Gary Beck On Residential Low Energy Design March 2009 Houston Texas and Mobile Alabama2. INTRODUCTIONS
Eco-Holdings LLC Houston, Texas
Register Texas Engineering Firm
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
BS Civil Engineering, Duke (1976)
• Texas Professional Engineer (1981)
• Machinery
• Power Generation, Energy , Oil & Gas
• Manufacturing
• Composites, Building Products
• Engineering
• Design, Inspection, Green Consulting
• Websites: EcoEgr.com
• TexasEngineer.com, TexasWindstorm.com
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
3. We are all crash
test dummies
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4. Real Crash Test Dummies Push the Envelope!
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5. TODAY’S AGENDA
• Design Choices for Low Energy
• Building Components & Methods
• When the HVAC Quits
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
6. 1.Design Choices
for Low Energy
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
7. 1. Design Choices for Low Energy
A Crash Course on Energy
(just 3 slides)
The Atomic Energy
Commission’ s
Latest Symbol
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
8. Energy is Important
“Humanity’s Top Ten Problems for the next 50 years”
1. ENERGY
2. WATER
3. FOOD
4. ENVIRONMENT
5. POVERTY
6. TERRORISM & WAR
2003 6 Billion People
7. DISEASE
2050 10 Billion People
8. EDUCATION
9. DEMOCRACY
10. POPULATION
Dr. R. E. Smalley, (1943-2005) 1996 Nobel Prize Winner
Slide from 2005 Energy Presentation - Rice University
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP © Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
9. Energy is a Property
It can’t be created or destroyed
It is either making things
happen NOW Kinetic
or Potential
It can make things
happen LATER
“YinYang” Ming Dynasty 1368
Yin in its highest form is freezing
Yang in its highest form is boiling
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10. A Crash Course on Efficiency
(just 3 more slides)
η
Potential Kinetic
=
x
*
Energy Energy
The Ability How How Much
x =
to Do Well Its Actually
Something Done Gets Done
The Greek Symbol
‘Eta’ is used to
represent Efficiency
* A loose interpretation
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
11. Did I loose you? Try this…
Your
Your Your
x =
Federal
Gross Cash
Government
η
Salary Money
Low Efficiency is Rarely of Value
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
12. Design Efficiency = Better Living
Your Yours Your
x =
Cash Designer’s Quality of
Money Skill Life
η
x
$ =
Design Living
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
13. Codes, Planning
η
Officials, HOAs
η Realtors &
η
Architects Financiers
“Green”
Home Builders &
“η” Suppliers
η
Engineers
Designers
BIG DESIGN IMPACT
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
14. Low Energy
Home building is
not rocket science
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
15. Tomorrow
VERY
GREEN
Today, rapidly 100,000 BC
Going GREEN VERY
GREEN
An easy
Band-Wagon
1950 to
to jump on
2000
WELL… 500 AD
VERY
1700 to GREEN
1940
VERY
GREEN
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
16. First steps July 2008 Houston Ad –
18 mpg city and 19 mpg highway.
are easy Was it 12 mpg before?
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17. EPA to soon fine McMansion & SUV owners ?
2007: Supreme Court ruled government could
use 1970 Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse
gases as a pollutant.
Saved in 2008: EPA reversed earlier conclusions –
‘no finding on whether global warming poses a threat to
peoples health of welfare.’
Clean Air Act ‘ill-suited” and “the wrong tool for the job”
for global warming
July 2008 AP Article
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
18. Clinton: “it’s the economy, stupidquot;
Bush: “we are addicted to oil.”
Obama: Green Jobs + $20B for
Green Construction and Energy
Conservation + $13B to repair Public
Housing
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
19. To have an effect,
we…ourselves…
“need to change
as dramatically as
we are changing
our light bulbs”.
Bill McKibben
2006 National Geographic Article A Deeper Shade of Green
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20. Design Vs Technology
New light bulbs?
Big wow,…
it only took
97 years
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21. Why Light Bulbs Are Bad
Things we do know-
The more I know, the more I know I don’t know.
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
22. CFL LED
Incandescent
Life Span (in hours) 1,500 10,000 60,000
Watts 60 14 6
Cost $1.345 $2.98 $39.95
KWh of electricty used over 60k hours 3,600 840 360
Electricity Cost (@ $0.15 per KWh) $540.00 $126.00 $54.00
Bulbs needed for 60k hours of usage 40 6 1
Equivalent 60k hour bulb expense $53.80 $17.88 $39.95
Total 60,000 Hour Lighting Spend $593.80 $143.88 $93.95
Calculate Your Energy Savings
# of Light Bulbs 30 30 30
Your estimated daily usage (hours) 5 5 5
Days in month 30 30 30
Household savings over 60,000 hours (energy + replacement)
Cost - 60,000 hrs (kW+replacement) $17,814.00 $4,316.40 $2,818.50
Savings by switching from Incandescent $0.00 $13,497.60 $14,995.50
Monthly household energy savings
KWh used per month 270 63 27
Electricity ($0.15 /KWh) $40.50 $9.45 $4.05
Savings by switching from Incandescent $0.00 $31.05 $36.45
Yearly household energy savings
KWh used per year 3,285 767 329
Electricity Cost (@ $0.15 per KWh) $492.75 $114.98 $49.28
Annual Savings $0.00 $377.78 $443.48
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
23. Those numbers look good, but <1%* of
NA Carbon impact on Global Warming
CFL USA POTENTIAL IMPACT
100% = All NA Consumed Energy
100% = NA Carbon Global Warming
100% x 25% for “Households” = 25%
25% x 60% as Electricity = 15%
15 % x 25% for Lighting = 3.75%
3.75% x 40% as Incandescent* = 1.5%
<1%
1.5% - ‘Day Lighting’ design trend =
* Balance is already LFL or CFL per 2005
International Energy Agency study
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24. …plus the things we don’t consider *
Cost of 5 milligrams of
mercury?
Add $ for Fixture/Switch
replacement?
Add $ for recycle ($3 to $5?)
* LED Bulbs coming down in cost and
Super-efficient incandescent bulbs
are under development (per GE).
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
25. Design VS Technology
Does Day-lighting make more sense?
Consider light
access tubes
for small areas
Images from
Solatube.com
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
26. Too Many Low Energy Details!
COMPONENTS
DESIGN FEATURES
•SITE
•ENERGY
•SIZE •FOUNDATION
•WATER
•USE •FRAME
•LIGHTING
•ROOF
•VENTILATION
•ARCH.
DESIGN •FINISHES
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
27. Top 2 ?
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29. 1950
The average
1970
US Home is
now about
1990
2500 sq. ft.*
2004
*NHBA: 2004-2350 sf, 2005-2400 sf …
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
30. • But # of people in homes < since 1950.
• Houses now >> 2X bigger than in 1950
• Big houses use more Energy
(Remember?... Humanity’s #1 Problem
for the next 50 years is Energy)
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
31. 2500 sf is NOT a McMansion!!!
Nor is it a
McShack
Just how many < 2500 sf
homes have you designed or
built recently ?
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
32. Breaking News … (duhh…)
Energy use is less
for smaller homes
(built with the same system)
5000 sf
<
2500 sf
EE
EE
EE = Embodied Energy of a Building System (AWF, SIP SCIP, ICF, AAC)
LCA = Life Cycle Assessment (cycle/years) is the same for the same building system
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
33. The ‘problem’ remains:
Architects, Engineers,
Builders, Suppliers,
Realtors, and Mortgage
companies are paid by
5000 sf
$/sf @ $150/sf
$$
2500 sf =
<
@ $150/sf
=$
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
34. Big
Idea…
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
35. Sell ‘gsf’ (green square feet)
$/gsf > $/sf
4000 ‘gsf’ is > 5000 sf
Food
Outdoor 500 sf
Garden
Dining
250 sf (5000 sf of conditioned
Hobby
2500 sf and ‘out of touch’ space)
(conditioned)
Exercise
250 sf
500 sf Porch
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
36. Sell ‘gsf’ (green square feet)
$$~$$ but < Energy
4000 gsf
5000 sf
@ $150/sf +
@ $150/sf
Savings
=$$
=$$
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
38. 2001 Avg Annual Home Energy $1,600
2006 Avg Annual Home Energy $1,900
2010 Avg Annual Home Energy $2,500?
Green Homes Save 30% to 50%
30% can easily equal…
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39. $100,000
$80/MONTH
SAVED IN
ENERGY
BILLS
INVESTED
AT 7% FOR
30 YRS
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
40. $300,000
$80/MONTH
$80/MONTH $80/MONTH
$80/MONTH
$80/MONTH $80/MONTH
SAVED IN
SAVED BY SAVED BY
SAVED IN
SAVED BY SAVED BY
ENERGY
EFFICIENT SOLAR
ENERGY
EFFICIENT SOLAR
(SUPER
SPACE HW & PV
(SUPER
SPACE HW & PV
INSULATED)
DESIGN SYSTEM
INSULATED)
DESIGN SYSTEM
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
41. Orienting for Solar Energy is Simple
(If You Do Not Have Trees!)
Winter Solar Heat + Summer Solar Power
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
42. Plan for Solar Energy, for now
or for the future*
10 Watt/sf =3 kW system?
(10W/sf x 30’ x 10’ = 3000W)
Zero, None,
Nada, Not
Possible.
16 Panels !
*or pay twice later?
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
43. Solar Energy Performance and Costing
is simple due to online tools
A 3000 Watt System @30°S = 3,976 kWh/year
System Cost $24,000
- Incentives ($7,200)
NET COST $16,800
http://www.kyocerasolar.com/products/pv_calculator.html
http://sharpusa.cleanpowerestimator.com/default.aspx
http://www.findsolar.com/index.php?page=rightforme
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
44. Combine Solar w/Wind for Max. Incentive $
3 kW PV (4,000 kWh/yr)
System Cost $8/W = $24K
+
- 30% Incentive = ($7.2K)
Net Solar PV Cost = $16.8K
10 kW Wind (6,000 kWh/yr)
System Cost $5K/kW = $50K
- $1K/kW (up to $4K) = ($4K)
Net Wind Gen Cost = $46K
Total Net Cost = $62.8K
If Combined $24K+$50K = $74K
- 30% Incentive = ($22K)
Total Net Cost = $51.8K
for Avg. Home’s 10,000 kWh/yr
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
45. 1. Design Choices for Low Energy
1. Smaller HVAC space.
2. Flexible use designs -
outdoor kitchen, hobby,
exercise, work-at-home.
3. Solar, Wind, Rainwater?
At what point does higher
satisfaction & low operating
cost justify a higher fee?
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
46. 2. Building
Components
and Methods
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
47. 2. Building Components & Methods
The Roof
• Has a huge impact on energy performance
• Can produce energy and collect water
• Use SIPs for simple strong shapes
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
48. The Attic
• Dusty area for purlins, braces, & hot HVAC ductwork?
• Or a cool semi-conditioned sealed attic space?
• Or free conditioned living space? 'free' living space
Attics can be
30% of a house's
volume.
This plan uses
SIPs to reclaim
an extra 250 sf
of conditioned
space.
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
49. Roof & Attic ‘System’
My Attic
SIP Attic
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
50. Roof & Attic ‘System’
Most attics are like a
1970’s engine
compartment – a
confused and dusty mess
With 3D design
it becomes a
high value
performance
space
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
51. Good MEP Design is coordinated…
not that that is ever needed
Electrical
Ground
Rebar
24” x 18” Service Access
(Latest house in my neighborhood)
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
52. Ward Off Vampires with good MEP design
Image from
March 2009
National
Geographic
Why not put these on their own circuit?
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
53. Exterior Walls
A Growing Number of Choices
Wood: Traditional & Advanced Framing
SIP: Structural Insulated Panel
Masonry: CMU, ICF (Insulated Concrete
Forms), AAC (Aerated Concrete)
Metal: Cold Formed Steel with EPS
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
54. Advanced Wood Framing
A definition: Techniques that use less lumber,
reduce material and resource cost, and
increase insulation.
Common AWF items
• Modular design uses 2’ wall increments
• ‘California’ corner framing
• headers sized for loads (vs. prescriptive sizing)
• 2x6 @24”o.c. (versus prescriptive)
2000 & 2003 IRC allow advanced framing
‘Advanced Wood Framing’ www.PathNet.org
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
55. Advanced Wood Framing
• AWF saves 19%
Wood Volume
• Headers are
Sized Saves
waste &
increases to R-9.
Common
‘California’ corner saves 1 stud
Header of (2)2X
per corner (not OK everywhere)
+ ½” plywood is Saves lumber costs, provides more
< R-2 insulation behind the wall.
‘Advanced Wood Framing’ www.PathNet.org
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
56. Advanced Wood Framing
• 2x6@24 is stronger than 2x4@16
2x4@16”
2x6@24”
>
• 2x6@24”section area per lf is
higher than 2x4@16” (4.16 vs. *(Moment of Inertia ‘I’ for
3.93 sq. in.) rectangle is I=Width*H^3/12;
H for 2x6 is 5.5”, 3.5” for 2x4.
• 2x6@24” Bending Stress
Cubed & adjusted per lf of
Md/2(I*) higher than 2x4@16” wall, the H^3 value for
2x6@24” is still 2.5 times that
• Nails for 24”o.c. VS 16”o.c. is of 2x4@16” Note: This is not
reduced by 1/3 but can be a comprehensive ‘strength’
comparison!)
adjusted by tighter nailing.
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
57. Interior Walls
Useful Volume for MEP Systems
(Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing )
Mechanical: Traditional Duct & Chases or
Hi-Velocity HVAC (4” dia. with insulation)
Electrical: Traditional + Wire Track Types
Plumbing: Traditional, PEX & fire sprinklers
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58. MEP Within Walls
Mechanical: Hi-Velocity HVAC provides
efficiency + new duct work routing options
4”o.d.
2”i.d.
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
59. MEP Within Walls
Mechanical: Hi-Velocity HVAC provides
efficiency + new duct work routing options
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
60. MEP Within Walls
Electrical: Cable Tray/Raceway approach
• Eliminates or limits insulation penetrations
• Easy as ‘Custom Builder’ 1x10 Baseboard
• Allows flexibility and easier changes
• OEMs now offer wood finishes and colors
Wiremold.com
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
61. MEP Within Walls
Plumbing: PEX?
• Known problems?
•Brass Manifold?
• More plumbing in
interior walls, limiting
insulation penetrations
• Fire sprinkler lines
• Easier repairs/ changes
• ‘Live’ water re-routing?
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
62. The Floor as a System
Slab On Grade:
• Thermally coupled to 70°F
soil – use it?
• If R.H. controlled 50%, the
surface remains cool & dry
• UFAD (Under Floor Air
Delivery) of 68F air (vs. 58F)
saves Air Conditioning BTUs
• Known UFAD Problems?
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
63. The Floor as a System
Slab with UFAD:
•Cast UFAD ducts
into the slab to save
energy?
• UFAD air is 8 to 10°
cooler than ceiling
delivery air
• Air in contact with
concrete slab uses
http://www.cbe.berkeley.edu
thermal mass as
energy reservoir.
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
64. The Floor as a System
Crawl Space: Many schools of thought
• Vent or Conditioned No Vent?
• Frame and Insulate, or SIP?
SIP subfloor
combines
structure
and
insulation
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
65. The Floor as a System
Crawl Space: Conditioned No Vent
•Additional cost
& multiple steps
•HVAC must
control humidity
& temperature
• Need detailed
drainage plan
Specifications at www.crawlspaces.org
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
66. The Floor as a System
Crawl Space:
http://www.buildingscience.com
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
67. The Floor as a System
Crawl Space:
http://www.buildingscience.com
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
68. The Floor as a System
Crawl Space:
“Wrapping the floor framing in foam insulation lowers the
equilibrium moisture content of the wood. Warm wood is dry
wood. Warm wood is happy wood.” – Building Science Oct 2008
http://www.buildingscience.com
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
69. The Floor as a System
Crawl Space:
SIPs do this well
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
70. Insulation Systems
Insulation Systems Insulated Components
FIBERS SITE FRAMED:
Fiberglass Wood Framed
Cellulose Systems
Cotton
PANELS:
FOAMS SIP
Polystyrene
Isocyranate SITE FORMED
Closed Cell Urethane SCIP
Open Cell Urethanes ICF
BARRIER FOILS BLOCKS:
Tech-Shield CMU
Radiant Foils AAC
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
71. Insulation Systems
ACH (Air Changes per Hour)
Measurement of air infiltration compared
to total volume of air in a home per hour.
Older poorly sealed homes ~ 2.5 ACH
Typical wood frame home ~ 1.75 ACH
Tightly constructed ~ 0.35 ACH
Extreme Tightly constructed ~ 0.1 ACH
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
72. Insulation Systems
AWF Energy Performance
2x4 AWF: R-15 is possible
2x6 AWF : R-21 Hi-Density 5½” Batts*
2x6 AWF : R-24A Hi-Dens. 5½” Batts*
+1”R5 Polystyrene Panel
2x6 AWF: R-20 Spray Foam (3.6/in.)**
R-19 Sp. Cellulose(3.5/in.)
* Theoretical Value - Batts leak air & Moisture
** Spray foam w/o vapor barrier can reach
1.2 ACH @-50 Pa. depressurization =~ 0.1 ACH
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
73. AWF Know Negative Issues
• New way to frame
• Field Quality Sensitive
• Wood framing quality
varies by builder.
• Fast construction makes it
difficult to verify quality
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
74. AWF Future? “A No-Brainer ”
• Green Building using Trees is a ‘no brainer”
• Is ‘biologically advantaged’ (grows on
trees).
• The Wood Products industry ‘gets it” (is
planting more than it uses, has improved
adhesives, etc.)
• No system is more design flexible
• More engineered products coming
(engineered studs, snap-in and membrane
insulation systems
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
75. Structural Insulation Systems
I should’ve
made him take
my course
again
SIP
Structural
Insulated
Panel
• Invented by Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) in
Madison, Wisconsin in the 1930’s.
• Alden Dow, a Frank Lloyd Wright student, built the first
Styrofoam houses in Michigan in 1951.
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Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
77. Structural Insulation Systems
SIP
oof
• Like an Oreo Cookie – 2 pcf R
SIP
EPS inside, OSB outside
• Jumbo OSB = 8’ x 24’ SIP
SIP Walls
• Can be used for walls, roofs,
cantilevers, and floors.
• SIP industry grew in the 90’s
• Structural Insulated Panel
Association (SIPA; sips.org)
was formed in 1990
SIP Floors!
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
78. Structural Insulation Systems
SIP
• Wood basis + Low energy SIP Environmental Benefits
consumption reduces Carbon
footprint
• Fast growth wood does not
deplete old-growth trees
• Up to 70% less lumber used.
• Factory precuts reduces
labor, travel, & fuel usage
• OSB laminated with water
based adhesives that are
water proof when cured.
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
79. Structural Insulation Systems
SIP
• SIPs easily
outperform framed
walls in earthquakes
and high winds -
even hurricane
forces.
Curved SIPs are naturally stronger but also
• Roofing is more likely much harder to make since top & bottom radii
to remain attached are different. They only can be pressed one at
(SIP roof panels resist a time. No known US suppliers or
manufacturers offer these as standard – yet.
edge delamination
(photo from sips.uk.com)
and do not buckle.)
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
80. Structural Insulation Systems
SIP Energy Performance
2x6 SIP: R-25 to R-22
2x8 SIP: R-29
SIP homes regularly reach 0.5 ACH
Older poorly sealed homes ~ 2.5 ACH
Typical wood frame home ~ 1.75 ACH
Tightly constructed ~ 0.35 ACH
Extreme Tightly constructed ~ 0.1 ACH
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
81. Structural Insulation Systems
SCIP
Structural Concrete Insulated Panel
In a perfect world, all dwellings would be built from
internally insulated monolithic masonry panel
systems. There is just one minor problem...
…this guy makes
much more money
building swimming
pools and tunnels
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
82. Structural Insulation Systems
ICF
Inventing ICFs
would have been
• Insulated Concrete Forms a no-brainer,… if
• Many OEM block systems I just had
• ICF listed by the IRC in 2003 invented EPS
first
Stiffeners hold
rebar and
shape
s
rm
o y
S F avit
EP l l C
Wa
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
83. Structural Insulation Systems
ICF Know Negative Issues
• Must be securely braced
and tightly aligned
• Interior and exterior
cladding is still required
• No pitched roof system
• Concrete and steel price
sensitive
• “Inverted Oreo” Thermal ICF is strong – maybe
mass is ‘backwards’ even over-designed?
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
84. Structural Insulation Systems
AAC: Autoclave Another
Aerated Concrete smart idea
from the 20’s
• AAC was invented in
Sweden in 1920, and
commercialized in 1940 by
Josef Hebel
• The ‘AAC’ name is used for
the class of aerated
monolithic concrete building
systems – even those that
are not autoclave produced.
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
85. Structural Insulation Systems
AAC: Autoclave Aerated Concrete
• AAC Blocks are stacked like
CMUs.
• Most AAC blocks use a thinset
mortar adhesive
• Some are dry stacked. Courtesy of Flexcrete
• All use rebar is placed at key
points.
• Standard ACI Masonry
construction rules apply
Courtesy of Liteblock
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
86. Structural Insulation Systems
AAC Know Negative Issues
• Lack of experienced AAC
masons mean on the job
training is common
• Electricians, Plumbers, and
HVAC trades less familiar.
• Blueprints should include all
structural detailing
• Special fasteners needed
AAC Recess Routing of plumbing
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
87. Structural Insulation Systems
Insulated Masonry (SCIP, ICF, AAC)
SCIP/ICF/AAC Energy Performance
Must Use ‘Equivalent’ R Value
Expect SCIP/ICF to reach 0.35 to 0.1 ACH
Expect AAC to also reach 0.50 to 0.2 ACH
Older poorly sealed homes ~ 2.5 ACH
Typical wood frame home ~ 1.75 ACH
Tightly constructed ~ 0.35 ACH
Extreme Tightly constructed ~ 0.1 ACH
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
88. AWF SIP SCIP ICF AAC
MY SCORECARD
Industry Experience
2 2 1 2 2
(5 High, 1 Low)
Energy Performance
3 4 5 5 5
(to Code=1, Best=5)
Relative Strength
3 4 5 5 4
(5 High, 1 Low)
Design Flexibility
5 3 3 4 5
(5 High, 1 Low)
Direct Labor Cost
4 5 1 3 4
(5 Low, 1 High)
MEP & Finish Cost
5 3 2 2 3
(5 Low, 1 High)
Speed of Construction
4 5 2 3 3
(5 High, 1 Low)
Relative Material Cost
5 3 5 2 2
(5 Low, 1 High)
31 29 24 26 28
TOTAL
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
89. Ventilation now critical
Older homes & typical wood frame homes with
2.5 to 1.75 ACH ‘breath’ enough to vent
humidity, gases/vapors, molds/pollens.
Wood-Icynene, SIP/ICF/AAC are 0.1 to 0.5 ACH
Today’s air tight homes ‘breath’ only 5% to 10%
as much as older homes.
Ventilation becomes critical for tight homes
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
90. Ventilation now critical
Moisture in bathrooms, kitchens,
laundries no longer flows to the outside.
•Cooking for 4 adds 4.5 lbs/day
•A shower adds 0.5lbs/day
•Humans add 6 to 8 lbs/day
•Dish washing 1.2 lbs/day
Its easy to build up excessive moisture
levels (and that’s just water vapor)
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
91. Ventilation now critical
Besides that clammy feel, and mold
growth potential, it wastes energy*
Add 15 min timer ventilation fans to
every shower, bathroom, & kitchen.
Or install humidity controlled ventilation
* One lb water takes 970 BTUs to evaporate. To get that 1lb of
water-gas to condense so we can remove it, that same 970
BTUs of energy must be removed by the cold Freon in your
HVAC refrigeration loop, + the energy for multiple fan motors.
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
92. Ventilation now critical
15 min timer
+ 250 cfm
ventilation
fan + flap-
vents ~ $150
Broan QTXE110S
Humidity
controlled 110 cfm
ventilation fan +
flap vents ~ $230
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
93. 3.When the
HVAC Quits
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
94. 3. When the HVAC Quits
…We’ve learned a hard few lessons
Katrina- 1/2 million refugees
Rita- choked TX highways
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
95. Uncertainty is the only certainty
For Houstonians, uncertainty
is currently a hurricane.
We know when they are
coming and where it will
likely flood.
We can plan, and we can
leave. For most, it only gets
drastic if the HVAC quits.
So why not design for it? Predictions? 2005 way under,
2006 way over, 2007 way over…
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
98. 3. When the HVAC Quits
Now that we haven’t left,
and the damn power is out
maybe we should rethink
our HVAC requirements
My HVAC Disclaimer : I am not and HVAC designer, nor a
HERS* rater, and I don’t do Manual-J’s**, but I do know energy.
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
99. Before we get too far, here is
how to find HVAC experts online
ASHRAE www.ashrae.org
(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating &
Air-Conditioning Engineers)
HERS ™ www.natresnet.org
(Residential Energy Services Network)
Manual-J ™ www.acca.org and
www.manualj.com
(Air Conditioning Contractors of America)
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
100. Remember This?
Outdoor 500 sf
Dining
250 sf (5000 sf of conditioned
Hobby
2500 sf and ‘out of touch’ space)
(conditioned)
500 sf Porch
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
101. Your Energy Target ?
Home Performance Classifications
1. “Baseline” - homes to current code
2. “Energy Star®” labeled homes
3. “Guaranteed Performance” homes
*2000 EPA / Advanced Energy Study (Phoenix)
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
102. Add Tight and Insulated
R-13/1.75 ACH wood frame VS…
Walls @ R-21 to R-25
(2x6 w/foam or 8”SIP) w/0.5 ACH
+
Roof @ R-25 to R29
(2x8 w/foam or 8”SIP or )
+
HVAC in Conditioned Space
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
103. A 4th Classification?
1. (BL) quot;Baselinequot; homes to current code
2. (ES) “Energy Star®quot; labeled homes
3. (GP) quot;Guaranteed Performancequot; homes
*2000 EPA / Advanced Energy Study (Phoenix)
4. (SI) “Super Insulated” homes ?
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
104. BL = 4.2 kWh/sf or “4”
ES = 3.5 kWh/sf or “3.5” (BL -16%)
GP = 2.8 kWh/sf or “3” (BL-33%)
SI = 2.1 kWh/sf or “2”
That BL minus 50%!
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
105. AVG HOME = 2500 sq.ft.
BL = 4 x 2500 = 10,000 kWh
ES=3.5 x 2500 = 7750 kWh
GP = 3 x 2500 = 7500 kWh
SI = 2 x 2500 = 5000 kWh (BL - 50%)
SI = 2 x 1650 = 3300 kWh (BL - 66%)
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
106. 4000 gsf (2500 sf conditioned)
At 50% of Baseline Performance
Annualized kWh =
2 kWh/sf x 2500 sf
= 5000 kWh per Year
(Our little 3000W Solar PV made 3976 kWh per year)
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
107. An Unrealistic Energy Target ?
HVAC = currently 30% of kWh
Goal for 4000 gsf : 2kWh/sf Home?
5000 kWh/yr x 30% = 1500 kWh/yr
5000 kWh/yr x 50% = 2500 kWh/yr
(Our little 3000W Solar PV made 3976 kWh per year)
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
108. Don’t Forget Comfort
What does it take to be
comfortable at home?
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
109. Don’t Forget Comfort
30% to 50%
Relative Clean Air
Humidity Exchanges
Low Utility
Bills
Comfort? Low dust, mold,
allergens
Low
Maintenance
65 F to 75 F
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
110. Don’t Forget Comfort
In HVAC-Speak its called “Sensible Load”
Sensible Load for cooling refers to the dry
bulb temperature of the building.
Influence Factors: Heat and leakage from
walls, attics, and crawl spaces, windows,
doors, people, appliances, lights, sunlight
heat, interior wall separations.
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
111. Don’t Forget Comfort
Tight Walls, attics, and crawl spaces
Efficient lighting
Energy-Star appliances
“Great Design” control of sunlight heat,
interior wall separations in smart places.
Windows & Doors
People Living Inside (=Humidity, a
need for Clean Air, etc.)
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
112. Don’t Forget Comfort
Buy the Best Operable Windows
Windows ASHRAE 90.1
U-COG: 0.571 U-Factor at center of glass
SHGC: 0.404 Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
VT: 0.732 Visible Transmittance
SC: 0.43 Shading Coefficient
Climate Pick Windows for Yours
Warmer - Lower SHGC, Low-e coating outside
Cooler - Lower U-factor, Low-e coating inside
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
113. Don’t Forget Comfort
People Living Inside (with HVAC)
Target Relative Humidity 45% to 60%
Have HVAC designed for 50% R.H.
R.H. control is temperature independent
Ventilation on timers or -
Ventilation on humidity controllers
Okay, you’ve done great reducing your energy
demand, but the power is out! – now what ?
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
114. Remember This?
5000 to 6000 BTU Window AC
Unit (like Frigidaire FAA067P7A or
GE ASM05LK) @ 1000 Watts …
S-I-P Appliances Wattage
Room Air conditioner 1,000
Outdoor Ceiling Fan 120
500 sf
Table Fan 150
Dining
Freezer (stand-alone) 600
Lights CF 25
250 sf Laptop 25
Television 20“ LCD 65
Hobby
2500 sf Total 1920 Watts
Generators
(conditioned) Craftsman 30250 – 2500 Watts
Briggs&Stratton EM7 – 5000 Watts
Intermittent Usage Wattage
Toaster oven 1,225
500 sf Porch Whole house fan 500
Microwave oven 925
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
115. And Remember This?
A 3000 Watt System @30°S = 3,976 kWh/year
Solar Energy as Back Up
NET COST $16,800
http://www.kyocerasolar.com/products/pv_calculator.html
http://sharpusa.cleanpowerestimator.com/default.aspx
http://www.findsolar.com/index.php?page=rightforme
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
116. For Serious Shelter-In-Place
1. 3-day supply of water/person Additional Items to Consider
2. 1 gallon of water/person/day •Prescription medications/glasses
•Important family documents
3. Food,3-day supply of non-
•Insurance policies
perishable food.
•Identification/bank acct records
4. Infant formula/Pet food •Cash or traveler’s checks
5. Battery-powered radio •Sleeping bag or blankets
w/NOAA Weather alert •long sleeved shirt/pants and
6. Flashlight and extra batteries sturdy shoes.
•Chlorine bleach and medicine
7. First aid Whistle
dropper
8. Dust mask
•1 to 9 as disinfectant/ 16 drops
9. Moist towelettes
per gallon for emergency drinking
10. garbage bags •Fire Extinguisher/Matches
11. Wrench or pliers to turn off •Mess kit/paper
utilities cups/plates/utensils
12. Can opener for food •paper towels, Pen & Pencil
•Games, card, puzzles, gameboys
13. Local maps
http://www.ready.gov/america/index.html
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
117. Thanks!
I’m
I’m
jealous
jealous
I’m
I’m jealous
jealous
I’m
I love my
jealous
new GSF
home
I’m
I’m jealous
jealous
I’m
jealous
I’m
jealous
Email us at eco@ecoegr.com
or Call ECO at 713-377-4209
© Eco-Holdings 2/4/09
Gary Beck, P.E., SECB, LEED AP