An image of a home and the home has: Large area of glass to trap radiant energy from the sun Automated louvers for cooling when needed Solar panel to generate electricity Solar collector to heat water Well-insulated timber-framed walls Small windows to reduce heat loss Trees on south and west sides for summer shade Besides the image of a home, the following text is written: Solar panels Solar panels use the sun’s energy to generate electricity for the home. The panels are made up of a series of linked photovoltaic cells. Light from the sun releases electrons from silicon atoms in the cells, producing an electric current. Rechargeable batteries can store electrical energy to provide power when there is no sunlight. Illustrations of solar panel, rechargeable battery, entertainment or communication appliance, air conditioning system, heating system, cooking appliance, electric circuit, and lighting are shown. An illustration of wood stack is shown where wood siding, stud frame, plasterboard, and insulating material are marked. On the left side of this wood stack, the following text is written: Wall insulation Wood is a natural insulator, so timber construction reduces heat flow through the walls. Filling the wall cavity with insulating material seals the walls against drafts, and greatly reduces heat loss. An illustration shows a home and the position of sun during summer and winter. Above this illustration, the following text is written: Positioning for sunlight Windows should face south to trap as much light as possible from the winter sun, with few windows on the west side to reduce overheating in summer. Another illustration shows the same home with the trees around because evergreens provide a year-round windbreak and deciduous trees give summer shade. Below this illustration, following text is written: Planting trees and shrubs Trees placed away from the house act as a windbreak to reduce heat loss. Deciduous trees, planted closer, prevent overheating in summer, and allow sunlight to pass through in winter.