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 The low energy use of the first Passivhaus in Bremen, Germany, is surprising, especially since the house has neither solar collectors, nor a PV array, nor a boiler. |
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posted by jsesic
Tanya,
In regards to open-cell spray foam insulation it is a great choice epsecially in your application. With the right type of spray...
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I too have been trying to find a non-toxic sofa and am frustrated by the lack of options.
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I am a little (a lot) late to this conversation, but I think the only wood-burning appliances should be direct vent masonry ovens which burn at...
The point is to increase the
The point is to increase the efficiency of structures, right? Arguing over the last 5-10% of gains seems a misdirection of our energies. 0.6 or 6 air changes? Either one is a huge improvement over the performance of most buildings now. While debates is healthy, and performance vs. lifetime cost should always be analyzed, we might achieve more if we directed this energy at implementing better nationwide standards and programs, educating the trades, etc. we might do well to treat our own time and energy as if it is the finite resource that keeps us dry and warm in the winter.
I think the construction and
I think the construction and successful operation of over 13,000 buildings built or renovated to the Passivhaus standard in Europe says a great deal, including those from Italy to Sweden, and also a very few in the States. This shows that the ability to produce year after year performance with their concept of tightly built envelopes that are well insulated and that recycle their heat/cool is a good and reliable solution for a variety of different buiding types, but also for energy renovations and upgrades. And besides, because of the build quality, these buildings are known to have no iaq problems. Perhaps Straube should visit Germany and see what these houses can do.
It's interesting with the sub
It's interesting with the subject Green Building. In connection with COP15 to be held in Copenhagen later this year, the site www.activebe.com, have launched relating to this subject. Buildings are the number one consumers of energy on the planet and buildings contribute more to global warming than all the cars, planes and factories in the world combined.