Lon Simmons was building green homes long before anyone ever heard of them, building passive solar earth sheltered homes, which many consider to be the strongest, safest, most indestructible, longest lasting, and most energy efficient residences ever built in the United States. A tireless advocate of developing solar and alternative energy, he uses this book to describe his efforts in building passive solar earth sheltered homes and make a case for a sustainable energy policy
Passive Solar (Post Tensioned Concrete) Earth Sheltered Housing
Description
Author Description
Lon Simmons was in the forefront of building green homes. After seven years of teaching, Lon founded his own construction company, specializing in hauling, excavation, and utility installation. After selling this company in 1976, he spent 2 years in research and founded Simmons & Sun, Inc. and Solar Earth Consultants, Inc., passive solar earth sheltered housing development companies, becoming known nationwide as a pioneer in that field. His companies and their affiliates completed hundreds of earth sheltered homes in 30+ states. His work and ideas have been featured in many magazines, newspapers, and radio and television programs. He was the keynote speaker at the Department of Energy's 4th National Passive Solar Conference in 1979, an appearance which led to his being featured in Better Homes and Gardens, generating 75,000 inquiries. He was in demand as a speaker, conducting 100-150 speeches per year to industry and trade groups and the architectural, engineering, and economic departments of many colleges and universities on passive solar applications and alternative energy development. Lon has been a recipient of many awards including the 1980 "Resource Steward Award from the MO Department of Natural Resources and the Sierra Club "Industry Award. He also founded a consulting firm, Solar Earth Consults Inc. with offices in 15 states. He has lived in his earth sheltered house in the St. Louis area for 35 years and has never installed a furnace. He is currently a speaker, consultant, and writer.