EA New Homes Measures Guide - Earth Advantage

More documents

Recommendations

Info

2012 Earth Advantage Residential Measures Resource Guide 9.1.4 Photovoltaic: Planning for future hookup Energy Materials Water 0 0 0 1 0 Description: Even if a photovoltaic system is not installed at the time of construction, one can be added later. Proper planning will increase system production and improve the aesthetic fit with the home. Consider the following: 1. The house should be oriented with a clear roof slope that faces within 30 degrees of true south. 2. The south-facing roof slope should be free of all obstructions that would interfere with the placement of PV panels, including plumbing stacks, skylights, roof vents, etc. 3. Reserve 300 sq. feet or more in a rectangular shape on the roof. 4. Space should be available near the electric panel for mounting an inverter and for making electrical connections (48 inches of clear horizontal space should be enough.) 5. There should be one free space for an additional breaker in the service panel. 6. Install metal conduit for future installation of wires. 7. Place a sign on electrical panel indicating the house is "Photovoltaic Ready". Health Land Benefit: Planning the home to accommodate a PV system will reduce the disruption associated with installing one later. This can mean fewer materials, less demolition waste, and better aesthetic integration with the building's architecture. Verification: EA Rater will visually inspect for the requirements identified here. 9.1.5 Solar Water Heater System Energy Materials Water 0 0 0 0 0 Description: A solar water heater consists of a solar panel facing south or within 30° of south. A collection fluid (water or anti-freeze) is heated in the collector and circulates to a storage tank. The pre-heated water from that tank flows into the main water heater, which allows the primary tank to use less energy to heat the water. The complete system consists of collectors, storage tank, heat exchanger, water pump, and controls. Points are awarded by energy modeling. Health Land Benefit: Solar water heaters have been proven over time and are relatively simple. System sizing is based on the number of people in the household and is generally meant to provide about 50 percent of the hot water over the course of the year, although most of the production will occur during the warmer months. Water heating is the second largest use of energy in the typical household, so reducing water heating has a major impact on overall household energy use. Verification: EA Rater will visually verify the presence of system components. Page 66 of 70
2012 Earth Advantage Residential Measures Resource Guide 9.1.6 Solar Water Heater: Pre-plumbed piping for future hookup Accountability Form: General Energy Health Materials Water 0 0 0 2 0 Description: Install water lines to serve a solar water heater so that a complete system can be installed later. Consider the following: 1. The roof must be oriented to the south and strong enough to support the weight of solar collectors. 2. Reserve 70 sq. feet of roof area for installation of system. 3. Space must be allowed to position a storage tank, heat exchanger, pump, and controls next to the standard water heater. 4. Pipes must be sized and located for the collectors and other equipment. It is best to select the exact equipment so that all of these details are known. 5. All plumbing lines must be pressure tested. 6. All plumbing lines must be insulated to R4. 7. Sensor wires shall run parallel to piping and attach securely to the outside of insulation. 8. Place a sign near the water heater indicating that the house is "Solar Ready". Land Benefit: Pre-plumbing reduces the cost to retrofit the house for solar water heat panels in the future. Contact a qualified ontractor/plumber for an estimate. Pre-plumbing also reduces the potential waste of materials during the retrofit process over installing at the time of house construction. Verification: EA Rater will visually inspect for the elements listed here and complete the solar ready checklist. 10 Innovations 10.1 Innovations 10.1.1 EA Certified Professional: SHP or STAR Energy Materials Water 0 1 1 1 1 Description: The builder or superintendent for the project has graduated from the Earth Advantage Sustainable Homes Professional. A site superintendent or project manager of the project site must earn the designation. Larger builders should have a significant portion of their workers trained. The real estate broker representing the property has graduated from the STAR course. Health Land Benefit: A builder who has invested the time to earn the Sustainable Homes Professional certification has exhibited a desire to improve their construction and management practices. This typically results in the builder having a better understanding of the construction process when it comes to incorporating "green" construction practices. A real estate broker who has invested time in the Sustainable Training for Accredited Realtors has made a similar committment to their representation of the home. Verification: EA Rater verifies with Earth Advantage records. 10.1.2 Accountability Form: General Energy Health Land Materials Water Green Power: Builder utilizes local utility green power options for own 0 0 1 0 0 office operations (
Page 1 and 2:
2012 Earth Advantage Residential Me
Page 3 and 4:
Page 5 and 6:
Page 7 and 8:
Page 9 and 10:
Page 11 and 12:
Page 13 and 14:
Page 15 and 16: 2012 Earth Advantage Residential Me
Page 65: 2012 Earth Advantage Residential Me
show all

EA New Homes Measures Guide - Earth Advantage

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?