Shortlist of Project Features

This list illustrates the steps taken on this project to maximize energy and resource efficiency, reduce costs, and integrate the building systems as a whole. Items or strategies that counted towards the LEED certification rating have their specific points noted next to them. The Energy Star for Buildings program is embedded in the LEED process, so while many items count for both programs, only the LEED specific points are noted.  Other components of the project also contributed to LEED certification process, but only those concerned with energy and resource efficiency are listed here. Items noted with "$0" incurred no additional cost over standard construction, and items marked with " -$$" saved money over standard construction.

Building Design:

- Compact layout with a central core to maximize space usage and minimize mechanical runs -$$

- East-West roof lines for solar equipment (LEED ID 1.5) $0

- Provisions for future addition of solar photovoltaics and solar hot water $0

- Shading for South glazing designed to allow winter heat gain, minimize summer heat gain (LEED ID 1.5) $0

- Mimimize West glazing to control heat gain (LEED ID 1.5) $0

- Detailed project planning, documentation and execution (LEED  ID1.2, ID1.4,  ID2, MR1.2) -$$


Building Construction: Exterior

- 8" Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) wall construction to increase insulation (R-30), minimize air infiltration and thermal bridging and minimize on-site waste (LEED MR 1.3, MR1.4, MR2.2, EA 2, EA3)

- Pre cut framing members, spaced 24" on center wherever possible to minimize waste (LEED MR1.3, MR1.4) -$$

- Increased insulation above code minimums (R-52 roof, R-25 crawl space), utilized urethane insulation to seal cracks, penetrations,  and ceiling lid (LEED EA2, EA3)

- Gasketed,caulked, or sealed sill plates, top plates, and wall panel joints (all levels) to minimize air infiltration (LEED  EA3) $0

- High quality windows with L0wE 366 insulated glazing for weather tightness, minimizing air infiltration and controling solar and UV (LEED  EA3,  EA4) $0

- Radon mitigation (LEED IEQ10) $0


Building Construction: Interior

- Low VOC paints and sealants (LEED MR2)

- Natural materials for flooring;  linoleum, wood, tile, wool carpet

- Reclaimed interior doors, salvaged from an old hotel (LEED MR2)


Mechanical, Plumbing & Electrical

- High efficiency zoned furnace with sealed ducts(supply and return) and high efficiency (MERV15) air filters (LEED EA5, EA6, EQ7)

- Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) to circulate fresh air and control humidity in tightly constructed houses (LEED EQ4, EQ5)

- High efficiency (.62EF) insulated HW heater (LEED EA7)

- HW heater installed on second floor to minimize piping runs and easily integrate with future solar HW $0

- Sealed combustion appliances (LEED EQ2.1)

- EPA certified wood fireplace, integrated with furnace return air placement to circulate heat to entire house (LEED EQ2.2)

- Energy Star appliances (LEED EA9) $0

- Low flow toilets (1.3 gpf), shower heads (1.75 gpm) and faucets (1.5 gpm) (LEED WE3) $0

- Due to extra insulation, air tightness, and ability to "night flush" in summer, no AC was required (LEED EA11) -$$

- Strategic placement of lighting and use of Energy Star fixtures, compact fluorescent and LED bulbs where possible (LEED EA8) $0


Landscaping:

- All drought tolerant plants (LEED SS2.4) $0

- Irrigation system utilizes drip lines for planting, and sub-surface irrigation for sod in paver area (LEED WE2) $0

- Reclaimed concrete sections used as pavers for side-yard driveway


Projected Results:

- House construction rated at 50% better than code minimum (IECC 2003) according to RESCheck

- Preliminary estimate of 40%-50% energy use reduction (monthly savings of +/- $115)

- Preliminary estimate of 20%-30% water use reduction

- State and Federal tax credits, $??

- North West Energy lighting rebate, $300

- Savings in downsized furnace

-See Costs page for more detailed cost analyses