Al Gore's Green House

Putting his money where his mouth is...

By ERIK SCHELZIG, The Associated Press

Published: December 28, 2007

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Al Gore, who was criticized for high electric bills at his 10,000 sq ft Tennessee mansion, has completed a host of improvements to make the home more energy efficient...

The former vice president has installed solar panels, a rainwater-collection system and geothermal heating. He also replaced all incandescent lights with compact fluorescent or light-emitting diode bulbs - even on his Christmas tree.

"Short of tearing it down and starting anew, I don't know how it could have been rated any higher," said Kim Shinn of the U.S. Green Building Council, which gave the house its second-highest rating for sustainable design.

Gore's improvements cut the home's summer electrical consumption by 11 % compared with a year ago, according to utility records reviewed by The Associated Press. Most Nashville homes used 20 percent to 30 percent more electricity during the same period because of a record heat wave.

Shinn said Gore's renovations are impressive because his home, which is more than 80 years old, had to meet the same rigorous standards as new construction. It houses his offices and those of his wife, Tipper, as well as a commercial kitchen for formal events.