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Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy ... The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source of informati... details Elements of An Energy Efficient House A discussion of the pros and cons of basic elements (a well-constructed and tightly sealed thermal e... details Houses That Work: House Design Recommendations By ... Design recommendations are provided as a starting point for designing a specific house in a specific... details Insulating Foundations and Floors Insulating slabs, crawl spaces/walls, methods, under-floor insulation, advantages, disadvantages; in... details Solar Radiation Data for Buildings For use by architects and engineers, this provides solar resources information for common window ori... details |
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Energy efficient design and construction can substantially reduce costs and pollution because nonrenewable energy sources of energy are expensive, potentially unstable, and create toxic wastes through their development and combustion. The long-term costs of energy to the homeowner are large, in dollars as well as in health and safety. Reasons to Change
Building energy efficient and renewable energy homes offers contractors advantages in the marketplace. The reputation of builders with satisfied customers passes among homeowners and potential buyers. Greater customer satisfaction will result from less noise, increased durability and comfort, reduced maintenance and operating costs, and the reduced reliance on pollution causing energy consumption. Energy-efficient homes and those with renewable energy systems qualify homeowners for resource efficient mortgages, and incentives for renewable energy technologies. The more skilled a builder is at conveying these advantages to home buyers, the more profitable the builder will be. Energy efficiency is one of the most direct ways a person can realize the benefits of a green built home. By implementing energy efficient techniques, energy bill savings can reach 65%. Source: Green Buildings are Energy Efficient. Energy-efficiency can also improve the comfort, health, and safety of home occupants through improved indoor air quality, fire protection, noise levels, reduced maintenance, and increased durability. P2 in ActionWhole-building design or a systems approach considers the interaction of all elements of the building site, building envelope, mechanical systems, and occupants to help achieve optimal energy performance. The key is to reduce the house load (energy use) using the best combination of:
The emphasis on each should vary on a site-by-site basis. Most energy-efficient homes have four basic elements in common:
Source: Energy & Environmental Building Association Specific ways to achieve energy efficiency through a systems approach include:
Assistance with Energy EfficiencyGuidelines, standards and incentive programs abound for energy efficiency in residential construction. Here are some suggestions:
Energy StarOne rating program that deserves special mention is the Energy Star home labeling program. Energy Star standards are nationally recognized and commonly adopted as criteria for other incentive programs. This program of the Environmental Protection Agency requires homes to achieve 30 percent reductions in energy over the Model Energy Code and obtain a third party verification. Energy Star for New Homes Improvements to Existing Homes Staying CurrentCheck with the following sites for tools and resources, news, product reviews and current events in Renewable Energy and Efficiency:
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