I recently had the pleasure of visiting with a unique local building contractor. I say unique because “Green” construction has been a slowly evolving building method in our area, largely due to the misconception that it has to cost a lot more than normal construction.
This Builder has even constructed a Net Zero home! Don’t feel bad, I didn’t really understand what a Net Zero home was either, but I learned quickly. It’s a home that actually produces more energy than it consumes! Cool? Heck ya it’s cool, they used solar panels to produce the energy and a variety of super high efficient products and construction methods to make this happen.
This meeting supercharged my interest in this aspect of the building industry and what can be accomplished if everyone is on the same page. It also showed me more awesome ways in which “High Performance” HVAC systems play a part in not only “Green” construction, but all Newly Constructed Homes. I can’t wait to research more about this exciting area of the industry and share it with you.
Also, I will hopefully be able to Interview the aforementioned building contractor and share that here in LetsTalkHvac.com.
Until next time, think Green!
Careful there Mike, this whole green building thing could put a lot of HVAC people out of business! haha! Kidding. Well, sort of. You should look up Passivhaus (Passive House). Its a German standard that is quickly gaining momentum outside of Germany–including in the US. You know what the HVAC array looks like in a Passivhaus? An ERV. Yep, that’s right, Passivhaus’s are super insulated and use the heat from people and small appliances to maintain a comfortable living environment EVEN in the winter!!