Other Promising NBHS Actions
• Field observation and GIS can be used to design interventions for: rooftop solar energy;
geothermal heating and cooling; real estate due diligence; icy surface reduction; and more.
In collaboration with clients, NBHS will develop concrete metrics of success for each additional service offering.
A Closer Look...
NBHS methods are ever-evolving and substantially shaped by feedback from our clients. We are eager to explore any additional
service offerings that further our mission and that are grounded in sound scientific and economic principles. For example:
Winter Ice: While green stormwater infrastructure is typically most effective in warmer temperatures,26 carefully-designed
installations can reduce snow melt runoff and thereby reduce icy sidewalks and driveways. NBHS can use
high-resolution imagery to position green infrastructure downstream of concentrated snow melt and upstream of ice-prone
surfaces. Additionally, depaving and/or permeable paving can reduce surface icing and (depending on the product used) can
provide a much softer surface than concrete in the case of slips and falls.
Rooftop Solar: "Michigan has vast solar potential with more sunlight than Germany, the world’s leader (in) solar
power."27 Solar energy can save homeowners money and when paired with battery storage can provide emergency back-up
power during outages. NBHS can use aerial imagery and GIS to estimate rooftop solar power potential then refer interested
clients to trusted installers.
Geothermal Heating/Cooling: Ground-source heat pump technology is highly-efficient and can run on renewable electricity when
paired with solar power for summer cooling and wind power for winter heating.28 NBHS can assess whether a property
has the space required for a geothermal system and refer interested homeowners to licensed contractors for next steps
(incl. long-term financing options).
Real Estate Acquisition: Whether you're looking for farmland or your ultimate urban homestead, NBHS can assess a property's
soils, zoning, hydrology, and more before you "bet the farm."
Fire: Although Michigan typically suffers lower fire risk than the western U.S., if a client so desires, NBHS can incorporate
firewise principles into our landscape design.
Home Certifications: For homeowners pursuing certifications (e.g. LEED), working with NBHS may prove a valuable early step.
26Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, “Climate Benefits of Green
Stormwater Infrastructure,” Minnesota Stormwater Manual, accessed April 10, 2026,
https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/climate_benefits_of_green_stormwater_infrastructure
27The City of Ypsilanti, "Energy Plan 2018," November 2018, PDF, accessed April 14, 2026,
https://cityofypsilanti.com/DocumentCenter/View/1909/City-of-Ypsilanti-Energy-Plan-12-17-2018_Final
28Weather Atlas, “Climate and Monthly Weather Forecast: Detroit, Michigan,” Weather-Atlas.com,
accessed April 14, 2026, https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/michigan-usa/detroit-climate
