Enrique Piñeiro-Ros, founding principal and LEED Accredited Professional (a U.S. Green Building Council designation), Ros Realty, and Eduardo Piñeiro, associate broker, Ros Realty, recently attended a guided tour of the Harum-Alvarez house in Kendall, possibly South Florida’s greenest home.

“This home uses a geothermal heat pump for central air conditioning, and a composting toilet system. This can account for energy & utility bills 75% lower than comparable houses,” said Enrique.

The 2,300-square-foot-home has more than 40 extra-tall windows for efficient ventilation and two floors of wrap around porches that provide shade. The home’s design is similar to the Barnacle’s in Coconut Grove, where the air flow moves up through the lower floors into a cupola and escapes, keeping cool air flowing through the house.

“Green home building is at the forefront of architecture and Albert’s house is certainly leading the way in terms of how homes should be and will likely be built in the future. It’s very exciting to see this right in our own backyard,” said Eduardo.

The toilet/composting system uses ultra-low flush toilets, much like the ones found in yachts, using as little as a pint of water. Through the use of compartments, waste is rotated and eventually converted to composted soil for use in the garden.

“Albert Harum-Alvarez and his wife Enid are extremely gracious in opening the doors of their home to the community. Everyone should come and explore the features and benefits of this house first hand and learn what makes this home sustainable and energy efficient,” added Enrique.

For the next tour date email editor@rosrealty.com.