Plants are probably the most widely known strategy for bringing biophilic elements into a home or work space. But those palms, ferns, and rubber plants are busier than you think.

With Zero Net Energy requirements for new residential construction in California looming on the horizon, it can be tempting to seek out the next high-tech solutions to get a project over the ZNE hurdle. From solar shingles to heat pumps to LEDs, the options are numerous…and sometimes unnecessary.