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“It’s like living in an igloo cooler,” DuVivier says. “The temperature just doesn’t vary that much. It’s just an incredibly efficient standard.” She estimates the home operates 90 percent more efficiently than its counterparts.

Green energy has always powered DuVivier, who began her career as a geologist. A law degree from the 91��Ƭ, however, pointed����a subject on which she authored two books.

Since then, her house, just two blocks from campus, has become a textbook of its own. Hundreds, if not thousands of students and community members have walked over the carpet made from recycled soda bottles and looked through the triple- and quadruple-paned windows to see the solar panels on the garage out back. They can see in practice what the professor preaches.

“You want to walk the walk not just talk the talk,” DuVivier says. “A lot of people feel like you can’t build a house this sustainable. We tried to prove it can be done.”

Every inch of the house has been optimized for energy efficiency, from the south-facing, sun-seeking windows to the accordion blinds that hold heat in.

The kitchen countertops are made from sunflower seeds, while the floorboards, bricks and concrete stepping stones are all recycled.

DuVivier hopes she can energize a new generation of sustainable homeowners. “People don’t yet understand how cool this is,” she says. “We really have to work on people becoming more aware of what can be done, what the real impact is and not just have them do business as usual, [because that] perpetuates the use of fossil fuels.”

“If [this house] exists, it can be done.”

Sturm College of Law Professor K.K. DuVivier shows off the condensing dryer inside her home. The dryer vents into the home, rather than outside, which can help heat the house and increase energy efficiency.