The house, located in McLean, Va., was built to show how far green technology has come. A few of the elements that help make the 4,000 square-foot structure carbon neutral include a geothermal system for heating and cooling, a solar hot- water system, solar panels and wind turbines to generate on-site electricity, LED lighting, low-flow water fixtures as well as a rain-water capture system, structural insulated panel construction and a green roof system.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, approximately two thirds of greenhouse gases come from commercial and residential buildings. The average house produces twice as many greenhouse emissions as a car.
The Green House will be open for tours from Oct. 10-30. For more information, visit CharityWorks GreenHouse.