His is Passivhaus, HERS is LEEDS, who is the Energy Star?
There is renewed interest in energy efficiency and sustainable building brought about by recent high energy prices and economic hard times. This has brought on a flood of information about energy ratings, building techniques, rebates and tax credits. Between the acronyms and the various government and utility initiatives it can make your head spin. I
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No Place Like Home? A Green Rant
“Green” has suddenly become a buzz word so pervasive that it’s practically lost any meaning. Over 30 years ago I was studying Civil Engineering with a coordinate major in Environmental Studies at the University of Vermont. We learned about the upcoming energy crisis, passive solar, wind energy, thermal mass, photovoltaic, trombe walls, organic gardening, composting
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SIP Panels & R-Values
When we discuss our timber frame packages with potential customers, we often get questions about the structural insulated panels (SIPs). Probably the most common question is, “What is the R-value of your wall and roof panels?” Over time foam prices change, but right now the best value is 4-1/2” polyisocyanurate core (PIR) wall panels at
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