Energy Savings Solutions Look To The East From The Ground Up

Energy savings solutions from the east are beginning to take hold in the United States starting from the ground up to reduce energy costs for buildings in big ways.

The energy savings comes from steps that are taken to reduce air leaks and heat escaping and also to use solar as a passive energy source.

This building method is called Passive House or Passivhaus reflecting its German roots.  This method of building is also referred to as simply ‘from the ground up’.   Because the crawl space is the first focus point, a name like ‘from the ground up’ makes sense.

For the past 20 years, Germany and other European countries have been perfecting the Passivhaus method of building.  It is now being studied and implemented in the United States.

The name Passivhaus reflects the fact that there is no active mechanical heating and cooling system for a house.

There are heat recovery ventilators that blow fresh air in and remove the stale air.  While this exchange happens, the warm air from inside is captured and is mixed in with the fresh air coming back into the building.

What does all this mean?  For energy savings – find a hole, fill it.

With minimal heat loss and passive solar gain, the result is system that saves up to 90% of the heating costs that provides constant fresh air.  A much smaller heating source can be used to make up the difference.

As you will see in these videos, they say the Blue House can be heated with a hair dryer!  Pretty impressive, I’d say.

Keeping the bats and bugs out

Reducing our energy use is the number one focus when building sustainably.  We always look for energy saving solutions when we design and build because our buildings and our current building standards are responsible for 48% of all the greenhouse gasses that are emitted.  Also, our buildings use 76% of all the electricity generated in the U.S.

What is particularly cool about the Blue House is the effort was brought about by a community who recognizes the needs of the people who make up its community.  That includes the fact that the Blue House is a rental.  It is also the first Passive House built in California.

The Hero

Not one of the lucky ones to have a house From The Ground Up?  No worries.  There are many ways to get the air quality improved in your home.  Start with a look at the fabrics you bring into your home.

Want to create your unique environment with a real opportunity to improve the health and energy efficiency of your home or workplace?   Contact Me at donnalynn EcoLivingDesign to provide you with smart sustainable solutions that make your budget look good for many years to come.