Hear the terms "Sustainable Building" or "Green Building" and wonder what they mean? Curious about home retrofits for energy efficiency, but don't know where to start? The perfect place to begin is at the Summit County Sustainable Homes Tour, Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. The tour will travel to four homes, two in Blue River and two in Breckenridge, which demonstrate sustainable, innovative building materials and features.

The first home on the tour is a Built Green certified remodel by Spirit Builders.

The home is "super-insulated" and has incorporated a solar thermal system that will offset approximately 70-80 percent of the heating and domestic hot water needs for the home. As with the other homes on the tour, insulation, passive solar design, Energy-Star appliances, in-floor radiant heat and good windows all contribute to high energy efficiency for the homes.

The second home on the tour is currently on the market and was built keeping health and comfort in mind. Along with straw bale infill and construction for great insulation, passive solar design and an open floor plan allow sun to warm the home. Natural lime plaster, fresco, and non-toxic finishes are a breath of fresh air, as they do not "off-gas" toxins, as many typical finishes do.

"This home will keep you healthy for years to come," says Keri Brown-Scheib of Ecobuilders.

The third home on the tour is off-grid and in-style in Blue River. Along with passive solar design, an interesting feature of the home is the artistic, acid-stained concrete floor that acts as thermal mass for the solar gain. Thermal mass is present in order to accumulate heat from the low-angled winter sun during the day, releasing the stored heat during the night to warm the home. Additionally the home has a home theater room, showing that one can have modern conveniences and live off-grid.

The fourth home on the tour is a log home blending art and science. It is off-grid with an efficient wood burner and solar system. This home was designed by the family using at-home software that was then taken to an architect for refinement. It is a definite must-see for those interested in learning about the different options for living off the grid.

The Summit County Sustainable Homes Tour is $10 per person and meets at the EcOasis in Breckenridge (by 7-Eleven on CR 450). It is a guided tour and space is limited; please sign-up early by emailing info@highcountryconservation.org or calling (970) 668-5703.