By Anya Kaats
Photo by Anya Kaats
The Crestone Energy Fair (CEF) has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Mountain and Plains Environmental Justice Grant Hub (MAP EJ) to further its research on alternative building techniques. The funding will allow the organization to refine its data collection methods and continue advocating for sustainable housing solutions and preserve Saguache County’s lack of building codes.
This grant comes on the heels of the recently concluded Sustainable Home Showdown (SHS), a citizen-led research initiative that evaluated a diverse array of homes in the Crestone area. The SHS aimed to collect data on home efficiency, environmental impact, and performance under real-world conditions, providing critical insights into sustainable construction practices.
Evaluating alternative homes in Crestone
The Sustainable Home Showdown brought together ten homes built using different construction techniques including straw bale, scoria bag, Earthship, hempcrete, insulated concrete forms, as well as more conventionally built homes including stick frame, a double wide and a manufactured home. Volunteers meticulously analyzed each home’s energy efficiency, material sustainability, and passive heating performance.
“Crestone is home to a remarkable variety of alternative homes, and many have been standing for decades,” said Goldie Mariola, CEF’s Director of Programming. “This provides us with a unique opportunity to collect real-world data on how these homes perform over time.”
Among the findings:
- Most Earth-Friendly Design: A scoria bag home was recognized for its use of locally sourced materials, high insulation value, and minimal cement usage.
- Best Passive Temperature Control: Two homes with significant thermal mass and passive solar design demonstrated exceptional temperature stability with minimal heating input.
- Most Sustainable Home: A strawbale structure excelled in material sourcing, replicability, and temperature efficiency.
The SHS highlighted that even conventionally built homes in Crestone often incorporate passive solar design elements, illustrating a widespread commitment to sustainability within the community.
To view the results in depth, visit www.crestoneenergyfair.org/SHSresults.
CEF aims to provide a platform for education and exploration of diverse energy-efficient and sustainable building practices. The inclusion of various building styles, materials, and technologies in the SHS should not be interpreted as an endorsement or recommendation.
Bridging data collection and policy with grant funding
The MAP EJ grant will allow CEF to expand its research, focusing on the performance, efficiency, and environmental footprint of alternative housing. A key objective is to challenge the perception that modern building codes under the International Building Code (IBC) are the only standard for safety and efficiency.
“Housing is both a social and environmental justice issue,” said CEF crew member and builder Dana Oglesby. “Through this grant, we aim to compile data that demonstrates that many alternative homes are just as safe and efficient—if not more so—than conventional structures.”
Crestone is uniquely positioned to lead this initiative due to its high concentration of alternative homes. The study will analyze comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term durability, creating a comprehensive resource for builders, policymakers, and residents.
Impact on future building codes
The findings from this research could play a pivotal role in shaping building regulations in Saguache County. CEF has long been engaged in discussions with local and state authorities regarding the implementation of building codes that recognize and support alternative construction methods.
“One of the biggest hurdles in alternative building is navigating modern regulations that often don’t account for these techniques,” said Shawn King, CEF crew member and builder, who has been focused on carrying out this research for years. “By gathering solid data, we can make a compelling case for policies that allow for more diverse and sustainable housing solutions.”
The research will not only provide valuable insights for residents and builders in Crestone but could also serve as a model for other communities seeking sustainable housing alternatives.
Looking ahead
With the MAP EJ grant funding secured, CEF is preparing to refine its research approach. The organization plans to expand its data collection efforts, improve measurement methodologies, and work closely with experts in the field to ensure robust and impactful results.
“This is about more than just homes — it’s about the future of sustainable communities,” said Mariola. “We’re grateful for the participation of homeowners, the dedication of our volunteers, and the support of the MAP EJ grant in making this vision a reality.”
As Crestone continues to be a hub for alternative building, this research will provide invaluable insights that could influence how sustainable homes are designed, built, and regulated nationwide. Those interested in contributing to the study or learning more about alternative construction methods are encouraged to contact CEF.
For more information, visit www.crestoneenergyfair.org or reach out to Goldie Mariola at OESDirector@CrestoneEnergyFair.Org.