High-Performance Energy Design, Sustainability, and Healthy Environments

We hear the terms like “high-performance energy,” “sustainable sourcing,” and “indoor air quality” constantly these days. The more I’ve learned about these terms, the more “real” and exciting they’ve become. “High-performance” generally means super energy efficient, but it also applies to homes that are designed and engineered to be air- and water-tight. Due to streamlined construction processes, advanced building materials, and the reduction of the cost of solar photovoltaics (PV), it’s now within reach of the average homeowner to build or retrofit to Net Zero Energy (NZE), meaning the house makes as much or more energy than it consumes. By nature, these homes are also much more comfortable, durable, and healthy than non-high-performance homes.

 “Sustainability” implies that when we carefully design for high-performance, we are trading the use of Earth’s non-replaceable resources with resources that are replaceable or renewable. For instance, solar power is a renewable resource, fossil fuels aren’t. As a lifestyle practice, “sustainability” implies less consumption, and therefore less carbon emitted into the atmosphere as a result of manufacturing and distributing consumables.

A high-efficiency home only costs about 5-10% more to build than a code-level home, but it pays back quickly in lowered utility and maintenance bills. Occupants’ medical bills are often dramatically less too as these homes use non-toxic materials, and all but eliminate air, water, dust, and organism infiltration. These homes appraise for more than code-level homes and studies most always show they sell faster when on the market. A cash-flow study usually surprises clients and demonstrates the affordability of advanced homes.  

The main obstacle to advanced building is complacency. Some homebuyers put more thought into the purchase of their car or tv than their house. Some builders are reluctant to learn new technologies and practices because it’s perceived as expensive or inconvenient.

An obstacle to overcome is the myth that high-performance energy homes are “too expensive” or take too long to pay for themselves. Solar PV has dropped 60% in cost since 2009, and tax incentives, rebates, etc. take the payback down to less than 10 years. A final obstacle is the preconceived notion that the terms “green” and “sustainable” only relate to the environmental activists. On the contrary, most everyone loves to save money, live better, and contribute to helping the Earth at the same time. I am currently designing a number of projects that incorporate these advanced systems with livable, inviting aesthetics. High-performance homes don’t have to look like a box; they can be beautiful and comfortable. If high-performance design is something you’d like to learn more about, give me a call or send me a message. I look forward to chatting with you further about your ideas and goals for your home!