1. Introduction: Due to the importance of sustainable technologies these days, I have been studying the topic of sustainable technology as it relates to residential architecture. Many innovations in this area have surfaced over the past few decades, and many more are emerging every day. It is important to note however that I believe the overriding concern in our society is the role of the individual and their responsibility within the home. In other words, I'll talk about the homeowner's role in improving the availability and frequency of energy-efficient systems in the average home. The sustainability market continues to grow. This does not mean, however, that the technologies are already affordable and accessible to everyone. We need a plan here in the United States to implement green technologies and make them more available and affordable for everyone.2. Costs of active solar systems: Solar panels have become the epitome of sustainable and green technology. Whenever someone says they have a solar system in their house, your mind probably jumps to the image of solar panels. But solar panels represent only a very small part of the technology available to offset our carbon footprint. Sure, they're great for going "off the grid," but even with the latest technology, the costs can be prohibitive. In 1980, the cost of producing a watt of solar power was $100. By 1999, this figure fell to $4 and continues to decline at a rate of about 4% per year. In addition to price reductions driven by more efficient technology and supply and demand, there is a 30% federal tax reduction on the purchase of a solar system. Despite all these positive sides, the average consumer would still...... middle of paper ......ohd Hafizal Mohd, Xudong Zhao and Hiroshi Yoshino. “Preliminary study of passive cooling strategy using combination of PCM and copper foam to increase thermal heat storage in building facade.” Sustainability 2.8 (2010): 2365-381. Print.Llovera, Jordi, Xavi Potau, Marc Medrano and Luisa F. Cabeza. “Design and performance of an energy-efficient solar residential house in Andorra.” Applied Energy (2010). Print.Okwo, A. and WO Soboyejo. “An Alternative Holistic Approach to Affordable Housing: Foam Houses.” » Perspectives on Global Development and Technology 5.1 (2006): 1-30. Print.Wang, Xinhao, William Shuster, Chandrima Pal, Steven Buchberger, James Bonta and Kiran Avadhanula. “Low-impact development design: integrating suitability analysis and site planning for post-development stormwater reduction.” Sustainability 2.8 (2010): 2467-482. Print.