Abstract Outline

Minimizing Embodied Energy

Through the use of photovoltaic panels how can we offset the embodied energy of the net zero green home in Kamloops BC? How can we create an initial carbon neutral home using green construction technologies for future single family homes?

Building green has become the way of the future. Although it creates an energy efficient home after construction, the embodied energy of the home could definitely produce better results. This report will show how much embodied energy goes into the net zero green home here in Kamloops. Embodied energy comes from the extraction, production, transportation and construction of materials. The most embodied energy comes from manufacturing building products. Photovoltaic panels will be added to create a carbon neutral home. This report will also be looking at various technologies we could use for future construction.

The report will examine components of the exterior wall assembly. The main components being looked at will be triple glazed windows, Logix xrv R44 Insulated Concrete Forms, and Concrete. Photovoltaic panels will also be crucial in the calculation. Through research the report will explain what materials the exterior wall can be changed to in order to achieve the best possible results.

The Athena Institute has a great resource accessible for this report. The EcoCalculator calculates different wall assemblies and how much energy they have. The embodied energy figures will come primarily from Athena Institute.

Original Graphic

Thesis Question

Here is what I have for my possible Thesis question. If you have any ideas let me know what you think.

Topic: Embodied Energy found in exterior wall assemblies

Thesis: Through the use of green technologies (like pv panels) how can we offset the embodied energy of a net zero green home found in kamloops?

Applications:

• To create an overall greener wall assembly for a single family home in this climate
• To compare to a conventional wood frame home.

I would like to somehow incorporate the comparison of a wood-frame home into my thesis questions. If you have any suggestions please pass on your ideas. Thanks!

The exterior wall assemblies of a green home & wood frame home

Here is a broken down list of the parts in the exterior wall I will be examining in each home.


Green Net Zero Home:

• Triple glazed windows
• Logix xrv R44 Insulated Concrete Forms
• Concrete

Wood Frame Home:

• Double paned windows
• 2x6 stud walls
• R20 Batt Insulation

*If there are any other components of the exterior wall you think are critical, feel free to give me ideas.**

Building Materials

I will use the EcoCalculator off of Athena Institute. The Athena® Impact Estimator for calculation the embodied energy is a great source as well. This Estimator takes into account material manufacturing, includes resource extraction, transportation & on-site construction. It can also calculate the recycled content, regional variation in energy use, building type, an assumed lifespan, maintenance, repair, replacements, demolition, disposal. However, I will only be looking at some of these aspects, in order to narrow the topic down.

Some of the early findings of embodied energy linked to building materials:


Glass 25.8 MJ/Kg
Cement 5.85 MJ/Kg

The most embodied energy comes from the manufacturing stage.

I will be continuely updating this as I calculate the buildings on the Athena Institute EcoCalculator.

Embodied Energy

Embodied energy can be broken down into extraction, production, transportation and construction. Each wall assembly has different values. Applying these values from a wood-frame home and a net-zero green home to the overall energy efficiency of the building. The material with the least amount of embodied energy is wood, if it is from sustainably managed forests, but how much does that make up for the less efficient home. Since these homes will be in Kamloops, instead of a larger city, transport for some materials will make bigger difference than others. There are so many different types of materials that go into a home, therefore, I will only compare the exterior wall assembly of the two.

image by: canadian architect