In this issue, New York House reveals the winners of its first-ever Best in Green Building Competition, sponsored by Mohonk Mountain House.

All 12 finalists had innovative methods of lowering their carbon footprint.

While some homes were built with the goal of earning the Energy Star label, becoming LEED certified, or meeting stringent criteria set by government and rating agencies, others simply reflected the owners' desire to be as comfortable and efficient as possible.

The entries ranged from modest to luxurious; conventional center hall colonials to an exotic monolithic dome. Technologies varied, too, from solar and geothermal for electricity and heating, to wood, propane, and natural gas. Some blended these creatively to reduce their energy bills.

Each had a tight building envelope, thanks to thick insulation and meticulous air sealing. Some also used reclaimed wood, repurposed materials and structures, and collected rainwater to supply dual-flush toilets.

In the end, the judges took a stand on the value of reducing demand by naming a modest home as grand prize winner, but they recognized the merits of two highly efficient, optimized net-zero energy homes, as well.

While we obviously couldn't give every entrant a prize, they're all winners, because they all are doing their part to reduce energy consumption. In the end, this benefits us all. 

It's our hope that this competition will educate and inspire our readers to reduce their own carbon footprint and impact on the environment through better, greener living.

Nancy Meyer