2. Framing

The framing was all done with 2x6 inch studs on 24 inch centers. This alone will decrease the transfer of heat and cold through the walls by 33%. It is a simple and inexpensive way to decrease energy use (and your house won't fall down!). Also note that all studs have rafters centered over them with a single top plate again saving money, and increasing strength while decreasing thermal transfer.

All the corners were built with "California corners" to decrease energy transfer. The corner cavity is filled with insulation. Traditionally there would be 3 or 4 studs used in the corner with no insulation.

The entire house is built with advance framing techniques (Optimum Value Engineering)  to decrease lumber use, increase strength and decrease thermal losses. This is very different from traditional methods but easy to do, and it is currently the recommended method of building. Most builders in our area are not doing this, as they build as everyone always has done. If this is the same in your area then you need to push the contractor and framers to use these methods. See www.pathnet.org. As a part of this, all the studs are aligned on top of each other with just a single top plate thus reducing lumber cost and increasing structural integrity. Studs are on 24 inch centers with California corners, etc., increasing insulation and decreasing thermal transfer.