R-Value is a measure of the reduction of heat transfer across a defined path. An R-Value of a product will provide you with information about the thermal performance of that specific product. It does not tell you the R-Value of the system (fiberglass, wood studs, sheathing, siding making up a wall assembly).
There is a test to determine R-Value where a sample of material is placed inside a testing chamber. This chamber has a hot plate and cold plate. The test determines how much heat goes through the material. This test does not factor into it, wind, humidity, human error, or temperature outside. These factors will greatly influence performance of the product being used with a given R-Value as well as the overall assembly of parts. Before you settle on a particular product with an R-Value you find acceptable – think through the entire assembly and climate you are placing the product.
Life Cycle Analysis is a system of reviewing the entire history of a product to account for the total impact on the environment. Also known as cradle-to-grave analysis, the process includes analysis of processing of raw materials, manufacturing process, and distribution process to bring a product to market. I also should include an account of the disposal of the product.
This analysis is especially important when selecting building materials for a sustainable structure. The embedded energy it takes to build a new building is incredibly high. A true green building design will look at ways to create a structure that will last 100+ years to offset the embedded energy it takes to create the structure. For instance, using a window that is made locally and is highly durable is much better for the environment than a window that is less money up front, but will begin to fail after only a few years and need to be replaced within 15.
We have been working with a great group of volunteers to bring this conference together. Website and registration should launch soon! Here are some details.
MID-ATLANTIC SUSTAINABILITY CONFERENCE
“building for the future”
JMU Festival Center
Harrisonburg, VA
The Mid-Atlantic Sustainability Conference brings together thoughtful leaders in the residential and commercial building industry. This inaugural event is designed for those interested in the green-building industry, including contractors, architects, designers, vendors, consultants, engineers, realtors, government agencies, and students. The primary focus of the event is to educate the local and regional building industry on quality green-building practices, products, and projects to inspire attendees to build for the future. The event, co-sponsored by James Madison University office on sustainability, Central Virginia Construction Specifications Institute, and the Shenandoah Valley Builders Association, is a three day conference covering topics including:
Alternative Energy (solar, wind, energy management)
Energy Efficiency (sensors and measurements, energy saving controls, conservation, building science, energy code, energy modeling)
Building Science (moisture management, bulk water management, insulation, alternative building systems, indoor air quality)
The Mid-Atlantic Sustainability Conference will be held at the JMU Festival Conference and
Student Center, Harrisonburg, VA.
1301 Carrier Drive
Festival Conference & Student Center
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, Va 22807
Parking
Parking is available at the JMU Convocation Center Lot R10. A JMU shuttle bus will run from this location to the festival center at 15 minute intervals during the conference. All other JMU parking spaces are reserved and parking in them will result in a fine.
Registration
Opening Soon
Early Bird Rate $225 (through June 30)
Regular Rate $275
Student Rate $50
NAHB Building Science Course (add $175)
Registration link: TBD
Sponsorship
Gold ($500) – company logo on website with live link, marketing material in attendee bag
Platinum ($1,000) – Gold level benefits + table top display space Sept 4-5 each morning at event.
Our clients have finally moved into this incredible family home, build by Trost Custom Homes. Here are some Penn Laird home interior photographs, plus our past updates.
Conservation, to me, is the key to a more energy-efficient future for our built environment. It is the act of preserving, guarding, or protecting the resources we have available on this planet.
Building represent 38.9% of U.S. primary energy use (includes fuel input for production). Source: Environmental Information Administration (2008).
Buildings are one of the heaviest consumers of natural resources and account for a significant portion of the greenhouse gas emissions. Source: Energy Information Administration (2008).
Buildings Represent 72% of total U.S. consumption of energy. Source: Environmental Information Administration (2008).
With stats like these you can see how cutting energy use in existing buildings is a key to our efficiency future. We can do a lot with new buildings, but we have an aging building stock that needs lots of attention. 72% of buildings in the U.S. is over 20 years old. Conservation is the key to improving our building stock and cutting our annual energy use.
I was called out to a house in Albemarle County yesterday to look at a window issue (I will not post any pictures of the actual project to protect all involved). After some discussion about windows and energy efficiency the home owners moved the discussion to upgrades they had made at their home over the past year. A new 2.5 ton HVAC system was installed on the second floor to supplement the 10 ton unit already installed. The HVAC contractor said it was needed and also rebuilt the entire duct system. As you might expect this work came with a high cost. The home owners also encapsulated part of their crawl space, but did not condition it or insulate. The HVAC system which was probably (most likely) already oversized was made larger leading to short cycling and higher humidity. The crawl space now has no ventilation leading to a humidity problem even with a HUGE dehumidifier running in the space. Nobody looked at the building science behind the problems trying to be addressed. As a result, the home owners have high electric bills, moisture issues, and are feeling defeated.
So how do you find someone you can trust in the industry? These home owners did get references that said the work done at their homes was good. I agree that should be the first place to start. However, this simply narrows the list to contractors that have done what they said they were going to do, it does not mean they have any knowledge of building science or look at holistic solutions. A home is the most complicated machine you will ever own. It performs different on a cloudy day than sunshine filled day. It performs different on a cold day to a hot day. It performs different as it gets older. So how can you ever really trust someone to deliver the right solution?
There are certifications in the industry that show the person doing the work has the added training on a particular topic. To learn about these certifications, read our previous post. You can also ask questions about their experience to see if they know about building science – for instance “what climate are we in?” and “how does our climate impact insulation recommendations?” and “did you do a Manual J to make sure the size of the HVAC unit will work efficiently?”
I was heart-broken yesterday for this retired couple that has used their monetary resources for solutions that are not optimal. There is no going back, just trying to finish and fix what was already put in place spending more money. If you are facing comfort, efficiency, or durability issues in your home, ask lots of questions.
You will almost certainly need a holistic solution as one change will impact many other aspects of your home. It is difficult to know who to trust in our industry. Who is just trying to sell a product and who understands the science behind the problem? I am happy to discuss your home issues, just give me a call.
