By Katherine Ladd/reporter

The bigger the carbon footprint, the bigger the impact on the environment, students learned at last week’s Energy Technology Fair on South Campus.

Thomas Ford, a computer-aided drafting instructor, presented Designing a Green Home with REVIT as part of the Nov. 13 fair.

REVIT is a detailed Web design program formulated for the home to input specifications and offer energy-efficient alternatives. U.S. buildings contribute more than 40 percent of the country’s emissions, Ford said.

Ford said REVIT provides the specific carbon-neutrality potential and the changes needed to achieve the neutrality.

After inputting the specific data for a home, the program provides detailed data on emissions use, alternative uses of energy and their effects on carbon footprint. For example, REVIT shows the energy saved by changing from double-paned windows to triple-paned.

In addition to the initial savings, Ford said state refunds and tax incentive funding are also possible. To check eligibility, people can contact the State Energy Conservation Office.

“ As a homeowner, you may not reduce your carbons enough for grants or funding, but you will see a great reduction in energy costs and utility bills,” he said.

Although REVIT is a subscription-based program and is mainly designed for architects, roughly $700 a year, a downloadable 60-day free trial version is available to the public. Ford is unsure of any competitive programs available.

“ Productivity savings are so great with this program there are no alternatives,” he said.

To explore a way to a greener home, visit http://usa.autodesk.com.