Net Zero in the Frozen North:

Lessons Learned from 4 Generations of Net Zero Houses

March 15, 2012 at 4 pm ET

Presented by Peter Amerongen, President, Habitat Studio & Workshop Ltd. www.habitat-studio.com

Download presentation here. Members can access the recording here.

First efforts to push the envelope in any field are bound to include some trial and error. Habitat Studio & Workshop Ltd has designed and built 5 net zero energy houses beginning in 2007. The timing of the projects has been paced so that each project has been enhanced by insights from the net zero project before and from other projects.

The lessons from these projects can help you go straight to the best possible energy performance at the least possible cost with the fewest possible headaches. These insights from projects in a harsh 9100°F heating degree-day climate will be expanded to be relevant in more temperate climates both for new construction and renovation projects. The presentation will focus on practical ways to go straight to the most cost effective reductions in energy use and will include:

•      Using site evaluation to guide preliminary design for optimum passive solar and other renewable energy harvesting.

•      Using energy modeling to specify the most cost effective building envelope with the least disruption to the normal building sequence.

•      Using energy modeling to choose the right windows and window installation details.

•      Mechanical system selection that takes advantage of much reduced energy loads.

•      Simpler super insulation and air sealing details.

•      Using modeling to evaluate reductions in lighting, appliance and domestic hot water loads.

•      Using modeling and site evaluation to choose the most appropriate renewable energy harvesting options. 

The session should help designers and builders in the growing green build market come away with best practices that will help them build or renovate ultra energy efficient houses that are healthy for the homeowners and for the planet.