| 1. Efficient
insulation of walls, and more importantly, roofs, is
probably the best way to save energy and reduce energy
requirements. Structural insulated panels or SIPS are twice
as efficient as most fiberglass stud arrays. |
|
|
|
Fiberglass
and cellulose settle, and there is 10 times the airflow
through fiberglass stud wall insulation as there is through
SIPS walls. SIPS cost more, but the cost is usually regained
in 5-6 years by savings in heating and cooling costs. Then
for the next 400 years, the building costs ½ as much to
heat and cool. Think of the total savings over centuries.
|
|
|
| 2.
Timber frames provide durable, strong, beautiful, and
efficient structures. They use equal or less wood than stick
built structures. These timbers can be recycled, and since
there are no load bearing walls, interior walls can be moved
or removed without structural damage to the building. 3.
More durable roof coverings such as steel, copper, and
fiber-cement delay replacement cycles. Solar cells are now
integrated with asphalt shingles and can look similar to
other types of roofing. Lighter colors absorb less heat.
|
|
|
|
4.
More south facing windows help with passive solar gain in
winter and increased natural daylight.
5. Covered entryways protect doors and decrease maintenance.
|
|
|
|
|
|
6. In
houses with SIPS, less energy is required to heat and cool
the structure. Accordingly, HVAC systems can be accurately
sized smaller, costing less initially to use more efficient
equipment. Ductwork can be led to interior walls as well,
reducing lengths and costs. |
|
|
| 7. On demand water
heaters or tankless water heaters can avoid loss of heat
during long storage times, which can result in significant
heat loss. Electric heat pump water heaters can be energy
saving, and geothermal energy and solar energy can be used
as well to heat water and produce electric power. |
|
8.
Duct work should be quite tight, and positioned in
conditioned areas.
9. Basement areas, floor and walls,
should be as well insulated as other living spaces. |
|
|
10. Avoiding high
VOC or volatile organic compounds in floors and wall
materials makes air much cleaner. The use of wood and other
natural materials makes maintaining air quality much easier.
Linoleum, from circa 1860, of natural materials, is making a
comeback.
11. Increasing roof overhang width is useful
to protect siding and windows from weather, and to decrease
solar gain during summer or high sun angle months. |
|
|
|
12. There is
little or no waste at building sites when timber frames are
erected and pre-cut SIPS are applied. Compare this to
stick-built sites. This has a major effect on landfills.
13. Energy Star appliances are much more efficient than
those from only a few years ago, and lead to significant
energy savings. |
|
14. Low flow
toilets, showers, and sink fixtures save significant water
and energy over standard first generation models, and work
well. Early low flow toilets were problematic at best, even
though they were required for installation before they were
adequately designed. The latest designs seem to work well.
Recycled plastic can replace pressure treated wood for
fencing, deck flooring, and other exterior uses. |
|
|
|
|
|
15. Use native
plants as ground cover for erosion control and native trees
for shade. Native flora is the best choice for surviving and
flourishing in any area during normal rainfall and drought
periods. Always site the structure to take advantage of
sunlight, shade trees, views, driveways, drainage, and
natural features. |
|
|
| 17. Always site the
structure to take advantage of sunlight, shade trees, views,
driveways, drainage, and natural features. |
View/Print
this article in PDF |
|
