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.
Hi Ellissa,
ReplyDeleteAre you going to research the embodied energy associated with the solar panels themselves? I think that would be interesting in itself, because I know that they use a grade of silicon that is in world-wide demand and limits the supply of PV panels. Granted that long-term they must be better for the environment, I'd still be curious to know. High tech has costs that hide behind the marketable face value of energy efficiency as I'm sure you're finding out. Look at CFL bulbs and mercury content for example.
Cheers,
Tony B.
Elissa,
ReplyDeleteI found a good website that you may be interested in.
http://www.greenspec.co.uk/html/materials/embodied_energy.html
While this abstract has much of the important information it could do with some reorganization so that it reads more clearly.
ReplyDeleteAlso, it would be helpful to directly compare the embodied energy of this project with a home of the same size built of typical 2x6 construction. There are many variables so you are smart to limit the scope to only those materials that are different from traditional construction.
Nice post!!!Thanks for share.
ReplyDeleteResidential Solar
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