Madrona Street Net Zero Home

Paint and VOC Content

2012-01-19T13:54:00.000-08:00

We are getting ready for interior paint at Madrona St. The Blown-in-Blanket insulation, shown above, has been installed over the spray foam completing the hybrid flash and batt insulation system used in the walls.Sheet rock is in progress and will be complete this week, painting begins next week.

Not so long ago, it was common for fumes to drive people from their homes during painting. Most conventional paints contained high levels of Volatile Organic Compounds that produced a breathable gas when applied. Volatile Organic Compounds (or VOC's) in general, and in paint in particular, have gotten a lot of interest in the last few years due to information that has come out on the health hazards associated with VOC exposure.
Paints, adhesives, and other protective finishes are often formulated with solvents (or VOCs) to improve performance and durability. However, increased awareness of possible health risks and overall air quality concerns has led to a demand for products lower in VOCs. Today, alternative manufacturing techniques have allowed the development of low- and no-VOC paints that release no, or minimal VOC pollutants, and are virtually odor free. Additionally, some paint cleanup often requires toxic solvents that release additional VOC pollutants. However Latex paints use water as their solvent and carrier, allowing both easier cleanup and generally lower toxicity than oil-based paints. Modern latex paints are equal or better in quality and durability than conventional oil-based formulas. Many stains and clear finishes for floors and cabinets are also commonly available.
It should be noted that not every latex-based coating is low in VOCs. Products may be described as low-VOC when they off-gas significantly less than other products. Some oil-based paints qualify as low-VOC because their formulas have been modified. VOC levels are expressed in pounds per gallon (lbs/gal) or grams per liter (g/l). Interior paint is given a Green Seal if it has a VOC content less than 50 g/l (for flat sheen) or 150 g/l (non-flat sheen).
We will be using a Low VOC latex paint made by Pratt and Lambert which has VOC content of less than 50 grams per liter, meeting the Green Seal standard. This latex paint uses only water for clean up.
So in short, low- or no-VOC paints have less odor and less impact on indoor air quality than higher VOC-content paints, they are equal or better in quality and durability than conventional oil-based formulas and since many VOC emissions contribute to higher ozone levels, use of low-VOC paints can improve overall air quality.

Build it Tight!

2012-01-04T15:52:00.000-08:00

We did our first blower door test on our Madrona St. project today. We were shooting for under 1 air change per hour at 50 pascals negative pressure. This is a very tight building. Well we hit it and then some. Readings in the .8-.9 ACH range. This is excellent, especially since we still need to do the blown in blanket insulation and drywall!

Reading on the meter

Blower door assembly in place

Why does it matter? Air leaks are largely responsible for energy loss. It is why a home loses heat, feels drafty and how allergens can enter your home.

Robert Stockman of Pinnacle Inspection did the test for us. He is also doing third party verification for Built Green, NW EnergyStar, and LEED certification on this project.

Making Power and more

2011-12-22T16:07:00.000-08:00

Well, after a long delay caused by our ductless mini-split being backordered, we are working hard on Madrona Street again. Yesterday, we installed the compressor for the mini-split. We located it up on the side of the house as it is commonly done overseas. This will keep it away from kids, critters and other things that could damage the compressor. I am sure we will come up with a screen to make it a little less obtrusive.

Today the prep for spray foam was done (with spray day coming soon!) and PSE finally installed out production meter, so we are making power!

Stay tuned for a report on the spray foam, and an announcement on our upcoming blower door test.

Solar Panels are on!

2011-12-06T14:48:00.000-08:00

Our solar array is on! We are waiting for PSE to install the meter to grid tie the system.

Moving Forward! Groundbreaking Tomorrow

2011-04-27T14:47:00.000-07:00

Thursday, April 28th will be a big day - we are proud to be co-hosting the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kulshan Community Land Trust's new project! Pictures and an update to come. The project has changed a bot over the last 18 months, but it should prove to very interesting for people who are interested in how we can build homes that are far more energy efficient than existing housing stock and the majority of homes being built today.

More modeling activity

2009-10-05T12:18:00.000-07:00

We have some preliminary renderings of the project by Rick Mullen. Things are progressing nicely as the three energy use models are getting assumptions aligned. We are starting to learn some things about how the house will act. We have decided on the basic envelope design. We are using advanced framing with 2 x 6 studs on 24" centers. Blown in cellulose will fill the wall cavities and 2" of EPS foam will go over the sheathing to add R-value and a thermal break. We plan to be fastidious about detailing with gaskets and caulk, to reduce air infiltration as much as possible. These are decisions that fit into the budget. When it comes to the heating system and windows we have to begin a careful cost benefit analysis. Ideally we would use R-5 windows and possibly a ground source heat pump. These options may be out of reach in our budget so creative solutions will have to be explored to achieve the Net Zero goal.

We are putting much of the project out to bid this week and will have better cost numbers soon. Once we have firm pricing for the shell and basic services in the house, we can see what is left for upgrades in energy conservation,reduced water use and long term durability.

I am posting our original thoughts and ideas below, prior to energy modeling and pricing. It will be interesting to see what ideas and products carry through into construction.

Energy Measures for KCLT Net Zero Home

2938 Madrona Street, Bellingham, WA

8.24.09

Goal: To achieve an annual balance of energy consumption and on-site energy production resulting in net-zero energy use and cost to the homeowner over the course of a year. This will be achieved through the combination of homeowner conservation, passive solar design measures, energy efficient construction methods and materials, and on-site production of renewable energy.

Specific measures include the following:

Homeowner Conservation: “Conservation is the cheapest form of energy”

1) Educate homeowner about energy and water conservation methods – provide manual of energy saving tips.

2) Provide a meter in the home which homeowner can use to monitor actual real time energy usage TED – The energy Detective – can tell when you are producing or using energy and encourages homeowner to strive for net-zero.

3) Consult with local utilities to measure and evaluate and compare energy usage to local averages – Discover and set reasonable goals, seek out financial incentives for homeowner. Monitor to determine if performance matches goals.

4) Provide cellular shades for all windows which homeowner can use to control heat loss and gain.

5) Provide zoned heating system with programmable thermostats

6) Choose appliances that avoid phantom loads – unnecessary clocks, etc.

Passive Solar Design: LCLT goal 40-50% reduction of heating loads through passive measures

1) Design smaller than average homes – use less resources and energy from the start.

2) Orient house to take advantage of passive solar heat gain and minimize heat loss – general east-west axis, most glazing to the south, maximum 20 foot deep allows solar energy and natural light to penetrate deep into house

3) Glaze S, E, and W to capture solar heat, Glaze North to hold in solar heat.

4) Use exposed concrete slab to act as thermal mass to store and temper solar heat gain.

5) Design overhangs and shading devices to maximize solar heat gain in winter and temper gain in summer.

6) Use energy modeling and 3D modeling during design to determine optimal amount, size, and location of glazing and shading devices. Also optimal amount of thermal mass and benefit derived from these measures.

7) Align windows and doors for abundant natural light and passive cooling

Energy Efficiency: highly insulated, tightly sealed shell with max. efficient appliances and lighting.

1) Utilize 24” o.c. advanced framing to reduce thermal bridging through studs

2) Use high performance and above code required insulation values, min. R-10 rigid foam under slab, min. R-21 blown in cellulose in walls with rigid foam outside sheathing as well to prevent thermal bridging through studs., min ? R-50 blown in cellulose in attic.

3) Use advanced air sealing techniques to reduce infiltration. Conduct blower door tests and infrared analysis after enclosure and prior to hanging drywall to find leaks – caulk and seal.

4) Windows and doors – evaluate U-value, SHGC, and VT for each façade. Use energy star rated windows and Low –E glazing.

5) Use energy star rated appliances with low energy settings, consider cold water feed to front loaded washer only. Dryers are energy hogs – get one with moisture sensing feature.

6) Use energy star rated lighting – CFL or LED. Outside lighting use light or motion sensors.

7) Use low cost/low noise electric radiant heat with zone control and programmable thermostats. No duct work or mechanical space required. No cooling required in our climate. See www.heatinggreen.com and ConvectAir heaters. Possible electric radiant floor mats in bath under tile?

8) Look at Thermomax solar hot water systems. Can provide 65-75% of HW requirement. Get it SRCC OG-100 certified. Evacuated tube system closed loop with pressurized glycol plus electric resistance storage tank with heat exchanger. Consider HW recirculator at special locations?

Renewable Energy: after conservation measures, passive design, and energy efficiency measures have been exhausted meet remaining energy requirements with renewable energy.

1) Consider installing a grid tied solar PV array and inverter. Sells surplus energy to grid, uses grid as storage device. As a min. wire house to be PV ready in future.

2) Use energy modeling in design to predict loads, size PV system, compare relative energy costs, payback period.

3) Have homeowner purchase remaining energy from renewable sources program of PSE.

Next week we will know more.

This week's update on the Net Zero project

2009-09-26T07:57:00.000-07:00

This Weeks update of the Madrona Street project. Things are moving forward on many fronts - a quick summary:

Energy Modeling:
The Building Performance Center distributed their first draft of two different energy models for this home on Wednesday. Thursday Greg met with them to go over the assumptions and variables. One model was created using TREAT software and the other using Passive House software - both are attached to this email. Alistair is also working on an energy model using REMRATE software and we hope to see that soon. To use these models effectively we'll need to manipulate the things we can control like insulation values, infiltration rates, window specs, and water heating to see where we get the most bang for the buck in terms of reducing overall energy loads. We'll be doing that in coming week. Alistairs REMRATE model will show us where we stand with LEED credits. Final model will be useful to Dana for design and pricing of PV system.

Drawings:
An updated set of drawings will go out next week. These will be dated Oct 1 2009 and reffered to as the Bid Set. They will be used to distribute to subs and suppliers for bids and quotes.

Bids and Estimates:
Greg met with Dean this morning to discuss suppliers and specs. He'll get me a list of KCLT contacts who may want to contribute and be involved. Cascade Joinery will take the lead however on speaking with subs and suppliers and assembling an estimate. Dean and I agreed we'd give preference to green products and local suppliers.

Permits:
A meeting is set up for October 7th with City of Bellingham green team. At that time we'll review drawings to avoid any permit issues and also discuss with them their involvment with project - and hopefully get some cooperation for this project as a potential demonstration/educational project.

LEED:
We need to register the project with USGBC and engage Alistair to begin documentation process and review drawings to make sure we get proper credit for LEED points.

Affordable Net Zero Home Coming to Bellingham

2009-09-23T15:44:00.000-07:00

Cascade Joinery is partnering with KCLT to build the first permanently affordable, net zero home in Bellingham, WA.

Greg Robinson, AIA, LEED AP designed this home specifically for the site and KCLT's homeowner base. We are in the process right now of completing the energy modeling as well as working with potential suppliers, partners utilities and agencies to make this a true pilot project within the City of Bellingham.

We will update this bog as the project gets rolling!

Weekly Update on the Madrona Street Net Zero Home

2009-09-18T16:00:00.000-07:00

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.