Christine S. Cowles is the owner of Vacation Rental Design, an interior design company specializing in short-term rental properties. She is a certified Short-Term Rental Stylist™, member of Real Estate Staging Association, and a proud WEV graduate. She can be reached at hello@vacayrentaldesign.com.
Los Olivos Modern Victorian Farmhouse: Nestled on nearly an acre of land, this exquisite residence offers a harmonious blend of countryside tranquility and modern luxury. Conveniently located within walking distance to the quaint town of Los Olivos and all of its restaurant and winery offerings, this fully fenced property boasts a serene ambiance with mature trees, fruit orchard, and grape vines.The modern Victorian Farmhouse has recently been renovated from top to bottom with meticulous attention to detail, the home showcases a new roof, new siding, new windows, fresh paint, and gorgeous wood floors throughout, exuding timeless elegance at every turn.
805.722.8480
cimme@villagesite.com
DRE 01745878
980 VISTA DE LA MESA DRIVE OFFERED AT $2,850,000
2632 CLINTON TERRACE OFFERED AT $1,749,000
Susan
9097
988 COYOTE ROAD
981
831
39
805.896.3002
billreed@villagesite.com
DRE 01155355
915 VISTA DE LEJOS DRIVE OFFERED AT $2,300,000
3730 STATE STREET #125 OFFERED AT $1,850,000
David
805.296.0662
david@villagesite.com
2615 FOOTHILL LANE
229 MOHAWK ROAD
OFFERED AT $4,250,000
3400 LOS PINOS DRIVE OFFERED AT $3,895,000
1221 DE LA GUERRA ROAD OFFERED AT $2,595,000
805.895.4744
gary.welterlen@villagesite.com
DRE 01894704
6248 GUAVA AVENUE
OFFERED AT $1,295,000
281 VALLEY STATION CIRCLE OFFERED AT $1,135,000
5900 ENCINA ROAD #3 OFFERED AT $699,000
7401 FIGUEROA MOUNTAIN ROAD, LOS OLIVOS CA 93441
True serenity is found nestled in the tranquil landscape of Los Olivos. This exquisite ranch spans 152+/- acres of pristine beauty, offering breathtaking panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see. Immerse yourself in an off-the-grid country lifestyle just 20 minutes from Los Olivos.
The main residence is a single-story open floorplan featuring natural slate floors, a stone fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows, and beamed vaulted ceilings.
The property includes a charming cabin that pre-dates the main home and current owners, but which might provide some interesting possibilities.
For the horse enthusiast, there is a spacious center aisle barn with workshop and tack room, along with turn outs and pastures for grazing. The horse and rider will also relish the riding or hiking trails throughout one's own ranch.
The ranch offers self-sufficiency with solar electric, its own water well fed by mountain underground springs, and good cellular and internet services.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the year-round creek, abundance of wildlife, and adjacent public lands offering unlimited outdoor activities. The property is protected by the Williamson Act, ensuring lower property taxes and forever privacy due to development restrictions on adjoining properties.
Experience a little taste of Montana, Wyoming, or Idaho within a reasonable drive from Los Angeles, the Bay area, or Santa Barbara. World-class restaurants, wineries, shopping, and highly rated private and public schools are located nearby, offering the perfect setting to raise a family, enjoy weekends and holidays, or embrace a life of peace and harmony full-time.
4BD
4230Casey.com
BRADY
SANTA
5BD
PATTY
2787 Painted Cave Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
$949,900 | 4 bedrooms/ 2 bath | 2034 sqft | 6,534 sqft lot | Custom built - 1971
Come experience the serenity of the painted Cave community. Nestled on the cool side of the mountain with panoramic views of the East Camino Cielo Mountains during the day and breathtaking views of the star-painted sky at night. Perfect views from the deck and inside the home, with no neighbors in front of the home. Plenty of parking as the home sits back from the road and boasts a 4-plus car garage. Additional living quarters with separate entrances. Huge workshop and extra storage space. Miles of beautiful mountain trails for avid hikers and bikers. Experience the beauty of the Painted Cave Community. First time on the market by the Family of the original builder.
Explore the ease of our Virtual Tour and Virtual Open House services at Channel Cities Realty Group! With our virtual tech, buyers can tour properties from anywhere. Our Virtual Tour gives a detailed inside view, and our Virtual Open House offers live guided tours by our agents. It’s simple and convenient. For more info, email us at jrtcalibroker@gmail.com or call 805-796-5221.
Welcome to Channel Cities Realty Group!
We’re not your typical real estate firm. Our goal is simple: to make selling your home easy and stress-free. Whether you want lots of help or prefer to do things your way, we’ve got options for you. We’ll work together to find the perfect solution that fits your needs. Join us and experience real estate made simple.
John R Thompson
805-796-5221 DRE
Thinking of Selling?
Just Listed | 2335 State Street
Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara, this captivating Spanish-style home offers an unparalleled blend of charm and character that has been lovingly cared for by its second-ever owners for over 50 years. Step inside to find hardwood flooring throughout, complemented by multi-point crown molding in the living room and dining room, evoking a sense of grandeur at every turn. Custom stainedglass accents adorn the home, with intricately crafted insets in the kitchen cabinet doors adding a touch of bespoke elegance.
Vintage wall sconce light fixtures illuminate the space, casting a warm glow over the vintage details that define this home. The living room features a built-in China cabinet, perfect for displaying treasured heirlooms, while a cozy breakfast nook invites you to start your day in comfort, surrounded by built-in cabinets for added convenience.
Unwind by the masonry fireplace complete with a wood mantle and builtin niche, creating the perfect ambiance for cozy evenings at home. Enjoy private balconies off the South-facing bedrooms, offering serene views of the surrounding hills, while an entertainment deck on the side of the house provides the ideal setting for outdoor gatherings.
The two-car garage conveniently located with driveway access off Junipero Street provides direct access to the expansive basement below, offering endless possibilities for car enthusiasts, workshop space, storage or additional living space. The lower level also features an office with a separate entrance, presenting ADU potential for those seeking flexibility in their living arrangements.
Ideally sited between Uptown and Downtown and located in the Peabody School attendance area, this home offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy all that Santa Barbara has to offer.
Offered at $1,995,000 2335StateSt.com
CARE4Paws Celebrates New Mobile Clinic
On March 23, the beloved nonprofit CARE4Paws hosted an event at La Lieff Winery to share with supporters its game-changing mobile clinic, which it launched last August after a capital campaign raised $330,000 for the unit.
The 65 supporters enjoyed a reception with wine and appetizers and got to tour the new 37-foot clinic, which sports a double surgery suite, a separate area for dental care and other medical treatments, and kennel space. With the immense demand for its services, CARE4Paws continues to use its two much smaller and older clinics as well, enabling them to do 30 surgeries on a typical day, mostly spay and neuter procedures, along with administering vaccines and other medical care.
The mobile clinic is CARE4Paws’ largest program, operating throughout the County, with a consistent appearance in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Grover Beach and frequent service in other locations, including parts of S.L.O. County. The nonprofit’s aim is to ensure that neither cost nor transportation are barriers to pets receiving care. The clinics are staffed by paid veterinarians and technicians and a volunteer team.
During the program, Executive Director Isabelle Gullö explained that CARE4Paws’ mission is to prevent pet homelessness by providing spay and neuter procedures and by providing a safety net for pet families in need. “We are bad at saying no,” she mused, in regard to the range of services they provide, always wanting to find a solution so people can keep pets in their homes.
In an interview, Gullö related how in the past few years, pet owners have been faced with general economic strain and higher veterinary fees, causing an increase in the number of pet owners unable to afford vet care.
Cost isn’t the only issue driving an increase in demand for its services. There is a shortage of veterinarians and vet technicians in the county, which has led to demand from pet owners who can afford vet care, but can’t get timely appointments. CARE4Paws’ priority, Gullö related, remains serving low-income pet families, but the nonprofit tries to assist as many pets in need of urgent care as it can, regardless of income level.
Every day, CARE4Paws receives multiple requests for critical care. When it is unable to meet a pet’s needs because
of geographic, time, or scope of service factors, it funds care at its partner vet clinics and emergency care facilities that provide discounted rates. A special CARE4Paws donor fund, the Albus Fund, enables this, but demand is rising and funds are limited.
The assistance CARE4Paws provides significantly helps local shelters inundated with animals. “As many families struggle to keep their households afloat, a vet bill or other pet-care costs can be the reason a pet ends up relinquished to a shelter,” Gullö shared. “CARE4Paws intervenes in this crisis by providing safety nets that keep pets in their homes and with the people who love them.”
CARE4Paws is also a critical resource for the homeless population. Many unsheltered individuals refuse even temporary housing if they cannot bring their companion animals with them, Gullö related. Fortunately, two new shelters, Hope Village in Santa Maria and La Posada in Santa Barbara, will allow pets, and CARE4Paws has entered into a partnership agreement to provide free veterinary services and grooming services to residents. In addition, for dog owners, CARE4Paws will offer animal behavior assessments and dog training as well as training sessions for staff and residents on how to interact with pets.
Also, BridgeHouse Emergency Shelter in Lompoc, which allows registered emotional support dogs and service dogs, is partnering with CARE4Paws to provide training for resident owners and other residents. According to Director of Homeless Services Brian Halterman, this hopefully opens the door to allowing other dogs in the future. In reflecting on these opportunities for homeless individuals to attain shelter with their pet, Gullö remarked, “We are excited about this beautiful shift in our community.”
Every Thursday, CARE4Paws continues its distribution of pet food and supplies to homeless pet owners in Alameda Park and hosts special events to serve homeless pet owners.
Last year, CARE4Paws’ mobile clinics provided care to 17,500 dogs and cats. It performed 2,700 spay/neuter procedures, a range of other medical care, vaccines, microchips and more. The nonprofit is incredibly efficient, according to Board Chair (and CPA) Chris Harris, operating leanly with no brick-and-mortar facilities. About 85 percent of its $2 million budget goes to clinic operations.
CARE4Paws also distributes pet food to low-income and homeless individuals year-round. Since the start of the pandemic, it has provided more than three million pet meals.
CARE4Paws continues to rely on the community to fund the critical services it provides. It also relies on volunteers and especially needs foster homes for its Safe Haven Domestic Violence Assistance Program, which arranges for immediate, anonymous foster care for pets of domestic violence victims.
OPEN HOUSES
San Roque
3427 Chuparosa Dr, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat 10-4 & Sun 11-4, $2,395,000, Village Properties, Marcia Ribeiro / Cara Gamberdella / Cimme Eordanidis / Nicole Powers 805245-4550 / 805-680-3826 / 805-722-8480 / 925-548-1305, DRE#02203936 / #01766267 / #01745878 / #02185632
460 Foxen Dr, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $2,495,000, Berkshire
Hathaway HomeServices
California Properties, Lyndsey Jones 805-680-2856, DRE#02125898
3417 Chuparosa Drive, 2BD, 2.5BA, Thur 11-1 & Sat 1-3, $2,695,000, Village Properties, Gabe Grandcolas 805-450-4723, DRE#02136492
345 Canon Drive, 4BD, 3.5BA, Sat 2-4 By Appt & Sun 2-4, $3,295,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Robert Heckes / Ferenc Hodosy 805637-0047 / 805-452-7516, DRE#01723319 / #01012341
1727 North Refugio, 4BD, 4.5BA, Sat 1-4, $4,600,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Meagan Tambini 805-448-4285, DRE#01348412
The Mesa
922 Fellowship Road, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 1-4 & Sun 12-2, $2,595,000, Village Properties, Julie Barnes 805-895-9498, DRE#01107109
1530 Shoreline Dr, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 1-3, $3,795,000, Berkshire
Hathaway HomeServices
California Properties, Dan Crawford 805-886-5764, DRE#01923245
The Riviera
1260 Ferrelo Rd, 4BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $3,550,000, Douglas Elliman of California, William Turner 805-708-3236, DRE#01935111
821 & 823 E Pedregosa St, 7BD, 6BA, Sat 1-3 & Sun 12-3, $4,500,000, Village Properties, Scott Tisdale 805-722-8582, DRE#01729503
900 Moreno Rd, 4BD, 5BA, Sat 2-5, $4,595,000, Berkshire
Hathaway HomeServices
California Properties, Jacob Delson, Bartron Real Estate Group 805-558-7251, DRE#02041682
Santa Barbara
333 Old Mill Rd Spc #235, 2BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 12-4, $775,000, For Sale By Owner, Frank Beeler 805-512-2123, DRE# N/A - FSBO
12 W Constance Avenue #4, 2BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $995,000, Village Properties, Shawn Poindexter 805-826-1762, DRE#02222632
4400 Shadow Hills Cir Unit L, 2BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 2-4, $1,395,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Andrea Ruhge 805895-5862, DRE#01965484
1317 Salinas Pl, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 1-4, $1,595,000, Berkshire
Hathaway HomeServices
California Properties, Beth Goodman, Bartron Real Estate Group 805-455-1909, DRE#00966870
3736 State Street Unit 109, 2BD, 2.5BA, Sat & Sun 12-3, $1,670,000, Village Properties, Curtis Swan II 805-607-9709, DRE#02049218
2685 Montrose Place, 2BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 2-4 By Appt, $1,779,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Robert Heckes 805-637-0047, DRE#01723319
1026 Sandpiper Ln, 3BD, 3.5BA, Sat 11-4, $2,295,000, Berkshire
Hathaway HomeServices
California Properties, Stefan Stojanovski 805-570-0640, DRE#02112629
4400 Meadowlark Ln, 6BD, 5BA, Sat 1-4, $2,395,000, Berkshire
Hathaway HomeServices
California Properties, Laura Drammer 805-688-1794, DRE#01209580
2038 Cielito Lane, 3BD, 3BA, Thur 4-6, Fri 1-3, Sat 11-4:30 & Sun 1-4:30, $2,395,000, Village Properties, Ryan Kell / Pam Shalhoob / Gregg Leach 805220-0848 / 805-895-9190 / 805-886-9000, DRE#02224217 / #02053975 / #01005773
3126 Calle Mariposa, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $2,475,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Sina Omidi 805-6897700, DRE#01944430
1260 Northridge Rd, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 1-3, $3,275,000, Berkshire
Hathaway HomeServices
California Properties, Anderson Hurst Associates 805-618-8747, DRE#00826530
4613 Via Rubi, 4BD, 4BA, Sat 12-2, $3,595,000, Berkshire
Hathaway HomeServices
California Properties, Brittany Arntz 805-680-5946, DRE#02055307
3940 Paradise Road, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 2-4 By Appt, $3,850,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Robert Heckes 805-637-0047, DRE#01723319
Upper East
532 E Arrellaga St Unit A, 1BD, 1BA, Sat 1-3, $849,000, Village Properties, Marilyn Moore 805689-0507, DRE#01255085
Montecito
1369 Danielson Rd, 6BD, 6BA, Sat 1-4, $6,375,000, Berkshire
Hathaway HomeServices
California Properties, John F Comin 805-689-3078, DRE#00662357
819 Ashley Road, Land only: $4,750,000, Complete Build By Appt Only, $14,950,000, Berkshire
Hathaway HomeServices
California Properties, Bartron Real Estate Group 805-563-4054, DRE#01005021
Carpinteria
3375 Foothill Road #412, 1BD, 1BA, Sat 1:30-3 & Sun 10-5, $720,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Tara Toner 805-451-4999, DRE#01957054
3375 Foothill Road #632, 1BD, 1BA, Sat & Sun 12-3, $750,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Mark Moseley 805-570-0363, DRE#00771422
3375 Foothill Rd Unit 233, 1BD, 1BA, Sat 1-3, $889,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
California Properties, Vanessa Shotwell 805-448-5307, DRE#02071607
Santa Ynez Valley
295 Antares Ave (Lompoc), 3BD, 2BA, Sat 12-2, $595,000, Village Properties, Lisa Allen 805-7053460, DRE#01242652
185 Main St, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat 12-3, $979,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
California Properties, Vivien Alexander 805-689-6683, DRE#01421934
1570 Mountain View Dr, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 1-3, $1,195,000, Berkshire
Hathaway HomeServices
California Properties, Dave Salgado 805-688-5717, DRE#01209580
1203 Harris Drive, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 12-3, $1,249,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Brenda Cloud 805-901-1156, DRE#01772551
708 Main St, 3BD, 3BA, Sat 12-3, $1,450,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Carole Colone 805708-2580, DRE#01223216
1190 N Refugio Rd, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 10-12, $2,150,000, Berkshire
Hathaway HomeServices
California Properties, Laura Drammer 805-448-7500, DRE#01209580
2620 Janin Way, 5BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $2,175,000, Berkshire
Hathaway HomeServices
California Properties, Daulton Wolf / Cheylin Mackahan 805757-6797 / 805-212-9344, DRE#02202805 / #02104724
2550 Grand Ave, 3BD, 3BA, Sat 12-2, $2,695,000, Berkshire
Hathaway HomeServices
California Properties, Nina Stormo 805-729-4754, DRE#01341678
990 Fredensborg Canyon Rd, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 1-3, $2,695,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California
Properties, Kelly Mahan Herrick 805-208-1451, DRE#01974836
Realtors: submit your open house listings at INDEPENDENT.COM/
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SALES
Sustainable Measures for Decarbonization
Carbon naturally cycles through our environment in many ways, from the carbon in the carbohydrates we eat and metabolize into energy to the wood-chip mulch on garden beds that gets metabolized by soil organisms. Generally, nature is a system that keeps carbon-based energy tied up in cycles.
For hundreds of thousands of years, human activity remained in balance with this carbon-energy cycle. Even when we burned plant material, there was still enough new plant material to pull that carbon back out of the atmosphere. Modern society, as we all know, has fallen out of balance producing too much carbon by burning fossil fuels on a massive, continuous, and global scale.
Because we extract and burn reserves of ancient hydrocarbons faster than the environment can cycle them back into living tissue, or feed active creatures, we have this imbalance. Too much carbon dioxide stored in the atmosphere (“greenhouse gas”) traps excessive heat, which leads to
Earth getting warmer.
Construction, as well as the daily use of buildings, also produces a lot of carbon dioxide. The term “operational carbon” refers to the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere from a building’s utilities heating, cooling, lighting, etc. Design strategies such as mindful building orientation with respect to the seasonal trajectories of the sun, incorporating wellinsulated building material, efficient electric equipment packages, and solar panels, and making considered planting choices, can each significantly reduce operational carbon.
Additionally, a lot of carbon dioxide is released through the production and transportation of the materials used to construct the built environment socalled “embodied carbon.” Steel, aluminum, plastics, and cement are a few of the worst offenders, not to mention the exhaust produced in transportation and the waste that goes into current building models.
Recycling, repurposing, and reducing
construction waste along with utilizing locally produced materials are great ways to reduce the embodied carbon that goes into a built space. Other strategies include using materials that pull carbon from the atmosphere and put it into buildings.
Some possibilities for sequestering carbon in the built environment include: replacing steel beams with heavy timber made from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood; building with natural building materials, such as hemp-
Natasha Elliott, LEED is a member of the American Institute of Architects’ Santa Barbara chapter. For more info about AIASB, visit AIASB.com.
PROVIDING 5 STAR
crete, strawbale, and cobb, and plantbased building materials such as wood, hemp, cotton, straw, and cork, which are grown and harvested responsibly, are nonextractive, and work within nature’s carbon cycling system.
By sustainably growing and harvesting plant-based building materials, we pull carbon from the atmosphere and embed it in buildings. In this way, we can develop the built environment with carbon cycles that more closely match pre-industrial carbon cycles.