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The Buzzword GreenThe buzzword green, the use of
energy, and intelligent building is a subject on which I may
tread on many toes. It is important enough to do so.
Buildings
in the US consume 68% of the electricity generated in the
country, and 37% of the energy. If we consider our sources of
energy, the political, economic, and environmental consequences
of obtaining and using this energy, immediately we realize we
need to think and reflect. We do not yet have an unlimited
source of energy. The energy needs of our country are
increasing. There are drawbacks to most energy sources. The
logical approach is to develop and refine each track in the most
benign possible way, and to be more efficient in our use of
energy. This last phrase needs to be underscored, understood,
and undertaken. By becoming more energy saving, or efficient,
much energy, political expenditure, money, etc., can be
conserved. How do we become more efficient? |
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One building or house built efficiently will not answer
this problem, but is a start. Each one built inefficiently is an
addition to the overall problem. We already have a number of
tools which will cut down considerably on the energy usage in
buildings. Unfortunately, most builders, architects, and
designers choose to ignore the most important of these. This is
the use of efficient insulation. By this I mean the use of
insulated panels or SIPS which significantly reduce the airflow
through building walls or roofs. The USDOE in studies at Oak
Ridge National Laboratory has shown in whole walls (including
windows and doors) that equally R-rated SIPS or panel insulation
compared with fiberglass batt insulation has only 10% of the
airflow through the structure. When thermal transmission in
equally R-rated whole walls( with windows and doors) is
compared, walls with batt insulation drop from R-17 to R-11,
while the SIPS perform as R-17. Interestingly, these studies
compared 6" fiberglass batts with 4" SIPS.
Over
a period of years, these differences, along with settling of the
fiberglass, consume large amounts of wasted energy, translating
into a much more expensive building, and long-term costs to the
owner and our country.
Users and manufacturers of
insulated panels have known for years the efficiency of panels
and have documented these monetary savings. Sadly, they are
still a well kept secret. Most contractors and architects seem
blinded to SIPS or are afraid to approach the learning curve
(not difficult) associated with their use.
Oak Ridge
Nat. Lab., DOE," How imperfections Affect the Whole Wall
R-value of a 2x6 Batt Insulation Wall."
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/insulation-airsealin…
www.suretight.com
CABIN CREEK TIMBER FRAMES
828-369-5899
6624 Georgia Road Franklin, NC 28734
www.cabincreektimberframes.com
jbell@cabincreektimberframes.com
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