Affordable Green Basics and Selected Lessons Learned

1. Affordable Green Basics and SelectedLessons Learned Christine Bruncati, R.A. New Jersey Institute of Technology Center for Architecture and Building Science Research

2. Affordable Green • Use an integrated design process • Make it energy efficient • Make it durable • Plan for improved indoor air quality • Make it resource efficient • Use environmentally responsible materials • Follow through in the field • Educate residents

3. Energy Basics • Reduce loads FIRST • Orient for passive solar heating/cooling • Provide a well insulated envelope • “Build tight ventilate right” • Next, meet loads efficiently • Use efficient properly sized systems • THEN meet loads renewably

4. Building Orientation • Long axis east-west • Shade from high summer sun • Admit low winter sun

5. Building Envelope • Insulation – money well spent • Minimize thermal bridging • steel framing – ORNL study steel stud wall with R-11 batts, whole wall R-6.1 • slab edges • masonry • metal window and door frames • Air sealing – if it’s not tight, it’s not energy efficient • Energy Star windows • (energystar.gov, nfrc.org)

6. Lighting, Appliances & Equipment • Energy Star lighting and appliances • Energy Star or high efficiency HVAC, properly sized • Manual J for residential loads • ASHRAE or manufacturer’s software for “commercial” loads

7. Durable • Use durable materials • Air sealing • Control water • Rainwater control • Groundwater control • Pluming From “Read This Before You Design Build or Renovate” http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/pdfs/db/32114.pdf

8. IAQ • Source control • Low offgassing materials • Air sealing • Moisture control and material selection in wet areas i.e. use cement board, not “green” board • Ventilation • Designed and controlled

9. Resource Efficiency • Reduce materials used • OVE framing, panelized construction • Designing on 2’ grid • Recycle or salvage C&D debris • Use durable materials

10. Builder’s Guides www.eeba.org

12. Lessons Learned • Missed insulation • Tub/shower installed before insulation - and often on outside wall.

13. Lessons Learned • Air sealing • Visual inspections often • Blower door test while you can still correct problems

14. Lessons Learned • Ventilation Systems Specify rigid duct • Verify fans are working

15. Lessons Learned • Vegetated swales for stormwater management • No heavy equipment or materials on vegetated swales • If soils are compacted infiltration wont occur • Diligence in the field is key High Point Seattle, WA

16. Lessons Learned • Linoleum flooring • Tile linoleum has a grain, rotate each tile 90° or you can get buckling. • PET carpet • Investigate warrantee and wear issues. Some are less durable than others.

17. Lessons Learned • Passive Solar Design • Residents can undermine design intent if not engaged in process

18. Lessons Learned • Hold a preconstruction meeting • Everyone that will actually be building the project should attend • Review the goals objective and accountability measures.

19. Affordable Green Case Studieswww.designadvisor.org