Climate

Temperature and Precipitation:

The city of Takamatsu, located in Japan, is notorious for its warm and temperate weather. With
an overall average annual temperature of 15.5 degrees celsius. The warmest month of the year is
August when the temperature averages to 27.4 degrees celsius and the amount of precipitation
during August averages to 86 mm. The coldest month of the year is January when the
temperature averages around 4.8 degrees celsius and the amount of precipitation averages to 42
mm. The driest month is December, with 37 mm of rainfall and during this time, the temperature
averages to 7.3 degrees celsius. The greatest amount of precipitation is prevalent in September,
with an average of 170 mm and the temperature averages to 23.5 degrees celsius. In February,
the average temperature is 5.2 degrees celsius and the average rainfall is 51 mm. In March, the
average temperature is 8.1 degrees celsius and the average rainfall is 84 mm. In April, the
average temperature is 13.5 degrees celsius and the average rainfall is 92 mm. In May, the
temperature averages to 18.1 degrees celsius and the amount of rainfall averages to 113 mm. In
June, the temperature averages to 22.3 degrees celsius and the average amount of rainfall is 166
mm. In July, the average temperature is 26.6 degrees celsius and the average precipitation is 168
mm. In October, the average temperature is 17.4 degrees celsius and the amount of precipitation
is 59 mm. In November. the temperature averages to 12.2 degrees celsius and the amount of
precipitation is 59 mm.

Daylight Hours (Sunshine):

Aside from the average temperature and precipitation in the area, the amount of annual daylight
hours are twelve hours. Where, in January, the daylight hours are ten hours and seven seconds. In
February, the average daylight hours are ten hours and fifty three minutes and in March, they are
eleven hours and fifty four minutes. In April, the average daylight hours are thirteen hours and in
May, they are thirteen hours and fifty five minutes. In June, the daylight hours are fourteen hours
and twenty three seconds, making June the month with the longest daylight hours, in July, they
are fourteen hours and eleven minutes, and in August they are thirteen hours and twenty three
minutes. In September, they are twelve hours and twenty seconds, in October, they are eleven
hours and fourteen seconds, in November they are ten hours and nineteen seconds, and in
December, they are nine hours and fifty three seconds, making December the month with the
shortest daylight hours.
 Biome
Types of Plants and Animals in the Region:
The olive is the flower native to the region and the prefecture in which Takamatsu belongs in.
It’s white flowers blossom in the summer and it is a part of the oleaceae evergreen family that
belongs to the order Lamiales. It contains a row of thin green leaves and the color of the olives
varies from light green to a deep violet. The prefectural bird is the Hototogisu or the Little
Cuckoo, which is a species of cuckoo in the Cuculidae family, it mainly consumes caterpillars
along with fruits and berries and are prevalent during the summer. But similar to all cuckoos,
they are notorious for laying their eggs in the nests of warblers and wrens in May and June. The
little cuckoo is known to have a brown and grey coat, a thin yellow tint located near its beak, and
a pattern of dark lines below its beak. The Japanese deer or the Sika deer is also prevalent in the
region, it is one of the few species of deer than does not lose its spots when it reaches maturity.
They are usually active during the day, but they tend to be nocturnal in areas with human
activity. They tend to gather in large herds during winter and autumn and they are known to be
highly vocal species, with over ten individual sounds. The Hamachi or Yellowtail contributes
mostly to the fishing industry since they are abundant in the region. They are recognized by a
yellow stripe located across their body and by their yellow tail. The fish is called by different
names depending on the various stages of its development, which consist of mojako, tsubasu,
hamachi, etc, but the most common is Hamachi.

Endangered Species:
Since Takamatsu is located within the Kagawa prefecture, it’s better to pinpoint endangered
species in the prefecture as a whole. Under the IUCN Red List criterion A2bc, the Anguilla
Japonica is considered as an endangered species in the the prefectures of Japan which includes
Kagawa. It is stated that the species has experienced this decline as a result of several factors,
which include barriers to upstream and downstream migration, pollution from industrial and
agricultural runoff, loss of habitat, etc. Two of the main factors that have lead to this can be
contributed to the exploitation for consumption and stocking cultural facilities. Along with the
other factor which contributes to short-term changes in oceanic conditions that influence larval
survival such as global warming, El Nino, typhoons, etc.
 Water Protection
No chemicals or pesticides will be used on the large garden located in the backyard in order to
prevent chemical runoff. A well will be installed to access the quifer about 100 feet below the
surface and it will be located on the right side of the frontyard near the cherry trees. Once the
well is installed, the well will be tested annually for any signs of coliform bacteria, pH levels,
nitrates, and total dissolved solids. No chemicals or fertilizers will be used on the large garden
located in the backyard in order to avoid hazardous chemicals from seeping into the ground, in
order to achieve this, crops that deter plants away will be planted. For the sake of protection of
both the groundwater and the surface water various other steps will be taken. For instance, oil
used for cooking will be recycled, it will not be poured down the drain or dumped in the
backyard. But poured into a jar, sealed, and recycled. Septic tanks will be checked regularly and
will be maintained properly. I will also encourage industries near the area to check their chemical
facilities for any leaks. No chemical cleansers and products will be used in the home, for
instance, only phosphate free detergents will be used. Faucets will also be checked daily in case
of leaks and they will be fixed immediately if any leaks are detected. Garbage will also be
disposed of carefully and properly. If any animals happen to chance upon the property and either
leave behind its dung or dies. Their body will be disposed of properly, along with the dung. If
any hazardous spills are made on the property, local authorities will be called upon immediately.

Land Usage:
First, a porous concrete driveway will be installed in the front of the house. The reason being is
due to the fact that unlike, regular driveways that are consisted of asphalt and regular concrete, a
porous concrete driveway allows water from rainfall to seep into the earth, naturally purify and,
replenish the aquifer. Second, a large garden will be located in the backyard and six cherry trees
will be planted along the front of the house, three on each side, aligned with the driveway. By
planting cherry trees, I will be able to reduce co2 emissions since they absorb in co2 and filter
fresh oxygen back into the air. I will plant leeks along the outside of the garden, approximately
fives inches deep into the ground and six inches apart from each other in order for them to grow
under the best conditions. By planting leeks, I will be able to repel pests without the use of
harmful pesticides that could seep into my ground water supply and I also won’t have to concern
myself with soil pests. Due to the fact that leeks contain a high sulfur content and therefore, it
acts as a natural pesticide that also prevents the development fungus and bacteria on other crops
within the garden. Moreover, I will plant 5 rows, one with asparagus, one with thyme, one with
tomato, one with cabbage, and one with catnip. The catnip will be planted in the center of the
garden since it is capable of deterring flea beetles, spittlebugs, ants, japanese beetles, and weevils
from all the crops. The row of thyme will be planted next to the cabbage as thyme is effective in
deterring cabbage worms. The row of tomatoes will be planted next to the asparagus as it is
effective in deterring asparagus beetles. Finally, in order to potentially treat the erosion that has
already occured on the northeast side, a stair step will be added up the slope. The purpose of it is
that water won’t runoff, but soak into the soil. Turf grass will be added between the steps as it is
capable of binding the soil together through an extensive root system, where each plant can grow
over 300 miles of roots.

Energy Usage
Hydropower:
For starters, in order to reduce my fossil fuel use, I will invest in the construction of a IWM or an
Improved Water Mill, since there is a stream that runs through the woods located along the north
side of my property. The IWM will be connected to the electric grid of the property and it will
prove to be efficient as it uses the natural current of water to generate kinetic energy and doesn’t
require the construction of dams and reservoirs which can disrupt the water’s flow. The energy
received from the IWM will then be used to power appliances within the home such as the
refrigerator, washing machine and dryer, and powering the outlet. With the construction of the
IWM, I can in accordance to a case study conducted on Nepal’s IWMs, a regular IWM can
reduce 4.4454 tons of carbon dioxide per year. It is estimated that I can save up to $1,942 a year
in energy. Whereas different models such as a short-shaft improved water mill can reduce
emissions by 3.126 tons of carbon dioxide per year, a long-shaft can reduce 4.519 tons of carbon
dioxide each year, and a improved water mill with electrification can reduce 6.075 tons of carbon
dioxide each year.

Solar Power:
The next step, is to invest in the use of photovoltaic panels and to have them installed on the roof
of the home. I will install a total of five photovoltaic panels and a battery storage system will be
connected to the PV solar panels, therefore, any excess energy will be stored for later use. The
energy received from the panels during the daytime will be used to power the lights during the
daytime, to heat the tap water. The extra energy received from these panels will be used stored
for later use such as powering the lights during the nighttime, heating the water for showers,
laundry, and tap water, and providing the energy to power the ERV unit and heat and humidity
exchanger to regulate air conditioning and heating during the nighttime. During the winter, I will
clear away the snow on the panels in order to have permit solar rays to pass through. With the
use of solar energy, I will be able to reduce 15,000 pounds in carbon dioxide emissions per year.
Along with the fact that I will be able to receive an average 12.5% on the return on investment
annually, I will be able to save an average of $100 a month and $1,200 a year on energy with a
total saving of $20,500 over 20 years based on where I live.
 Materials, devices, and appliances used
Overall: The house will be constructed out of engineered wood due to the fact that engineered
wood is able to last longer than regular wood used for construction and engineered wood doesn’t
require as many trees since it makes use of short pieces of leftover wood that otherwise would be
headed for the landfill. Bamboo plywood would also be installed for flooring, since bamboo is a
zero VOC, renewable, and non-toxic.

Vacuum Insulation Panels:

Vacuum insulation panels, VIPs, will be installed on the walls of the house. Due to, in
accordance to Research on Thermal Conductivity of Vacuum Insulating Materials, using modern
insulating materials such as mineral wool, glass wool, polystyrene foam, etc, used to require
20-30 cm of thickness. Whereas, with the use of VIPs, five to ten times more heat energy can be
saved as opposed to using traditional insulating materials and the thermal conductivity of VIPs
can be obtained at less than 0.004 W/​(m·K). Where, the thermal conductivity of traditional
insulating materials ranges from 0.026 ​W/​(m·K) to 0.040 ​W/​(m·K). The most imperative
advantage in using VIPs is that not only are they able to contain more heat, they also don’t
require as much layers as traditional insulating materials do.

Standing Seam Metal Roof:

There would also be a standing seam metal roof and in accordance to Metal Roofing Systems, a
standing seam metal roof would be better than a ribber system for mounting PV panels.
Specifically, the standing seam metal roof would be made of copper as copper roofs are the most
durable and are revealed to last for hundreds of years.

The Japanese Toilet:

A Japanese toilet will be installed. It comes with an automatic lid, which opens when you’re near
it, an illuminated bowl, can release germ-killing ions to maintain the cleanliness of the bowl, and
it also contains a nanotech coating on the interior to prevent bacteria from remaining behind.
Moreover, when using it, no toilet paper is required as it washes your bottom for you, which
makes it environmentally friendly. It also conserves water with a feature that reuses water from
the sink for toilet flushing. Buttons on the side of the toilet can also permit you to adjust the
setting for flush power, which also saves an abundant amount of water. It can also save energy
because you don’t need to turn on the vent to eliminate the odor released from a flush and it
doesn’t require you to turn on the light to use the restroom.

Energy Star Appliances

The clothes dryer, clothes washer, dishwasher, and refrigerator will all be installed and correlated
with the brand Energy Star. Due to the fact that Energy Star certified appliances will use 10 to
50% less energy each year as opposed to a conventional appliance. The certified appliances will
be listed below.

Energy Star Certified Clothes Dryer:

With Energy Star dryers, they use 20% less electricity as opposed to a conventional dryer.
Therefore, saving $210 in electric bills. Which, in accordance to Natural Resources Defense
Council, a conventional dryer can consume the same amount of energy a year as an energy
efficient refrigerator, washing machine, and dishwasher combined.

Energy Star Certified Clothes Washer:

An Energy Star certified washer uses 40 to 50% less energy and 55% less water than a
conventional washer. Therefore, saving $50 a year on utility and water bills. It also requires less
laundry detergent which means that money is also saved weekly.

Energy Star Certified Dishwasher and Refrigerator:

An Energy Star Certified dishwasher is 12% more efficient than the conventional dishwasher
and is estimated to save around $25 a year as it only costs around $35 a year to run. Whereas, an
Energy Star certified refrigerator is 10% more efficient than the convention fridge. It also uses
40% less energy.

Design
Windows:
The house contains plenty of large energy efficient windows as this will permit more sunlight to
flow into the house during the daytime, reducing the need to turn on the lights during the day.
For instance, in accordance to house logic, it is estimated that the electricity bill will be reduced
by 15% through this. Large energy efficient windows can also regulate the air within the home
and they can reduce energy loss from heating and cooling by 25-30% in accordance to the
department of energy.

Ceiling Fans
The house also contains plenty of ceiling fans and this is due to the fact that they can save
electricity year round. In accordance to Better Homes and Gardens, it is shown that they use the
same amount of energy as a 100-watt light bulb and during the summer, when the fan is set to
spin counterclockwise and the thermosat is turned a bit higher than as much as 40% can be saved
on cooling bills. In winter, when they are switched back to spin clockwise, as much as 10% can
be save on heating bills.
Roof:
The roof of the home is a standard one constructed out of copper and this is meant to increase the
ease for mounting PV panels and it is also shown that copper is more durable and is shown to
even outlive Pv panels. Upon its installation, in accordance to EnergySage, ​ ​using a mounting
system that clamps onto the seams of the roof without having to make any holes. As an added
bonus, using this type of racking can speed up installation times (and lower your labor costs)
because your installer won’t have to drill holes into the roof.

Walls:
In between the walls are vacuum insulation panels which as mentioned previously, can save up
to five to ten times more heat energy as opposed to using traditional insulating materials and the
thermal conductivity of VIPs can be obtained at less than 0.004 W/​(m·K).

Outside:
Six cherry trees are aligned along the driveway in front of the house, with three on each side
because this method will permit sunlight to fall directly on the home as opposed to them being
planted on the western, southern, or eastern side.
 Works Cited
Albinas Gailius, Research on Thermal Conductivity of Vacuum Insulating Materials,
ResearchGate, Accessed May 24, 2018.
Mat Smith, A Westerner’s guide to Japanese Toilets, engadget, Accessed May 24, 2018.
One Ton Creative, The Benefits of Going Solar: Helping the Environment While Saving You
Money, Are Solar, Accessed May 24, 2018.
Ganesh Ram Shrestha, Case Study-Nepal Improved Water Mills, Inforse, Accessed May 24,
2018.
Karen Eller, Let Leeks Leak into Your Garden, Mother Earth News, Accessed May 24, 2018.
Rootwell Products INC, Erosion: 5 Effective Ways to Control and Prevent it, Rootwell,
Accessed May 24, 2018.
All About Water Filters, 15 Ways to Prevent Groundwater Contamination: How You Can Make
a Change, All About Water Filters, Accessed May 24, 2018.
Durl Hopper Ltd, Protecting Our Water, W.D.Hopper & Sons LTD, Accessed May 24, 2018.

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