The teleconference we had with members of the Tribe this week included several members of the Tribal Council; their input allowed us to narrow down the sustainable engineering systems we will design:

1. The home will include a geothermal heat pump, which will be installed by a tribal task force. The heat pump will provide heating and cooling for the home at a fraction of the cost of conventional furnaces and air conditioners.
2. The grey water irrigation + composting toilet system was given the final okay; this system will reduce water consumption by 35%, will provide intensive irrigation for the garden. This garden will include herbs important to Pomo culture, and plants native to the local Ukiah region.
3. A rainwater catchment tank will be used to supplement the well; this tank will be installed underground. Cares4Pomo is currently researching two options for the water supply system: having a single booster pump at the site of the rain catchment tank, or having a smaller storage tank on the roof of the home, and a smaller booster pump at that site.
4. Cares4Pomo is currently investigating the pros and cons of radiant flooring versus forced air heating.

The interchange was informative for all parties, and as always, I'm excited for our next discussion!