CARNEGIE, Pa. -- The all-electric, Energy Star-certified E Lane condominiums in Carnegie just may be the future of housing.

From the outside in, there's nothing that's not renewable or energy saving.

"We wanted to build something that was easy to live in and easy to maintain and green," creator Amy Bonham told WTAE Channel 4 Action News anchor Kelly Frey.

On a recent rainy day, natural light flooded the living space in one of the new units on Washington Avenue.

"It allows for the natural daylighting -- which, of course, will cut down on your energy bills," Bonham said.

With the press of a button, windows open to provide cross-ventilation and Energy Star fans provide cooling when it gets hot.

"An Energy Star ceiling fan can actually make it feel 4 degrees different in temperature," Bonham said.

Cork flooring gives cushion while you cook. There's bamboo everywhere else.

And where there aren't windows, solar tubes bring in the light.

The Energy Smart water heater almost has a mind of its own, with four settings that adjust to your needs.

"It allows the hot water heater to learn your hot water habits, and it resets itself accordingly," Bonham said.

Since hot water typically accounts for 17 percent of a monthly utility bill, Bonham said this condo can save you 50 percent just by insulating and using the Energy Smart feature to monitor electricity.

Each unit comes with "Ted," a sort of energy detective.

"If I hit the dollar sign, we'll get that we are now drawing 0.26 cents an hour," Bonham said.

When the stove is turned on, "Ted" shows exactly how much energy is being used, along with the carbon dioxide emission and average daily electricity use.

Bonham estimates that heating and cooling should only cost $480 a year in each unit.

Go to www.elane.biz for more information about E Lane condominiums.