how to build green - naturebuilt

7/31/2019 How to Build Green - NatureBuilt

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HOW TO

BUILDGREENA Cost-effective Guide to Contructing a Sustainable Building

w w w . n a t u re b u i l t w a l l . c o m


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Energy Efciency

Sustainable Materials

Building Envelope

Design

S

A

V

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G

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This hierarchical structure allows you to focus on areas that are goingto offer you the most substantial energy savings and sustainable future.By following our simple methodology you can ensure your resources are

allocated in the most efcient and cost-effective manner.


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DESIGNENVIRONMENTALLY

Planyourhomewithdesignerorarchitectwhoisexperiencedingreendesign.

Forgreatestenergyeciency,ahouseshouldhaveabasic,compactshape,withthelongaxisrunning

easttowest.

Place40to50percentofthetotalglassareaonthesouthsideofthehouseandminimizewindowarea

oneastorwest-facingwalls.Thiswillhelpprovideyear-roundmoderatetemperaturecontrolwithout

excessivesolarheatgaininthesummer.

Useatime-of-dayroomlayout.Keepactivityareasawayfromtheeastinthemorningandawayfrom

thewestintheafternoon,toavoidunnecessaryheatgain.

DESIGN


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THINK PASSIVE SOLAR As energy costs rise, it is critical to use building orientation, window placements, stone oors, roof overhangs, reective barriers and

other techniques to control natural solar energy.

In colder climates, solar heat can be captured and stored in materials such as concrete or stone to be slowly released during the

evening. An open oor plan optimizes the effect of passive solar heating or cooling.

Doors and windows should be placed to catch the prevailing breeze and allow cross ventilation. Double and triple glass panes provide an insulating air space between the panes, reducing heat transfer. The metal oxide

coating on Low-E (emissive) glass helps to keep solar heat out, and interior heat in.

DESIGN

R o s e l i n d H e j l


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GREEN UP FROM GROUND UPFOUNDATION

Consider alternative materials for foundations: Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) are modular polystyrene forms

which are stacked to create a foundation wall and concrete is poured into the void for rigidity. Also consider

Durisol, it is a fossil fuel-free alternative to ICFs, strong and energy efcient.

Reuse forms as much as possible: Modular forms are made for most foundation applications. Keep as much

material out of the landll as possible can reduce landll costs. Clean and stack used forms after use and reuse

them on another project.

WALL SYSTEM

After your foundation is in place, the walls go up. Energy efciency is achieved by increasing the R value and

preventing air inltration to reduce your energy use. You also want to use local and natural materials, and createas little waste as possible.

A greener alternate to the conventional ICFs, SIPS and Stud Framed walls are rammed earth and straw bale

walls. Both materials offer high levels of insulation, perform well as wall systems and are cost effective.

BUILDING ENVELOPE


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WINDOWS MATTERHere are a few things to look out for in windows:

Window Technology: the U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Co-efcient; both are measures of the windows energy

efciency.

The construction material of the window: the most energy efcient material is breglass because of its inherent ability

to be a non-conductive material. The next best material is natural wood. Avoid vinyl and aluminum products, which

transmit temperatures directly through their materials. The type of window: whether encasement or double hung, contributes to energy efciency. Encasement windows

have a better seal than double hung windows.

Window Film: This a far more efcient solution than replacing windows. Window lms block up to 99% of UV light that

comes through windows, helping to cut down on heat gain. Depending on the window lm, there is a 15 25%

difference in heat loss. Window lms can be tinted or clear, giving them the ability to block heat without blocking light.

BUILDING ENVELOPE

C a r r i e P u r c e l l


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THERMAL MASSThermal mass is a property that enables building materials to absorb, store, and later release signicant amounts of heat. These

materials absorb energy slowly and hold it for much longer periods of time than do less massive materials. This leads to three important

results:

There are fewer spikes in the heating and cooling requirements, since mass slows the response time and moderates indoor

temperature uctuations providing greater comfort.

A massive building uses less energy than a similar low mass building due to the reduced heat transfer through the massive elements.

Thermal mass can shift energy demand to off-peak time periods when utility rates are lower. Since power plants are designed to provide power at peak loads, shifting the peak load can reduce the number of power plants

required.

When looking for materials to build your next project, make sure high thermal mass is a necessary condition.

SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS


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RENEWABLE,RENEWABLE, RENEWABLE

Use locally produced, and easily renewed, materials when possible.

Consider alternative building materials, such as rammed earth or straw bale they are cost effective, sustainable,

durable and even carbon capturing!

Concrete oors utilize the foundation material as nish oor, saving materials and labour. Recycled wood oors are a very attractive re-use of materials.

Try avoiding carpets hard surface oors do not hold dust, moulds, and allergens, and are very durable.

Use materials with recycled content when possible, such as cellulose insulation, Thermo-ply, and lumber composites.

SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Look for the Energy STAR rating when selecting appliances, xtures, HVAC, water heaters and more.

Along with windows and HVAC, the other place youll nd the Energy Star seal in a LEED-certied home is the

appliances.

There are several Energy Star products on the market right now, ranging from refrigerators and dishwashers to

dehumidiers and air cleaners.

Regularly check up on and replace furnaces and hot water systems to get the most efcent new age technologies.

Replace incandescent lightbulbs with compact uorescent lamps (CFLs). The lighting cost of the CFL is less thanone-third of the cost for the incandescent.

Schedule an energy audit for more expert advice on your home as a whole.


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Here are some great resources to support yourprojects sustainable future:

www.greenbuilding.comwww.greenbuildingadvisor.comwww.greenhomeguide.com

For more information dont hestitate to contact us at:www.natu rebu i l twa l l .com

how to build green - naturebuilt

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