Designing for Energy Efficiency
In the past number of years here has been an increasing interest in "Green Building" and energy effeciency in home design and construction. I have found that when the rubber meets the road, however, the average client is most concerned with the "Green" in the pocket, and understandably and justifiably so.
The good news is that a great deal of benefit can be gained with a relatively small amount of expense. In the region of the country where I work, the primary concern is cooling costs. I have learned that some of he greatest gains in energy effeciency associated with these costs can be adressed with some relatively simple planning at the outset.
In performing a site evaluation, a basic ingredient in any design project, a compass bearing to determine solar orientation can be performed in a few minutes. Bearing this information in mind in development of the initial conceptuals allows for the minimization of unwanted solar gain during the summer months. Accurate sun studies on cyber models can be performed quite economically to "tweak" any aspects needing attention at the plan development phase. The cost of this planning can often be recouped in the first summer months light bill!
The shape of the house also impacts not only the cost of construction, but the overall energy costs to heat and cool the home. as I've discussed on my website, the shape of the building envelope has a direct impact on the linear footage of exterior wall needed to enclose the space. Using less materiel to enclose space is certainly "Green", and the green stays in your pocket during construction and every month you pay your utilities. Talk about cost effectiveness!
In the actual construction of a home, I have found once again that one of the primary concerns, a tight building envelope, can be accomplished with relatively little cost. It just requires attention to detail. A case of silicone calking and a few rolls of flashing tape will pay for themselves very quickly, if applied in a conscientious manner.
Stay tuned for more on this subject...........
The good news is that a great deal of benefit can be gained with a relatively small amount of expense. In the region of the country where I work, the primary concern is cooling costs. I have learned that some of he greatest gains in energy effeciency associated with these costs can be adressed with some relatively simple planning at the outset.
In performing a site evaluation, a basic ingredient in any design project, a compass bearing to determine solar orientation can be performed in a few minutes. Bearing this information in mind in development of the initial conceptuals allows for the minimization of unwanted solar gain during the summer months. Accurate sun studies on cyber models can be performed quite economically to "tweak" any aspects needing attention at the plan development phase. The cost of this planning can often be recouped in the first summer months light bill!
The shape of the house also impacts not only the cost of construction, but the overall energy costs to heat and cool the home. as I've discussed on my website, the shape of the building envelope has a direct impact on the linear footage of exterior wall needed to enclose the space. Using less materiel to enclose space is certainly "Green", and the green stays in your pocket during construction and every month you pay your utilities. Talk about cost effectiveness!
In the actual construction of a home, I have found once again that one of the primary concerns, a tight building envelope, can be accomplished with relatively little cost. It just requires attention to detail. A case of silicone calking and a few rolls of flashing tape will pay for themselves very quickly, if applied in a conscientious manner.
Stay tuned for more on this subject...........
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