Insulation is one of the most important aspects to consider when looking at the energy performance and potential savings for your project. Especially on residential projects, the standard code required insulation is quite insufficient and leaves much room for improvement.
When thinking about improved energy improvement and especially the introduction of alternative or renewable energy, insulation is key as most of the energy is lost at the envelope of the building: the roof and the walls. If a building has an energy consumption of 100 units and produces 60 units with alternative energy, there are still 40 units to be paid each month.
Insulation, very high efficient appliances and HVAC as well energy star rated doors and windows can bring the unit use to 50. Not the same 60 units created actually pay back the owner… insulation is the key to make this equation work.
Beyond energy savings, choosing the right insulation may also contribute to better air quality. Even though most of the particles find their way into the air during construction, some insulation, such as batt insulation used for energy or sound barriers, can easily be released through simple repairs or even installation of picture nails and hooks.
There are so many options these days to look at insulation for the building. Bonded logic produces a series called Ultra Touch, which uses post-consumer blue jeans. Not just great insulation, but also bonus points for recycled content. Blow in cellulose insulation is formaldehyde and VOC free while diverting 300 tons of denim per month away form landfills. The R value can go up 30. Not a bad option (www.bondedlogic.com/ultratouch-cotton.htm).
Another fully sustainable alternative would be recycled wool, loose-fill insulation, such as the oregano shepherd line that provides up to r-4 per inch (www.oregonshepher.com).
There are more sustainable alternatives without going all the way to fully recycled or reclaimed materials. Formaldehyde free fiberglass comes in the traditionally familiar batt and roll variety with values from 11-38. Rigid foam panels also come in less toxic options, as does spray in insulation. Johns Manville and Owens Corning now offer environmental lines of product.
Personally I prefer a spray in system such as Icynene, Greenfiber or Certainteed. These systems use soy based or cellulose blows insulation that not just is easy t install and will literally fill the very last crack, but it also lets the access material be recycled on the spot, virtually eliminating any waste during construction.
It is important to seal all cracks, even if they are only a fraction of an inch. A small gap next to the insulation may appear minimal, but consider adding all those little cracks up to one large opening. This hole is typically about 3 square feet. Would you leave a 3 square feet hole in your wall? Probably not, so seal it. Knauf is a good option for these cracks as are other weatherization techniques.
When tackling your next project or upgrade, think of the insulation and realize quick savings in your energy bill. For further questions, contact your design professional. Sebastian Eilert Architecture. 786.556.3118 www.SebastianEilert.com
Water remains my favorite and most important issue when addressing green building
concerns. It is certainly not the most important topic when looking at the
various certification checklists, like the USGBC LEED rating system. It finally
received a prerequisite in the last update, but is dwarfed in the overall point
scale by considerations for energy and materials.
Energy indeed has gotten a lot of attention in the last few months, especially the
concept of net-zero energy. The net zero concept is very appealing by taking
advantage of the existing infrastructure rather than having to create a full
independent power storage unit. Typically the consumption averages out to zero
over the term of a 12 month period.
The same concept can be used for the consumption of water; essentially creating an onsite
water filter systems. Water will not be able to quite be net zero, due to
evaporation and other environmental factors that are undoubtedly part of the
cleaning process. But a recycled water loop will probably be about 95%
effective. The remaining 5% can easily be made up by rain water or a well,
depending on the geographic location of the project.
The interesting part to me is the energy that is required to move and clean water.
By bringing this aspect of water use directly to the project, much energy can
be saved on the moving of water to and from the project and the reality of net
zero energy and water is much more realistic to attain.
Considering now, that in California for example about one third of the state’s energy is
used to clean and transport water, it does seem a little like putting the stick
before the carrot…
I am grateful to be part of a cutting research project at the University of Miami
that is addressing this very topic: The net zero water dorm. This project will
have move students into a retrofitted hall to be the live users of on-site
cleaned water – all water, from sinks, showers and toilets.
What can you do for your own project? Continue to focus on water reduction in daily
use and install conservation features in your renovation and new construction.
Dual flush toilets or even composting toilets are readily available. Low flow
shower heads and faucets are standard for all manufacturers and a rain
collection system such as simple rain barrel can be installed in any project.
Use the best suited system for water heating, be it on demand, solar or
conventional tank with a PV panel to power it. By using water intelligently,
the use of energy can also be reduced. Why not be the first house to clean your
own water?
Start your own water conserving project with www.SebastianEilert.com
Filed under: Air Quality, Building knowledge, Construction and Permits, Energy Efficiency, Materials
Doors and windows do more than just bring natural light into our homes. They offer a wonderful opportunity to clean out the inside air and enjoy the lovely weather, especially in times like these, when the South Florida winter actually allows for us to do so.
Often I hear in conversation when the temperatures drop that friends run home and open the windows to get a fresh breeze and escape the air conditioned air for a few days or weeks.
Door and windows indeed serve many purposes. There is the connection to the outside as noted with air and light, they provide security to keep unwanted intruders and critters out of the home and they do significantly affect the energy consumption of your space.
A good roof with ample insulation and other external finishes do come first, but the next line of defense are the doors and windows. These are typically the areas where we can control the amount of air moving between the inside and the outside. During hot summer month heat easily leaks through the crevasses and raises the overall amount of inside air to be cooled. Proper installation or weatherization is key to ensure that these much appreciated openings do not contribute to your energy bill. If you have new doors and windows installed, ensure that they are properly caulked and that there are not wholes on the edges. If the windows and doors are exiting go through the frames and caulk them where you have holes or consider weather-strips for the joints. These are very inexpensive fixes that will make a difference. Do not think so? Consider this: if you only have a few air leaks along the frame one could argue that is it minimal and more air goes out of the house just be opening the front door to exit the house. In itself this is a correct thought, HOWEVER. Consider the number of small openings that you have all around the house. Now take them all and merge them into one single opening. This whole will likely be 1 to 3 square feet. Would you like to leave a permanent 12” x 12” whole in your house? That is in essence what improper installation and weatherization does. So before the temperatures rise again, take a moment to check your doors and windows and seal them or get professional help, if preferred.
If thinking about replacing your old leaky windows and doors, this is a great move to help with your energy savings. Consider the basic option for windows (same applies for doors):
A Standard window will be well constructed and reduce significantly the amount of leakage over older ones. To comply with building code hurricane requirements, a standard window does require the installation of shutters.
An impact window is more expensive than a standard window but will eliminate the need for shutters, as it complies with the building code. Impact (high velocity impact) windows also have the added benefit of security as a simple brick or other tool will not break the glass to allow access into the house. Furthermore, impact windows do allow to maintain visual connection during the event of a hurricane.
An energy star window, typically a Low E gas filled window, focuses on reduced heat transmission. Energy star windows are also more expensive than standard windows but will significantly contribute to your energy savings. Consider energy windows especially if your glazing area faces south, southwest or west.
As an alternative to energy star windows tints may be installed over standard windows. I generally do not recommend tints as they are not part of the manufacturers assembly and therefore tend to peal and crack over time. Tints also have some aesthetic drawbacks as well as cleaning challenges. They are a great option for economical quick fixes.
Impact Energy Star windows are the most expensive option but do give you a great deal of benefits; from security to energy savings. They are always my recommended option, if the budget allows for it.
Finally, let’s look at the different styles of windows. Most windows are either wood, alumni or vinyl. There are also combinations of wood with metal cladding and other constellations. Wood windows are without a doubt the most appealing and impressive option, but do require some ongoing maintenance, especially in the South Florida climate. Most economical windows in this part of the country are aluminum windows with manufacturers like PGT (used in the Chamber South project) and CGI (local manufacturer) providing a good value. Aluminum windows easily comply with anchoring requirements are also very easy to install.
PGT Impact Window at Chamber South
Besides the material, there are a few options to consider for style. The two main options are:
Single hung windows are a basic slider, mostly up and down. About 40% of the window actually opens and about 80% has glazing. They are the most economical option and are operated completely manually by simply sliding half of the panel. Connections on single hung windows do tend to wear out and weatherization is important to maintain.
Casement windows are constructed by having the full glass area in a frame that sits in another frame which is attached to the building. The inner frame is hinged on one side and thus fully operational. Casement windows provide about 80% glazing and 85% opening. The weak point for these windows are the hinges to operate the inner frame. They provide an even better weather seal than single hung windows and are easily maintained.
Casement and fixed combination window
Other forms of windows are fixed, awning (these are multiple glazing frames that are operated on a hinge and open forward and out, very typical in older Florida homes) and bay windows (typically a combination of fixed and casement).
Ready to tackle your window upgrade? Miami Dade County does require a permit for window and door replacement. SEA is ready to help with your project. www.SebastianEilert.com
I was blessed to contribute to the success of the PV retrofit installation, believed to be the first non self adhesive installation in Miami Dade County. The project is a huge success and serves as a wonderful example of what one day each and every home could look and function like. This is the resource page form the owner and below is the Press Release for the project. Please share and spread the word, so we can continue to install many PV systems in South Florida.
Contact SEA for Help with your Solar Project. www.SebastianEilert.com
“March 12, 2009; MIAMI. Everyone held their breath and watched as the dial on the electric meter began to slow down, stop, and then reverse direction. With the flip of a switch, Todd Cooper’s family reached the culmination of 14 months of hard work towards a passion for sustainability. Their new photovoltaic system was finally installed and operational, and thanks to the clear sunny day, was already saving money and reducing their carbon footprint. The Village of Palmetto Bay now has its first fully permitted residential solar energy system.
Todd and his wife Omi Diaz-Cooper, who own Miami ad agency Diaz & Cooper Advertising, embarked on their quest nearly a decade ago as their increasing concern about their impact on the environment planted the seed that would grow into a commitment to reducing their ecological footprint. What started as recycling, buying organic, and reducing the use of chemical cleaners gradually evolved into installing better insulation, high-efficiency appliances and compact florescent lights and eventually a home vegetable garden and compost pile in 2008. This led to a solar hot water system, which reduced their energy bill by nearly $100 a month and paved the way for their full photovoltaic array.
With the cost of energy rising and nearly unanimous scientific consensus about the effects of carbon emissions on global climate change, a solar power system offers an effective way to harness the endless energy provided by the sun, especially in sunny South Florida. Of course going from an average summer FPL bill of over $485 to less than $250 certainly doesn’t hurt, either.
“It has really permeated both our personal and professional lives,” said Cooper. Todd and Omi have also purchased a hybrid vehicle and are working to move their business into a sustainable building built from recycled shipping containers.
The 22 installed panels fully mounted on the roof of the Cooper home
Though Florida is the “Sunshine State”, the current lack of residential solar energy systems leaves many municipalities lacking a structured permitting system for installing photovoltaic cells. Though this made the approval and installation process rather lengthy, the payoff was well worth the effort.
Inspiration came first from Todd’s father, Thomas T. Cooper Sr., A.I.A. who is also the architect of the new office building. Cooper Sr. is a decorated architect whose highly energy-efficient home in Jensen Beach has drawn praise in both the professional and local communities. He helped design the solar energy system and provided the technical drawings needed for the permit process.
Several others were also valuable contributors to the process, including electric engineer Tomas Armstrong, P.E., who donated his services because he is a strong believer in solar energy, and sustainable design architect Sebastian Eilert, who consulted with the Cooper’s when they hit roadblocks in the permitting process. The gracious help of Commissioner Katie Sorenson and her aide, Sean McCracken, was also invaluable to securing the building permit and proceed with the installation.
The array on the roof, installed by Solar Energy Systems, consists of 22 photovoltaic panels and safely generates 5 kilowatts of clean, renewable energy to help power the Cooper home. “Anything we don’t use is pumped back into the grid the same way it would from a nuclear or coal plant,” said Todd. Up until about 6 months ago, FPL would only pay 30 to 40 cents on the dollar for this electricity, but now they pay full price, and with the federal rebates it is a good investment for the family as well.
“We’ve come along way from discussing the idea around the dinner table over a year ago, and in a few years, we’ll start seeing a real return on our investment” Todd notes, “but for now the knowledge that we’re doing what we can for the environment is more than enough.”
More about this: http://www.diazcooper.com/green-matters/resources/
- Solar Energy Systems putting the finishing touches on the installation process
About Diaz & Cooper Advertising
Founded in April of 2001, Diaz & Cooper is a Miami-based agency providing multi-media communications and advertising services to national and international clientele. For more information, visit www.diazcooper.com
Filed under: Building knowledge, Construction and Permits, Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Living
With Hurricane season in full swing and a wet shower passing through with “Nicole”, we are reminded of just how important a good roof is in South Florida. Besides a good seal and protection for your property the roof does a lot more than to top of your shelter.
Ensuring that the roof is installed correctly and will protect form wind and rain remains the first priority. This is regulated by both the Florida Building Code and the Miami Dade Product Approval process and any state licensed contractor in combination with a proper building permit will comply.
There is more to the roof than just protection. In South Florida the roof is responsible for almost 80% of the heat that is introduced into the building on a typical residential and low rise commercial structure. This means that conditioned space must address this heat load. Sure, natural shading will help to reduce the heat gain impact but is not always feasible to be installed in an ideal location. Please see some of the landscaping posts for additional information.
To reduce the heat gain through the roof, there are numerous options available. The first layer of defense is the roof finish. Options for the roof finish that are available under building code and product approval generally include asphalt shingle, barrel tile, concrete shingle, flat roof membrane and metal. Some cities, such as Coral Gables, further restrict these options to maintain a design intend and general appearance for the city. When applying for a permit, the available options will be outlined.
a green roof
Within the noted finishes my clear favorite is metal. Considerations of flying tiles (frequently occurring with barrel and concrete tile roofs), dark colors that will attract a lot of heat (generally asphalt shingles) or flat roof design limitations (how many homes have flat roofs…) make metal roofs the winner. It provides a safe installation that will best resist any hurricane strength winds, provides a light color that not just reduces heat gain but also reflects, and finally also provides the best surface for water collection (a nice bonus).
It is not the least expensive option, but has one of the longest life spans, making the overall investment well worth it.
Design consideration must always be taken into account, but the metal roof has a long history in South Florida and the Florida Keys.
The next barrier is insulation. Often this can be found dropped on the ceiling, which is the wrong location for roof insulation. The building code again provides for minimum levels to ensure a degree of energy efficiency, but simple changes can substantially improve the efficiency of insulation.
To start, it should be installed on the underside of the roof, ensuring that the attic cavity becomes part of the conditioned space. What good is insulation on the ceiling, when water and HVAC systems generally run through this area? Why run them through a sauna like heated space, easily reaching 140+ degrees, when this space can be conditioned, and can be under 100 degrees. Energy is saved by not cooling the wasted 2-4 degrees in the duct and the water pipes.
As there are no HVAC outlets in the attic, it is still a good idea to provide insulation on top of the ceiling, again a small cost of initial installation with a quick payback.
Runs of water and HVAC ducts should be taken into account to further optimize energy savings.
With the above tactics, the roof will be a sustainable shield that will help your home to be more green and keep you some green in your wallet, too. When repairing or replacing your roof, think about this opportunity!
Former Oklahoma University scientist reveals how geothermal heat pumps spend less energy and increase the quality of air. Are you aware that Gerald McClain, after numerous years working with geothermal energy leader James Bose at Oklahoma State College, has invented an innovative home geothermal heating and cooling system?
Heat pumps function as a refrigerator in reverse, they use electric power to move heat from one place to one other instead of making heat directly. Therefore, they can be 2 to 3 times more power efficient than conventional electric heaters. A geothermal heat pump is a central home heating and/or cooling system that pumps heat to/or from the terrain. It uses the earth as a heat source (in the winter) or a heat sink (in the summer).
The geothermal pump models are between the most energy efficient systems for providing HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) and water heating. The start-up rates are higher than conventional systems (about $45,000 decreased by a 30 % with federal tax credit), but the difference is typically returned in energy savings in three to 10 years.
The Gerald McClain’s geothermal system is based on:
- 6 one inch diameter pipes sunk three hundred feet into the soft red clay below his home
- A water antifreeze mix in the pipes that picks up the ground’s constant sixty two degree F. temperature
- 3 heat pumps in the attic that use a small electric powered compressor to heat or cool the home
The energy for the pumps costs around $100 monthly, much less than the normal heating and cooling monthly bill in the area. A well managed heat pump system not only will save electricity, but will also blow dust into the house, improving in house air quality.
Indoor dust can pose health hazards, specially to young children. New data (As released in the epa.gov site in Sept ’09) presents that indoor dust is highly contaminated by persistent and endocrine disrupting chemicals (such as poly-chlorinated biphenyls).
Heat pumps achieve energy effectiveness by transferring heat around as opposed to liberating it. This is not to say there is no air activity with a heat pump, but the heat move lowers that process. So does the lack of a cold-cycle as it exists in many standard furnaces, which also acts to blow dust through the house.
About the writer – Lorie Wampler writes for the <a href=”http://www.splitairconditioning.net/mini-split-heat-pumps”>heat pumps ratings</a> blog. It’s a nonprofit website concentrated on her personal knowledge with air conditioning to reduce energy usage and improve indoor air quality. With this she would like to increase the awareness on eco-friendly tips for the home and change the public perception of energy efficiency.
Filed under: Air Quality, Building knowledge, Energy Efficiency, Hot Topic, Sustainable Living, Water Efficiency
After going over so many possible options to improve the energy efficiency for your home I find it time to put together an official weatherization package.
There are plenty of rebates currently available and even more are coming in the next few weeks and months. This is indeed a great time to look at energy improvements for your home and small business. Not just will you be able to significantly improve your operating cost, but the Government will help you pay for it. The upcoming incentives are certainly a positive aspect of the recovery act that has found its way to the end consumer.
In other posts we already looked at LED’s, appliances and general saving, specifically relating to South Florida. Please look at the “Greening your South Florida Home, Part I, Part II and Part III.
A concise Weatherization package should include at a minimum the analysis of the windows and doors, insulating in the walls and especially in the roof and attic. These simple primary starting points can lead to substantial savings in a very short time by controlling your building envelope. Energy savings do not end with the way you use your shell; it is only the beginning.
Consider additional energy and water savings with other improvements such as HVAC update and roof replacement. There are also rebates to update your water heater, dishwasher and refrigerator.
The homestar retrofit rebate package is the governments’ incentive under the Recovery act to provide partial funding for improvements for homeowner for reducing their energy bills. Regardless of this package, there are many sensible options to improve the use of energy in your home.
More information about the Homestar pacakage can also be found here.
If you need additional help and like a project specific analysis, please contact me:
Sebastian Eilert, AIA, LEED AP
786.556.3118
Filed under: Building knowledge, Construction and Permits, Energy Efficiency, Landscaping, Sustainable Living, Water Efficiency
Final post about tips to improve your home and make it a more green building; for your health, for your wallet and for your overall well being…
Part I will focus on small to no budget items (please see previous post)
Part II will look at medium expenses or items to look at if they break and need (NEED!) replacement
Part III will look at the big changes that will have a lasting impact on your life 9from a green building perspective, but who knows, maybe more…)
Part III. What really works:
Lighting. After changing the light bulbs and also some of the fixtures and installing dimmers, the next big step is to consider a building automation system. This low voltage system can connect all your lighting, temperature control, audio and video systems, including alarms and smart appliances. You can than control these devices much more precise and even get remote access (smart phones already gear up for these features). BY monitoring the output of the building automation system you can optimize power uses and fine tune any waste generated by lights left on or appliances not needed. These systems generally also have a vacation setting, enabling a quick way to trim all the power use you do not need on a daily basis when not in your home. Great feature but a bit expensive. These systems start around $5000 for a small home with limited low voltage tie ins.
Air Conditioning. The general rule is to look at a unit when it is 10 years or older. Typically systems have advanced in efficiency and the payback to upgrade can be realized in 4-6 years. Look for the SEER value. This is the indicator of how efficient the unit is. Current code required a 13 SEER unit; a 16 or 17 SEER unit is considered high efficiency and 18+ SEER is very high efficiency. The later are a choice investment and should be evaluated for Life Cycle Cost and Return of Investment. (THIS OPTION WILL REQUIRE A PERMIT)
Remember to upkeep the correct filters and also clean the ducts, if you do not replace them.
Super Therm
Roof / Shell: you already looked at your windows and doors and have sealed all leakage. The next step is to invest in the buildings shell. The big collector in South Florida is the roof. Over 80% of heat gain to the house will come from above with our year round sunshine. Do not just consider Hurricane issue but go beyond and think about the energy savings from this large surface. All roofs in Miami Dade County are required to withstand Hurricane strength winds, by code, so any roof will comply with this general concern. Move away from the low budget option of asphalt tile and a great value are metal roofs. These reflect well and are sturdy. This will overall be my recommendation for it is safe and efficient. (THIS OPTION WILL REQUIRE A PERMIT)
You can also consider sealing the existing or new roof with a high SRI (Solar Reflectance Index) coating, such as SuperTherm. I had applied this system over my existing asphalt shingle roof and lowered my attic temperate from over 140 degrees to about 85 during last summer. Great savings translating to your energy bill. A product like Super Therm runs about $2.60 per square foot installed.
If you like to kick it up one more notch, consider adding photovoltaic panels to your roof. A 5kW system will cost about $50,000 initially, but there are rebates and tax credits available lowering the out of pocket cost to potentially less than $15,000; not a bad number, especially when you considering adding this system instead of a generator (and you are sure not to run out gas, should the need arise). The installation of such a system will also require connection to your electrical system and requires assistance of professional services. (THIS OPTION WILL REQUIRE A PERMIT)
In regard to landscaping and water savings, the big ticket item is a cistern. After installing gutters and properly channeling your rain water run off, collecting hits precious water as well some of the waste water already generated to reduce the amount of potable (drinkable) water used ion your home is the final frontier. These tanks are similar to septic tanks in size and can be installed above or below ground.
Currently you can use this water for irrigation, in the future, legislation will adapt to also use reclaimed and collected water for toilet flushing.
For specific help, contact Sebastian Eilert to get a custom plan to green your home.
Sebastian@SebastianEilert.com 786.556.3118
www.SebastianEilert.com
Filed under: Air Quality, Building knowledge, Construction and Permits, Energy Efficiency, Hot Topic, Resources, Sustainable Living
Here is the next installment in the “quick and dirty” rundown of simple quick tips to improve your home and make it a more green building; for your health, for your wallet and for your overall well being…
Part I will focus on small to no budget items (please see previous post of Part I)
Part II will look at medium expenses or items to look at if they break and need (NEED!) replacement
Part III will look at the big changes that will have a lasting impact on your life 9from a green building perspective, but who knows, maybe more…)
Part II. What really works:
Lighting. If you started with the light bulbs but want to do more or have limited opportunity for changing light bulbs, evaluate your entire lighting system. Install dimmers, replace old fixtures, preferable with LED’s. This is particularly effective for recessed lighting fixtures (such as the ones replaced in the Alcaraz-Arango kitchen). A pleasant side effect is that the heat effect from the lights will also be reduced, thus reducing the need to cool down the house/space i.e., use less Air Conditioning.
Air Conditioning. The general rule is to look at a unit when it is 10 years or older. Typically systems have advanced in efficiency and the payback to upgrade can be realized in 4-6 years. Look for the SEER value. This is the indicator of how efficient the unit is. Current code required a 13 SEER unit; a 16 or 17 SEER unit is considered high efficiency and 18+ SEER is very high efficiency. The later are a choice investment and should be evaluated for Life Cycle Cost and Return of Investment. (THIS OPTION WILL REQUIRE A PERMIT)
Remember to upkeep the correct filters and also clean the ducts, if you do not replace them.
Windows and Doors. After you have gone through your home and weatherized (sealed) the doors and windows they might still be too old and too leaky to properly seal the house. At this time consider upgrading your windows. Start with the single awning type glass windows and old school sliding doors. Also consider upgrading to impact glass and earn a possible deductible on your insurance policy. To go for top shelf, include low-E glazing and make your windows energy start type. The consumer label will lead you to the most energy efficient windows and doors and will maximize your bottom line savings.
Make sure you work with the right professionals and get quality installation to ensure excellent weatherization on your brand new items. (THIS OPTION WILL REQUIRE A PERMIT)
Landscaping and Irrigation. Look for some of the other posts for this topic. Under the mid level renovation, consider spending some money on a rain water collection system: Gutters and rain barrels. This will also help with erosion control around the edge of your roof line.
For specific help, contact Sebastian Eilert to get a custom plan to green your home.
Sebastian@SebastianEilert.com 786.556.3118
Built for the Cure
Overview: A Grand Home with Purpose This 5,700 square foot, Southern Traditional home was built by E.S. Johnson Builders and serves as a Build for the Cure show home to help raise funds and awareness for the Susan G. Komen Fund, the largest grassroots initiative for finding a cure for breast cancer.
The home is located minutes from downtown Charlotte in the Springfield Community of Ft. Mill, South Carolina. Surrounded by 2.2 acres of lush green golf course, open space, walking trails and parks, E.S. Johnson Builders turned to green building products that would help preserve this eco-conscious landscape.
The Challenge: Building Green while Building Awareness
Another major challenge was addressing potential airborne moisture problems. Many homes built with a vented attic in the Southeastern United States suffer from poor moisture management. The outside air is hot and carries humidity. When this air is allowed into the attic, it can migrate toward the ceilings of the air-conditioned rooms and create moisture-related problems such as mold. To quote Dr. Joe Lstiburek’s Top Ten List of Dumb Things to do in the South, before the airborne moisture even gets to the ceiling of these conditioned rooms “it will see those cold R-6 insulated ducts, fittings, etc. and drip all over.”
More efficient operation of the attic-located air conditioning equipment was also a top consideration. Vented attic spaces can result in excessive energy consumption and high energy bills due to inefficient operation of the HVAC system.
Finally, a crawlspace can be a difficult area to insulate. Typically very humid, it was important to seal the space above from the entry of this hot, humid air. Since up to 99% of moisture travels through the air, reducing airflow (convection) was a critical consideration. An all-in-one insulation and air barrier can help reduce the entry of moisture and other potential irritants that can originate from a crawlspace.
The Solution: High-performance & Eco-conscious
E.S. Johnson Builders selected ICYNENE LD-R-50™, a key component to sustainable building due to the product’s insulating and air-sealing capabilities.
Icynene installed in the following problem areas:
- To protect the home from a major source of energy loss – air leakage, R-13 was installed in the exterior walls and rim joists.
- To increase efficiency and minimize airborne moisture-related problems, R-21 was installed on the underside of the roof deck and walls of the attic, converting it into an unvented space.
- For thermal performance and maximum indoor air quality, R-21 was installed in the floor of the living space above the garage.
- To achieve superior performance in a crawlspace application, R-21 was installed on the underside of the floor above the crawlspace.
Energy Efficiency and Reduced Emissions
A comparison using REM/Design Residential Energy Analysis Software reveals that the Build for the Cure home costs 62% less to heat and 40% less to cool than if it had been insulated with an air-permeable insulation such as fiberglass. Fiberglass Home Icynene® Home Difference ($) Difference (%) Heating $1,759 $662 $1,098 62.4% Cooling $812 $485 $328 40.3% Using ICYNENE LD-R-50™ in place of air-permeable insulation has dramatically reduced this home’s carbon footprint. In fact, a 62% reduction in heating energy use translates to the equivalent percentage reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Similarly, by reducing cooling energy use by 40%, CO2 emissions are also reduced by the same amount. Therefore, the Icynene®-insulated Build for the Cure home is projected to produce 7,898.5 lbs. less carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions during the heating season and 4,231 lbs. less during the cooling season.
ICYNENE LD-R-50™ brings to this project these added environmental benefits:
- For every kilogram (2.2 lbs) of castor oil produced in place of petroleum-based polyol, there is a reduction of nearly 3.5 kilograms (7.7 lbs) of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) to the atmosphere.
- Castor oil is 100% naturally filtered, with no chemical additives required.
- The production process of the castor oil has low energy dependence, consisting simply of de-husking and pressing. Harvesting can be done manually.
- Castor crops are non-irrigated (relying only on natural rainfall), saving scarce water supplies. • Castor crops do not require treatment with pesticides or fungicides.
- A cradle-to-gate study commissioned by the Department of Energy (DOE) reported that there are essentially zero net greenhouse gas emissions from the production of the castor oil.
- ICYNENE LD-R-50™ exceeds the minimum renewable requirement for a bio-based material (testing in accordance with ASTM D 6866) and can contribute toward a building’s achievement of credits/points under various national green building standards, including LEED-H, LEED-NC, and the ICC 700-2008 National Green Building Standard.
Contact your local green building specialist to see how you can integrate products like Icynene into your next project.
Sebastian Eilert – www.SebastianEilert.com 786.556.3118 Sebastian@SebastianEilert.com
