Weekly Update on the Madrona Street Net Zero Home

This project is really starting to pick up steam and more and more collaborators are coming into the picture . Architect, Greg Robinson, is  in the process of reviewing the current version of the permit package. The set is not complete - just a rough draft - plenty more info and detail to provide.

Status:

1)Energy Modeling/Net Zero: John Davies and Building Performance Center are still working on energy model using Passive House software - a great program I'm told but it doesn't give us a HERS rating which is required by LEED performance modeling. The HERS Index is a scoring system established by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) in which a home built to the specifications of the HERS Reference Home (based on the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code) scores a HERS Index of 100, while a net zero energy home scores a HERS Index of 0. The lower a home’s HERS Index, the more energy efficient it is in comparison to the HERS Reference Home.
I met with Alistair Jackson, our LEED for Homes rater, yesterday and he has graciously offered to provide us pro-bono a second energy model using REMRATE software which will allow us to pursue LEED certification. Alistair hopes to have his model complete by the end of next week and we will get together to compare models and analyze info. The models will help us decide appropriate enclosure spec and details, U-value, SHGC, and VT ratings for windows. The info will also help us determine and appropriately size heating system and future PV system. Between these reviews and our own research and experience I'm confident we have engaged the expertise necessary to make the best choices. Preliminary review of our details and plans so far by John and Alistair indicates we are on the right track.



2)Permit Drawings: Greg is reviewing now and will make sure they meet all city requirements, etc. He will stamp and sign, engineering will be prescriptive per code, so no structural engineer will be involved. In order to complete them however he'll need feedback from energy models, and everyone else looking at them. Review and collaboration is great but it takes time. On this project however we believe the collaboration is critical and worth the time it takes. We have a plan review meeting scheduled with teh city's Green Team on the seventh of October.

3)Specs/Bids: A big part of the permit package Greg is working on is an outline spec of materials and systems.

4)Green rating systems and certifications: In discussions with Alistair yesterday regarding LEED certification he graciously offered pro bono energy modeling services that will help us maximize LEED points and also offered some ideas of ways we can reduce costs on the verification/testing/inspection services required during construction. His expertise is invaluable -offering ideas based on experience regarding envelope design, windows, heating systems, etc... We'll continue to pursue LEED certification and Cascade Joinery will support that pursuit. We understand if we can meet construction budget target with LEED certification fees included KCLT will support as well. The BIAW Built Green program is a no cost/low cost self-certifying system so Greg will complete the documentation necessary for that as well. Pacific North West Energy Star for homes rating is also achievable if we meet the more stringent LEED standards. The value of these programs to us and the project is 3rd party verification of all the effort we are putting in - to build to those higher standards and not get official recognition of that effort would be a missed opportunity.Greg is looking into the Evergreen Sustainable Design Standards but will need to review and make sure we incorporate into documents as well - Paul where are these standards from? Again all of this review and documentation takes time, but in the end it will be worth it.