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Last Updated: Sunday, October 02, 2011 |
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The following provides design knowledge and resource location assistance for energy and resource efficient, environmentally-friendly, low-maintenance construction in a warmer, southern climate. |
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Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Design, Passive Solar, Whole-House Optimization, "Green" Building . . . See my presentation that covers the general design process Do the right things in the right order: Structure and Insulation -Find construction systems and techniques that result in superior energy performance and comfort. Consistent insulation and air-tight construction are the goals. ¨ Look at systems other than typical stud construction – Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) and Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) are two such systems. ¨ If you must use stud construction use 2x6 with icynene in the walls and an exterior insulation board to reduce stud conductivity. ¨ Consider eliminating the attic and use cathedral ceilings. If you install an attic use proper ventilation. A continuous ridge vent system is best. The wind ventilators also work well. ¨ Radiant Barrier – If you have good ventilation and proper insulation levels then consider installing a radiant barrier in the attic. Q&A sheet on radiant barriers.
Windows and Doors - Use high-performance windows and doors. ¨ Use at least double pane glazing with argon fill. Spectrally selective low-E glazing. ¨ Use vinyl or fiberglass insulated frames. ¨ Look for low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and high visible light transmission (VLT). ¨ Goals: Overall U-value <0.33; SHGC <0.40; VLT >70%
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning - If the first 3 steps above are done well you can install a much smaller (less expensive) unit. Correctly size the air conditioning unit. ¨ Consider Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) geothermal systems with a desuperheater for free hot water in summer. Detailed info – EERE site ¨ Place ductwork in the conditioned space to reduce air and thermal losses (consider a home with no attic) ¨ If you build a tight home you can introduce controlled and conditioned fresh air with an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV).
Water Heating - Install solar water heaters, wastewater heat recovery, units that recover waste heat from the air conditioner, and a well-insulated tank. ¨ Purchase a well insulated water tank such as the Marathon. ¨ Consider a GFX recovery heat exchanger for second floor showers. ¨ If you installed a GSHP with a desuperheater you will get free hot water during the cooling season. ¨ For year round heating consider solar water heating
Lighting - Use fluorescent fixtures and compact fluorescent bulbs.
Appliances - Use energy efficient appliances and look out for phantom loads. ¨ Check the Energy Star database to help select appliances. ¨ Measure your appliance phantom loads with a meter like those listed below. ¨ Use plug strips to turn off appliances that aren’t in use. Consider an automatic “Smart Strip” to manage attached loads such as monitors and printers.
Water Conservation – Utilize landscape and interior conservation strategies combined with rain water collection and usage. ¨ Plant native or well-adapted drought tolerant trees, plants, and grasses. More Info. ¨ Install efficient fixtures ¨ Consider capturing rainwater from the roof for outdoor uses or go for a whole house system.
Indoor Air Quality - Utilize systems and materials to keep dust, mold, allergens, and irritating chemicals at bay. Recycled Materials - Use recycled building materials such as carpet made from recycled plastic and deck boards from waste cedar shavings and recycled plastic. METERS (Links on the left column): |
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Further Reading For additional information you might order books from the following lists: |
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See the table for details. |
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LINKS Energy & Resource Efficiency Solar Energy |