Jan 29, 2014 ... custom built onsite with durable Plyboo bamboo. LEED ... INTRINSICALLY
COLORED CONCRETE FLOORS - ... Electricity is half of the cost.
Green Energy Efficient Home Construction & Design Home Owners Experience by Ed Ma AEEA Conference January 29, 2014
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Sustainability without compromise.
Pragmatically green home with 3,700 developed square feet of living space.
Average all inclusive utility bill $250 without EV.
This home was built with a high degree of integrity, concern for the environment and energy conservation.
ROI was not a motivator. Priority is to maximize the long term livability of the home to suit our family needs.
When it comes to home energy efficiency, you need to look at the design and construction in a holistic sense. (Use of passive solar, window’s doors, lighting, solar, heating system, etc.)
Design considerations included site attributes to optimize the harvesting of active and passive solar energy in addition to taking maximum advantage of location and views.
Durability is nothing without livability.
The majority of energy savings can be attributed to having a high performance home envelope. To this end, we relied on various technologies that I will detail.
BUILDER: ENVY ECO FOCUSSED ENVIRONMENTS
BUILDING ENVELOPE LOGIX INSULATING CONCRETE FORM CONSTRUCTION (ICF)
Exterior walls and party wall are Insulating Concrete Form
Construction (ICF) construction 13” thick compared to 2 x 6 wood frame exterior wall construction.
No thermal bridging prevents energy loss Continuous insulation Constant R-Value of up to R28 for life Outside noise reduced to a whisper Moisture Protection - Won't Rot Wind Protection - Wind-rated to over 300 mph Fire Protection - 4-hour fire rating (Insurance companies take this into consideration.)
Expanded polystyrene and concrete are non-toxic and do not emit gas
2LB SOY BASED SPRAY FOAM INSULATION
Fills the roof and wall cavities and window interfaces to effectively minimize air leakage at all potential penetration points in the construction process.
INNOTECH WINDOW/DOORS
German engineered tilt and turn style windows, manufactured in British Columbia with a sustainable manufacturing practice.
Innotech window and door products are designed to last longer in all climate conditions and environmental exposures, thus minimizing their overall environmental impact:
Heavy duty, steel reinforced profiles are more resistant to damage and warping
Corrosion resistant (1000 hour salt spray) and adjustable hardware lasts longer
Home envelope is secured and well sealed to prevent heat loss.
Triple weather seals seal out water, noise and drafts (vs. 1 gasketed surface and 1 furry weather strip) Easy glass replacement from room side, unlike most window and door systems Welded critical joint construction resists water infiltration to protect the home's building envelope among the most energy efficient in North America exceeding requirements of all ENERGY STAR™ zones.
WHITE THERMAL POLY OLEFIN ROOF MEMBRANE
To maximize reflectivity increasing solar efficiency and reducing unwanted solar heat gain.
MECHANICAL SOLAR THERMAL HEATING SYSTEM
160 solar thermal evacuated tube collectors on the roof heat water for both domestic hot water and the multi zone hydronic closed loop glycol in-floor heating system.
CONTROL4™ HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEM
Currently manages 7 different thermostatic temperature zones, whole home lighting, security, CCTV and audio/visual.
PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR SYSTEM
2.82 kWp with a solar fraction of 34.9% meaning it should offset my electricity consumption by approximately 1/3. Supplied through ENMAX Home Solar Program.
DESIGN & AESTHETICS
Design intended for longevity and durability. Based on minimal maintenance and to maximize site attributes.
Home designed for longevity both in material and aesthetics.
Finished interior walls and color palate creates a timeless canvass for interior decoration.
Allows changes in art and furnishing without requiring major renovations.
PLYBOO - BAMBOO FINISHING - Cabinetry was custom built onsite with durable Plyboo bamboo. LEED Certified and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified bamboo cabinets and floors
ARCHITECTURAL GLASS cut and tempered locally in Calgary by Goldray Industries where many glass suppliers outsource to other jurisdictions.
INTRINSICALLY COLORED CONCRETE FLOORS first residential application of this type by LaFarge used typically in a commercial application for crack resistance.
PASSIVE SOLAR - takes advantage of southern exposure to maximize insolation with architectural details controlling the depth that sun can penetrate into the home. Concrete floors act as a solar heat sink to store radiant energy from the sun.
OPTIONALITY - utility chase allows for future distribution of technological or mechanical upgrades without invasively penetrating drywall through different levels. Photovoltaic solar rough in on rear facade and garage green roof. Electric vehicle supply equipment readiness - ability to install up to 100 amp EVSE system to charge plug in battery electric vehicles.
PAINT - zero volatile organic compounds (VOC) paint. Water based finish to bamboo. Contributes to indoor air quality.
LED LIGHTING – with dimmers.
MDF - no added urea formaldehyde MDF. XERISCAPE LANDSCAPING - Low water, little maintenance.
HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY TRACK RECORD
Average utility bill is $250/month.
Includes: Gas ($55), electricity ($150), water, sewage, garbage removal and recycling.
Electricity is half of the cost.
CONCLUSION LESSONS LEARNED
Choosing your “green home” builder means asking the right questions.
Have a budget.
Importance of Building Envelope
Creating optionality allows for future distribution of technological or mechanical upgrades without invasively penetrating drywall through different levels.
THANK YOU
Ed Ma –
[email protected]
Envy Eco-Focussed Environments – www.envyeco.com David Wilson (403) 620-7939
