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modjohn
Joined: 07 Nov 2007
Posts: 38
Location: Kansas, USA
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 Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 6:57 pm Post subject: How energy efficient are your designs? |
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Here in the US, buildings account for about 50% of all the energy we consume. This energy goes toward lighting, appliances and HVAC. I have to assume that energy usage by buildings in other countries is also significant.
I am curious if most architects and designers are addressing this issue today or waiting for higher standards to be mandated.
Do you specify higher energy performance in your designs or do you design to meet the current minimum standards? Do you have an energy conversation with clients and explain how the extra initial investment will provide continual returns over the life of the building? Do you explain how these returns will increase as energy costs increase?
Achieving higher performance could include: higher insulation values or specifying specific types of insulation or building materials, reduced air infiltration, foundation insulation, insulation of non-occupied areas such as an unfinished basement, requiring that all HVAC ducting be inside the building envelope, blower door testing of buildings, etc.
Has anyone adopted a minimum performance standard for their designs, below which you refuse to go even if it costs you the commission?
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csintexas
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Joined: 06 Feb 2006
Posts: 1776
Location: USA
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| Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 6:22 am Post subject: |
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Generally in residential design specifications are not written by the designer, (only in the high end).
Yes I use my website to promote green ideas and talk to clients about it but since my ideas on green do not jive with clients wishes I don't get much interest in that area.
Fortunately, the city does have some minimum standards which tend to make houses today more energy efficient per sq. ft. than they where 30 years ago. Lately that has been offset by increasing size though.
I guess refusing to design McMansions would be similar to Kevin's initiative that we basically go on strike and do not accept less than some minimum standard. First problem I see is actually determining the performance of a building.
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Chris Stewart
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modjohn
Joined: 07 Nov 2007
Posts: 38
Location: Kansas, USA
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| Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 9:03 pm Post subject: |
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If we are talking about residential frame construction, wouldn’t it be a start to refuse to sell any plans that utilize 2x4 construction. Or to simply specify 2x6 frame with 1” of foam sheathing on the exterior (allowing for appropriate shear support).
You could also specify more insulation than required by code for the roof system. Or you could specify window and door thermal performance requirements in your plans. These few things would increase the thermal performance of the envelope and reduce energy costs and these are just for starters.
Some customers might baulk at these specs and request changes, but I think many others may just build what is in the plan. Does this seem reasonable and realistic?
Chris I appreciate your response, does any one else give a crap about the energy performance of their designs or is it just build them to minimum code requirements like we always have? Just asking.
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csintexas
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| Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 7:21 am Post subject: |
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If I did bother to write specs the builders would just ignore them.
Using even more wood doesn't seem like an environmentally friendly choice to me anyway considering the rate which we are currently over consuming and particularly in light of problems described in other current threads.
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Chris Stewart
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modjohn
Joined: 07 Nov 2007
Posts: 38
Location: Kansas, USA
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| Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:29 pm Post subject: |
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I wouldn’t suggest using 2x6s on 16” centers. Using 24” centers reduces the amount of wood required for the structure (compared to 2x4 on 16” centers) and increases the percentage of insulation to structure within the wall, increasing thermal efficiency.
This does require a little more planning during design and construction, but it does achieve the simple goal of higher thermal efficiency and reduced energy consumption.
Other materials offer greater advantages, but typically come with a higher cost. I am all in favor of using alternative materials if they are more efficient and a commercially viable building method. But, I think it will be a while before most home buyers will be willing to pony up for the higher cost of more efficient materials.
More efficient frame buildings is just a baby step, but we have to start somewhere. We will have to do much better in the future.
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csintexas
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| Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 7:11 am Post subject: |
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Advanced framing techniques which can save lumber and increase total wall system R-value
http://www.toolbase.org/pdf/techinv/...s_techspec.pdf
I like AFT but it can be done with 2x4s on single story houses or the top floor of multi story houses. Where a thicker wall is required it would probably be more efficient to go to a Larson truss or similar system.
I would have to guess much more energy is wasted in my area through poor attic and HVAC design.
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mx2
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Joined: 18 Jan 2006
Posts: 1968
Location: Miami, Florida
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| Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 4:50 pm Post subject: |
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I actually write specs for my residential projects and the contractor is obliged to build per specs. But the issues range so much and ultimately it is not so simple to desire to design energy efficient buildings. On every job I get I try to promote and incoporate energy efficient methods, materials and equipment but most of the time these elements are substituted for cheaper products or methods by the client. When explaining the long term benefits, most simply will entertain the idea, spin our wheels then in the end delete those elements, or most of them anyway. It's happened on 4 of my projects now. And what I learned so far is that you just keep trying and learning and looking for better products that eventually will begin to become standard. The biggest issue is that if it's not used on most construction sites (standard) then it's more costly (a specialty item). And many would rather spend money on that pool and cabana rather than R38 batt insulation in the attic or double glazed windows.
mx2.5
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*Science of Architecture: The calculated use of technical skill and knowledge in the construction of a functional building. |
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modjohn
Joined: 07 Nov 2007
Posts: 38
Location: Kansas, USA
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| Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 9:10 pm Post subject: |
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In understand your frustration. The vast majority of people make short-sited decisions, especially when it comes to energy efficiency. Most people do not worry about it until they get very large utility bills, and then it is too late.
So what is the answer? Do we have to lobby our municipalities to get them to improve the local specifications? Is a government mandate for better energy efficiency the only way to get people to accept energy efficiency improvements?
I just downloaded California’s Title 24 building energy efficiency standards. I have not yet reviewed it, but I am assuming that it is more stringent than most other standards.
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csintexas
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Location: USA
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| Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2008 6:23 am Post subject: |
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The only way we are seriously going to change our energy habits is if the consequence of what we are currently doing become unacceptable. The government would need the support of the majority of the people to change building requirements more than a little at a time.
I get clients that say they want to be more green all the time but when it comes to making any decision that would make their house smaller or more energy efficient they almost always decline and instead go for the standard McMansion.
On the other hand when it comes to saving energy any house can be zero energy by simply unplugging from the grid.
My prediction is that in the near future high energy prices will raise the cost of living substantially and people will not be able to afford these big wasteful houses. But this may take another ten to twenty years or so. $140 a barrel is inconvenient $300 per barrel will be a disaster for McMansions.
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mx2
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Joined: 18 Jan 2006
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Location: Miami, Florida
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| Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2008 12:14 pm Post subject: |
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I will relate this issue to a similar problem in Architecture: ADA accessibility. I guarantee very, very, very few clients would opt to build ramps to their buildings if they weren't mandated to do so. Yes, it should be mandated...as a code requirements, just as the energy efficiency code requirements are locally implemented. And the truth is, I am certain we are well on our way to having "green" elements become law...eventually.
mx2.5
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*Science of Architecture: The calculated use of technical skill and knowledge in the construction of a functional building. |
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csintexas
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Joined: 06 Feb 2006
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Location: USA
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| Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2008 1:00 pm Post subject: |
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Yes I agree.
| Quote: | | The government would need the support of the majority of the people to change building requirements more than a little at a time. |
But making any substantial fast change would most likely not be tolerated by a large enough majority at this time (at least for residential). It could be that it will be easier to regulate commercial performance since it has less immediate impact on the individual.
Voters are much more likely to support restrictions on other peoples behavior. I don't see any clear winner on environmental issues from either candidate and it looks like same old same old so far.
I am happy we have reserved some oil and think it will be in our best interest to put off drilling in environmentally sensitive areas for as long as possible but it could become a very unpopular position very soon if oil prices go up much more.
The problems and solutions:
1. Americans don't believe in global warming or if we are causing it or if it is in fact bad.
There are other reasons besides global warming why we need to minimize pollution and energy usage
2. Americans (including designers) do not understand what better choices would be.
We need to determine and teach this.
3. Americans like big houses, big cars and luxury
We will have to change. To some extent high oil prices will cause a decline in our standard of living. (unknown as to how severely)
If carbon is in fact causing global warming then we are headed for a warmer globe.
Until then I think we have made some progress in raising awareness in the past four years.
Most of my efforts have been web based and oriented towards making excess unpopular and to promote function as the single most important element in design.
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Chris Stewart
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mx2
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Joined: 18 Jan 2006
Posts: 1968
Location: Miami, Florida
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| Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2008 5:09 pm Post subject: |
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I'm not sure why you qualify all those statements with "Americans don't this and that"...I think the whole world likes big houses, big cars and luxury but simply the majority don't have access to them all, including Americans. I think the majority of people in the world are oblivious to the issues...only a small percentage of educated people with access to information, such as the internet, are aware of the concerns we speak of. But that same "elite" are also the ones paying and designing these buildings, buying these cars and enjoying luxuries. They are aware but choose otherwise because it is not a immediate threat to their well being. It's the case of the smoker...won't quit until they have cancer, or cigarettes cost $50 each, or cigarettes are deemed illegal. All architects are fully aware of LEED, green and sustainable design...it's been discussed and taught for decades now. But designers do not get to choose what goes on for any given project. You have to follow the money trail...
On another note: drilling for oil today will not produce gasoline for another 5 to 10 years and certainly will not impact prices for some period and even if so, only minimally. It's a false publicity stunt the politicians are dangling these days to alleviate the emotional reaction to the real threat in our economy: inflation or stagflation.
mx2.5
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*Science of Architecture: The calculated use of technical skill and knowledge in the construction of a functional building. |
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birgco
Joined: 01 May 2007
Posts: 302
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| Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2008 6:56 pm Post subject: |
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Folks are quickly getting the true meaning to the old adage, you can pay now or you can pay later, but you are going to pay. The twist on the saying is that it will be cheaper to pay now because the cost in dollars and environmental damage may be too much to bear later.
I just installed 3 solar powered attic fans. They are a marvel of technology, a wonder to watch as the spin almost silently and exhaust hot air with no grid tied electrical wires. Fans likes these could save millions of kilowatts of electricity per year if they were mandated for use in every home and commercial building. They are a simple, cost effective view of the future and I would urge everyone to use, recommend and design them into any project you can. |
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csintexas
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Joined: 06 Feb 2006
Posts: 1776
Location: USA
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| Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2008 8:06 pm Post subject: |
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I used the term Americans because that is who I was talking about. I have read that Australia actually uses more energy per capita by the way.
Even better than using attic fans would be to use no attic. That would save a tremendous amount of money.
I'm just a little concerned when I hear Obama saying he doesn't want to drill in protected areas when I know that will give republicans a fit and everyone knows that by the time we get to the last bit nothing will be off limits anyway.
Green was taught for a while in the sixties and early seventies and then it got out of favor and then we all discoed down for a while and is now on the comeback. There seems to be a sever lack of understanding about it though.
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Chris Stewart
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modjohn
Joined: 07 Nov 2007
Posts: 38
Location: Kansas, USA
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| Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 8:02 am Post subject: |
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Our children are going to be the largest group to push for reducing our carbon output. They are being taught many things in school that they are then bringing home and prompting their parents to make changes. I have heard of kids being referred to as the “green army”.
But, I am wanting to start making any changes I can now. If we can get local and state officials to start requiring more energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings, we can start to influence the energy consumption of those buildings for the next 40 to 60 years. With half of all energy being used in buildings, it would seem a logical place to make a significant impact.
I am planning to visit with my local city and county building code officials regarding this subject. I am not sure what kind of response I will get, but, I am going to find out. I guess it is never too late to get involved in social issues. I am not so concerned about myself, since I will probably die before we see drastic climate changes, but, I would like to seem my children and theirs not to have to deal with our mistakes.
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