green + solar home tour

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

PHO

TO: R

OSS

CHA

NDL

ER

CASCADIAOREGON | High Desert Branch

Find “High Desert Branch” on Facebook

THE 2012

GREEN + SOLAR HOME TOUR

www.greenandsolarhometour.com

FEATURING 9 CENTRAL OREGON HOMES PACKED WITH GREEN AND SOLAR FEATURES

SATURDAY OCTOBER 6th | 8:30 AM - 5 PM

P R O D U C E D B Y T H E H I G H D E S E R T B R A N C H O F CA S CA D I A

Kick-off event starts at 9:00 am at COCCCampus Center, 2600 College Way Bend

FREE Event begins at 8:30 a.m.

Home Tour 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

It pays to

FIGHT DIRTY...energy sources with solar

You can fight rising energy costs with solar right at home. Now, solar costs less than your current electricity. With a four-year return on investment, is it a choice you can afford not to make?

Sunlight Solar has been in Central Oregon since 1997 and since that time we have installed over 1,200 installations throughout the state totaling more than 2.6 megawatts of clean, renewable energy.

We love what we do because we believe in solar and the extraordinary benefits it brings to our local economy and environment. We hope you are as inspired by this tour as we are. There are some amazing, emerging practices that are helping to reshape the way we think about buildings, before, during, and after construction. May this be the beginning to a wonderful adventure for you and your home.

541.322.191050 SE Scott St., Bend, OR 97702

www.sunlightsolar.com [email protected]

If you decide that you would like to pursue solar, we can help!! Residential and commercial solar electric and solar water

heating installations! Individualized proposal based on your needs, goals, energy

usage and budget! State and Federal tax credits available! With our Sunrun program, pay as little as

$7,500 out-of-pocket

" $6,000 state tax credit available – end cost of your system is $1,500

" System pays itself off in less than 4 years " 20 year 100% performance guarantee, repairs,

monitoring, insurance included " Worry-free solar!

CCB#158922

2 -GREEN & SOLAR HOME TOUR 2012

The High Desert Branch: Your Local Connection to Green

Cascadia Green Building Council Mission To lead the transformation toward a built environment that is socially just, culturally rich and ecologically restorative.

HIGH DESERT BRANCH MissionRealizing tomorrow’s living future, through today’s sustainable choices. We generate opportunities to consider our choices and encourage informed action by providing events and activities that inspire, educate, and demonstrate options for green built environments and sustainable lifestyles in our high desert community. We are excited about joining with others to keep the spirit of sustainability alive and growing in our area for the future health of our economy, environment and community.

The High Desert Branch of the Cascadia Green Building Council is proud to present the Green + Solar Home Tour. We’ve reviewed applications, asked local experts, and generally snooped around to find the very best green homes in Central Oregon.

The High Desert Branch brings this Tour to you through the tireless effort of volunteers. The Branch is your local connection to a much larger network of Branches that span the Cascadia Green Building Council region (Oregon, Washington, Alaska and British Columbia). Cascadia is a Chapter of both the US and the Canadian Green Building Councils, connecting to an even larger network.

Throughout the region, Cascadia works as a leading advocate for progressive green building laws, regulations and incentives. Additionally, Cascadia provides research to find answers to the technical, scientific and economic unknowns at the leading edge of green building. Cascadia is a program of the International Living Future Institute which works to bring substantial transformative change around the world.

Enjoy this Tour and consider ways that you can transform your world, one choice at a time.

You can support the Tour and the High Desert Branch by joining Cascadia or sponsoring next year’s tour! http://cascadiagbc.org/branches/or/high-desert-branch

ML Vidas

A warm Central Oregon welcome to the 12th Annual Green and Solar Home Tour!

We are very excited about the homes, features and technologies associated with the Tour, and invite you to join us. Each Tour is made possible by a dedicated group of volunteers and organizations who believe Central Oregon is the best place on earth to live, and embrace sustainability in all aspects. Centered on this effort is the Cascadia High Desert Branch of the Green Building Council; where our goal is to bring inspiration, leadership and education about sustainable building to our region. We encourage you to help continue to make Central Oregon an even better place by volunteering for next years’ event, or for any event that helps strengthen our spectacular region. If interested, please add your name to a volunteer sign-up sheet at the kickoff or at any home along the tour.

The Kick-Off and Tour is brought to you FREE by the generosity of many local businesses and organizations who donate money or in kind contributions. A BIG Thank You goes out to our continuing Title sponsor Sunlight Solar and Platinum Sponsor Energy Trust of Oregon! Other major contributors include the Garner Group, Home Heating and Cooling, Ecodog and Resource Conservation Technologies. Please review this guide and our website for a listing of our many other organizations who donated so graciously but are too numerous to mention here. Many of these sponsors will have booths set-up during the kickoff event so please take the time to visit them.

The theme for the Tour is ‘Behavior’ and we are fortunate to have two pioneers in that field as speakers at the kickoff event. Ron Pitt, the CEO from Ecodog, will be giving the keynote address about his choice to start a company to empower people to make intelligent energy efficient choices with the proper knowledge; and Tom Elliott will be speaking about the choices he is making to build C.O.’s first Living Building, and one of the Tours’ featured homes, “Desert Rain”. We are fortunate to have them, as they are experienced, knowledgeable and passionate about the behavioral choices that are required to become a truly sustainable society.

The kickoff event is a great place to listen to our engaging speakers and visit with sustainable experts from many different fields, not just the building industry. These experts include solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, certification programs, incentives to help lower the cost of energy efficient upgrades, energy monitoring, Commute Options, and many others. To see all of our vendors please check-out our website www.greenandsolarhometour.com and follow or like us on Facebook.

When you are coming to the kickoff event, we encourage you to participate in lowering your carbon footprint by either riding your bike, walking or using public transportation. Several businesses along the Tour route are getting involved in helping to encourage sustainable modes of travel. Details and Tour maps for the Green + Solar Home Tour will be provided at the tour’s kick-off event at COCC and online at the Cascadia Green Building Council’s website,http://cascadiagbc.org/branches/or/high-desert-branch

Find transit schedules at: http://www.cascadeseasttransit.com/bend-schedule.html See the Tour Map for Bike and Walking Routes, and Tour-goers who participate in alternative methods of travel during the Tour will receive discounts along the ‘bike and walk’ route at Strictly Organic Coffee, Riverside Market, Sage Cafe and Portello.

Greg Anderson & RJ Johnson, Co-Directors of the 2012 Green+Solar Home Tour

GREEN & SOLAR HOME TOUR 2012 - 3

McKay

EVENTKICK-OFF!

8

Columbia Park Foot/Bike Bridge


2012 GREEN & SOLAR HOME TOURTour Home Numbers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 93rd Party CertifiedNet Zero

Energy Performance Score 59 0.6 58 105 est 59 TBD 36 64 est NA

Earth Advantage®

LEED-Homes pending

ENERGY STAR® Home

OTHER OHPH LBC OHPH

Building EnvelopeWall R-value 32 50 32 22 38 47 31 38 22

Ceiling R-value 50 60 38 49 60 70 15 SOG 49 35

Floor R-value 40 48 38 38 38 43 15 38 20

Window average U-value 0.28 0.19 0.3 0.32 0.23 0.21 0.3 0.2 .25>.35

Ratio of glazing to floor space 17% 14% 19% 48% 25% 21% 21% 11%

Blower Door Test ACH@50 3.6 1 2.0 est 2.75 TBD 0.9 4.9 NA

Floor space square feet 2010 1878 +144 2000 3571 2450 2200 +500 3568 2596 216 +180

Energy Efficiency & Renewable EnergyPhotovoltaic (PV) System kW

Solar Water Heating

Passive Solar Design

HE Water Heater or Tankless

Ductless Inverter Heat Pump

Hydronic Radiant

Lighting CFL or LED

Designed for Daylighting

Energy Monitoring System FIDO RCTech

ENERGY STAR® Appliances

Indoor Air Quality and HealthVentilation System: ERV or HRV HRV ERV HRV ERV ERV ERV

Low or No-VOC finishes and adhesives

Hard Surface Flooring 80% 100% 80%

Reduced Formaldehyde Cabinets, Insulation

Water ConservationLow Flush/Dual Flush Toilets

Stormwater Retention

Rain harvesting/Storage

Xeriscaping/No Lawn

Greywater System

Tree and Soil preservation

Resource ConservationFly Ash Concrete

FSC Certified Wood Products

Advance Framing: Staggered or 24” o.c. ICF

Salvaged Materials

Sustainable Materials

Construction Waste Reduction Plan

CommunityPedestrian Access to Neighborhood Services (walking/biking)Infill Development(reduce utility expansion, conserve land & resources

Solar Ready

Solar Ready

“You don’t need a new home to go green and solar”

You can upgrade your home and reduce energy costs each month. You can get cash to help pay for the upgrades, get a nice tax return for installing improvements and finance the remaining costs. With the money you save, you can even install solar on your home today. The time is now— we do not know how long these programs will be around.

Step 1: Determine how you heat your home and water Check your bills, identify your utility provider, and visit their website or call them. They will help you conserve energy —really. They have a program just for that!

• Central Electric Cooperative and Midstate Electric Cooperative offer energy conservation assistance, including a free home assessment. Also, learn how you can save energy on your agricultural property with WyEast Resource Conservation & Development.

• Cascade Natural Gas and Pacific Power customers should contact Energy Trust of Oregon for details about the variety of programs offered including home assessments, cash incentives and free instant savings measures.

• Oil, propane, kerosene, butane, or wood heated homes can access the State Home Oil Weatherization (SHOW) Program found on the Oregon Department of Energy website.

Step 2: Check if you qualify for FREE services or increased incentivesGo to these organization’s websites to see if your income qualifies for their program. • NeighborImpact is the local community action agency that

administers the Oregon Housing and Community Services Low Income Weatherization Assistance Program and covers the tri-county area.

• Bend Area Habitat for Humanity offers zero interests loans for qualifying homeowners for a variety of services and employs youth from Heart of Oregon to do the work!

• Savings within Reach, a program of Energy Trust of Oregon provides moderate-income households with energy-efficiency upgrades with reduced out-of pocket costs.

Step 3: Take advantage of financing and get the work done now! • Green Street Lending is an energy efficiency financing program

through Umpqua Bank.

• Clean Energy Works Oregon offers financing and cash back on loans after a complete home assessment is performed by a qualifying contractor.

• Ask your lender or contractor about other financing programs they offer.

Step 4: Apply for tax credits and rebatesFrom geothermal, water heaters, furnaces , heat pumps and heat recovery ventilation to duct sealing, document your products. Ask your retrofit specialist to identify the products that may qualify— not all products do. Check DSIREusa.org for state and federal credits.

Step 5: Now that your home is as efficient as possible, it is time to go solar!

Cash incentives through the Energy Trust of Oregon can help lower your upfront costs. Plus 30% federal tax credit and state tax credit: up to $6,000 for electrical and up to $1,500 for water heating can help you recoup your investment. The combined incentives and tax credits available for electric and water heating systems can equal 60% to 80% of your investment, respectively.

– Megan Clark, Lindsey Hardy, Jody HoweGREEN & SOLAR HOME TOUR 2012 - 5

“One man’s sustainability training is put to the test.”

Designer: The Shelter Studio • Builder: Fusion Homebuilders • Year Built: 2012

Address: 2446 NW Crossing Dr. – Northwest Crossing, Bend

The builder/owner of this home has brought all that he learned in the Sustainable Homes Professional Program, offered by Earth Advantage®, to bear on this project. The context of the design of the home was not only predicated on the slope of the lot, which is extreme, but by a desire to utilize an integrated design process that considers the various systems that will be used before even breaking ground. Some serious engineering and

a well-sealed structure ensures that the house works just as the owner planned (see Green at a Glance for systems and products), and in some cases, even bet-ter than was imagined. “Even in the winter, just cook-ing dinner is almost enough to heat up the main living and kitchen area. We can’t turn on the gas fireplace for more than 30 minutes or we’ll be baked out.” The high level of insulation throughout the house, combined

with an orientation that takes advantage of the warming sun, keep this home at a comfortable temperature with mini-mal use of additional heat sources. The own-ers hope that this home will serve as a showcase of how to work within a budget to create a home that pleases one’s senses as well as one’s sense of sustainability.

GREEN AT A GLANCE3RD PARTY GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATIONSEPS Score 59Earth Advantage® SilverENERGY STAR® Home

BUILDING ENVELOPE Wall-double; staggered stud 2x8 plate, R-32Ceiling: trusses with 16” raised heel, R-50Floor: 12” engineered joist, R-40Windows: 323 sq ft, average u-value 0.280.16 window to floor ratio, 40% south facing3.6ACH@50pa (air changes per hour)2012 square feet

ENERGY EFFICIENCY & RENEWABLE ENERGYHeat Source: ductless inverter mini split85% CFL lightingENERGY STAR® appliances - refrigerator, dishwasherDaylight design

INDOOR AIR QUALITYLow-VOC paints, finishes, cabinetsCentral vacuum system50% hard surface flooringHRV Life Breath

WATER CONSERVATIONXeriscapingStormwater Retention and InfiltrationPermeable pavement

RESOURCE CONSERVATIONLighting to prevent night time sky pollutionConstruction waste planEstimated monthly utility cost- $100

##11

CCB#191568

Our most efficient heat pump is causing alot of excitement. Maybe it’s the amazingheating efficiency up to 13 HSPF. Or theincredible year-round energy savings thatensures it’ll start paying for itself no matterwhen it’s installed. Either way, it’s certainlythe most pumped anyone’sever been overheating and cooling.

Call your Bryant dealer to see what all the excitement’s about. 541-389-HOME

Your Call Will Be Answered NowUtility Company Approved ContractorClean, Background Checked EmployeesStraightforward PricingMaintenance, Installations, Repairs, Duct Cleaning,Air PurificationZero Down Financing, On Approved Credit

•••••

•

www.HomeHeatingBend.com

Whatever it takes.TM


“Net Zero Energy Home Built to Inspire Sustainable Living.”

Architect: Neal Huston and Associates • Builder: SolAire Homebuilders • Year Built: 2012

Address: 2334 NW Frazer Lane – Northwest Crossing, BendIn the words of Solaire Homebuilders, this Net Zero Energy Home “integrates the best in energy reduction strategies with renewable onsite energy production. Rewriting the script for pride of home ownership, the home works hard for the homeowner: reducing electric-

ity bills to near zero, regardless of future utility rate infla-tion. This home offers long term financial security and environmental responsibility to its future buyers.” And they are not kidding- although much of what makes this level of sustainability possible is invisible to the eye. It

is embedded in the four different home sealing measures; the super insulated walls, ceiling, and floors; the passive solar design and low to zero volatile or-ganic compound (VOC) emissions from cabinets, paints, and floors. Even the deceptively simple landscape design hides a greater, greener capacity- with deep gravel drain basins that hold rain water on the site, even in the event of a major storm. What you are aware of is how quiet it is (thanks to the 12 inch walls) and how open and airy it feels (due to the open plan and automatic ventilation system that brings in fresh filtered air). Hopefully, the integrity with which this home is built inspires others towards greater sustainable living.

GREEN AT A GLANCE3RD PARTY GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATIONSEPS Score: - 0.2Earth Advantage® Platinum and Net ZeroENERGY STAR® Home Energy Trust of Oregon “ Live Net Zero”BUILDING ENVELOPE Wall:12” -double 2x4 staggered stud, R-50Ceiling: R-60, raised heel trusses 18”Floor: 12” engineered joist, R-48Windows: triple pane, average U-value 0.18-0.2017% glazing to floor space ratio, 45% south facingSIGA -Air Barrier in ceilingShading devicesContinuous weather barrier, Quickflash covers1.40ACH@50pa (air changes per hour)1,878 square feet, plus 144 sf bonus roomENERGY EFFICIENCY & RENEWABLE ENERGYHeat Source: Mitsubishi Mini split 17.5 SEER 10.5HSPFPV: 7.03 kW connected to gridSolar hot water system100% CFL & LED lightingHome Energy Monitoring, FIDONight sky lighting DesignENERGY STAR® refrigerator and dishwasher INDOOR AIR QUALITYZero VOC paint, insulation, hardwood floorZero added Urea Formaldehyde cabinets, OSB80% hard surface flooringEnergy Recovery Ventilation: Lifebreath 200WATER CONSERVATIONXeriscaping engineered to retain all water on siteDual flush toilets: 1.0 / 1.6 gpfLow-flow faucets: 1.75 gpmRESOURCE CONSERVATIONBIB Insulation 30% recycle content, slag concrete 15%, bamboo flooring, CRI Green plus carpet and recycled content pad. 100% recycled content cabinet boxes. 30% construction waste reduction.Photo © Ross Chandler

##22

7:30 - 5:30 Mon.-Fri. • 8:00 - 3:00 Sat.


Make A Difference:

As more Oregonians embrace solar as a clean and smart energy choice for their homes, The Environmental Center is helping make that choice easier and more af-fordable in Central Oregon.With the launch of Go Solar! Central Oregon, residents in the tri-county area can pur-chase solar electric and hot water systems for their homes at substantially discounted prices through October 31, 2012.

“Going solar is a great way for local homeowners to make a difference,” said Mike Ri-ley, executive director of The Environmental Center. “Solar helps families save money on their energy bills, prevent pollution by harvesting energy from the sun, and sup-port Oregon’s economy by buying local. And that’s a win for everybody.”

To be eligible for Go Solar!’s discounted prices, homeowners must first register for the program online at GoSolarCentralOregon.org. Once registered, a Go Solar! con-tractor will visit their home for a free solar site assessment and develop a solar system proposal.

“Solar has never made more sense as a smart investment in your home and a great hedge against the rising cost of energy,” continued Riley. “The combination of solar panel prices at historic lows, Go Solar!’s discounts, substantial state and federal tax credits, and incentives from the Energy Trust of Oregon means that the average Go Solar! electric system has a simple payback period of 4 to 5 years.”

Go Solar! is presenting free workshops in Bend and Redmond in October. Workshops will include an overview of residential solar energy and the Go Solar! program, as well as available incentives and tax credits. Go Solar’s local contractor partners will also be available to answer questions. Visit GoSolarCentralOregon.org for a complete list of workshop dates, times and locations.

Go Solar! Central Oregon is a pilot program of The Environmental Center, in part-nership with local contractors Sunlight Solar Energy and E2 Solar, Oregon solar manufacturer SolarWorld, Northcoast Electric, Bend Radio Group and Combined Communications. For more information visit GoSolarCentralOregon.org.

We Do What It Takes

CASCADE DISPOSAL


“This home was specifically designed to allow the homeowner to age gracefully in place.”

Architect: Cheryl Heinrichs Architecture Builder: JB Davis Construction LLC • Year Built: 2011

Address: 2211 NW Clearwater Dr. – Northwest Crossing, BendThere are few people who design their homes with an extended future in mind, so it is a delight to be able to include one in this year’s tour. The owner’s present life includes a variety of needs and loves that the home provides for, such as an office, space for playing music, room to exercise and easy access to

nature, but it is also designed for the future, when greater ease of maneuvering throughout the house may be required. There are no interior thresholds, in-cluding the shower entries; the halls and doorways are wide, and all doors utilize lever hardware. The home is also designed for minimal maintenance, with

efficient heating and cooling systems, an active solar system, on-demand water heater, and a southern solar orientation that provides glorious daylight, even to the more private spaces. By making the interior walls partial height, daylight is pulled deep into the rooms on the north side via the transoms above the doors, deriving maximum value from the glaz-ing layout that places 75 percent of the windows on the south walls. The clean aesthetics of the finishes, including NW madrone counters and flooring and nat-ural plaster walls will provide a lovely, calming backdrop throughout the years.

GREEN AT A GLANCE3rd PARTY GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATIONSEPS Score 58Earth Advantage® Platinum ENERGY STAR® Home Oregon High Performance HomeBUILDING ENVELOPE Wall:12” -double 2x4 staggered stud, R-32Ceiling: R-38Floor: 12” engineered joist, R-38Windows: average U-value 0.315% glazing to floor space ratio, 75% south facingShading devices, designed for daylight3.0ACH@50pa (air changes per hour)2000 square feetENERGY EFFICIENCY & RENEWABLE ENERGYHeat Source: Hydronic radiant floor, 95%eff gas boilerPV: 3.33 kW connected to gridTankless water heater: Navien NR-210A ,94%75% CFL lightingNight sky lighting DesignENERGY STAR® refrigerator, dishwasher, cloths washer Advanced framing -staggered stud, 24”oc INDOOR AIR QUALITYLow/no-VOC paints, caulks, finishesFormaldehyde-free cabinet boxes, interior trim, doors, underlayment100% hard surface flooringERV: Lifebreath 155Max 73% effGarage exhaust, timer controlled ventilationWATER CONSERVATIONXeriscaping with Netafim irrigation systemOn Site stormwater retention swalesDual flush toilets: 1.0 / 1.6 gpfLow-flow faucets/ showerhead: 1.5 gpmRESOURCE CONSERVATIONBIB Insulation 30% recycle content, slag concrete 15%, FSC wood products, locally sourced materials- flooring and counters. Construction waste reduction, zero maintenance products, night sky light preserved, Infill development, engineered wood, Universal design elements

##33

GeothermalHarrison Crecraft | Senior Project Manager | Bowman Geothermal

What is geothermal heating and cooling? It is not about volcanoes and geysers or energy production from deep steam or superheated water. “Little g” geothermal is about using the earth as a natural solar collector. Seasonal heating and cooling of the earth’s surface makes the ground ideal for storing summertime heat to heat us in the winter and for absorbing heat to keep us cool in the summer.

Geothermal heat pumps are used to move the heat between your house and the ground. Geothermal heat pumps are much more efficient than air-source heat pumps. They can work efficiently even on the hottest or coldest days of the year because of the year-round moderate ground temperature. Water and antifreeze are circulated through plastic tubing buried in vertical bore holes, horizontal trenches, or sometimes in ponds. In the winter, cold water extracts heat from the ground, and delivers it to the heat pump, which concentrates the heat to deliver it to your house. In the summer the heat pump extracts heat from your house and circulates warmed water through the ground to shed heat. Heat Pump manufacturers are now introducing the next generation of heat pumps with higher efficiencies than ever possible before. Some also will provide hot water year round. Not only can geothermal systems cut total utility costs in half, a Federal tax credit in effect through 2016 can reimburse 30% of the cost of the entire heating and cooling system.

In order for geothermal heating and cooling to work properly, it is essential that the heating and cooling requirements of the house are properly assessed and that the loop is properly sized. The important properties determining the loop size, in addition to heating and cooling requirements, is the ground temperature and the thermal conductivity of the soil or rock. Although the deep ground temperature is normally uniform and close to the mean annual

air temperature, ground temperatures in trenches are sensitive to depth. In addition, some areas receive additional heat by ground water circulating within deep faults or volcanic zones. Thermal conductivities for common rock types are adequately known, but for soils, conductivity depends not just on density, clay, and sand contents, but also on moisture. Dry light soil has half the conductivity of dense moist soil. It is important to have a system sized by an installer familiar with the local conditions. Local accredited installers and much more can be found at the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association atwww.igshpa.okstate.edu.

541.639.2988 We are glad to help you.New Home Verifier • Home Performance Contractor

“Save money, save energy with Home Performance with ENERGY STAR”

Trade Ally of


Adaptable building

A building than can be readily remodeled or re-configured to meet an occupant’s or community’s evolving needs.

Advanced framing

Design and construction techniques that significantly reduce the amount of material used to frame a building. Includes strategies such as studs placed 24 inches on center; fully insulated corners; insulated headers; engineered wood products; and roof or floor trusses.

Air Changes per Hour (ACH)

Air Changes per Hour, is the total volume of air in a space that is exchanged over in hour.

Alternating current (AC)

Electric current that reverses its direction of flow at regular intervals. In most countries, the electricity provided by utilities is AC electricity.

Bamboo flooring

Flooring made from bamboo, a, fast-growing grass with a hollow stem, that can be harvested every three to five years. Tongue-and-groove bamboo floor planks are available pre-finished or unfinished, with a vertical or horizontal grain. An alternative to hardwood.

Blower Door It has three primary components: a calibrated variable-speed fan, a mounting system for the fan in a building opening such as a door, and a manometer to measure pressures as a result of fan airflow. A blower door (BD) is used to measure the airtightness of a home/building. It also is used to measure zonal pressures within a building, help locate air leakage sites in a building envelope. Their purpose: to assess the construction quality of the building envelope, locate air leakage pathways, determine if a building is too tight or too loose, or in compliance with building performance standards.

Borrowed space Views and daylight from a nearby space used to enliven and seemingly enlarge a room.British thermal unit (BTU)

The quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit.

Building envelope A building’s shell, including exterior walls, windows, doors, roof and the bottom floor.

Cellulose insulation

Insulation made from wood fiber, primarily recycled newspaper, treated with nontoxic chemicals to retard fire, mold and insects. Loose-fill cellulose can be blown into attic spaces or packed into wall cavities. Damp-spray cellulose is a damp mix of cellulose and adhesives that is sprayed into wall cavities before hanging drywall.

Certified wood

Wood certified by an independent third-party certification program to have been grown and harvested using environmentally responsible forestry practices.

Cistern A tank, often underground, used to collect and store rain water for later use.

Clerestory A window or row of windows placed high on a wall, often above the main roof line, used for introducing daylight into a room.

Compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL)

A fluorescent light bulb designed to replace regular incandescent bulbs and last 10 times longer, use ! the energy, & produce 90% less heat.

Conditioned space An enclosed space supplied with conditioned air from a heating and/or cooling system.

Conduction Heat flow from molecule to molecule in a solid substance. A cast iron skillet handle heats up because of conduction through metal.

Convection The transfer of heat caused by the movement of a fluid like water or air. When a fluid becomes warmer it becomes lighter and rises.

Cork flooring Flooring, usually sold as tiles, made from cork, which is harvested from the outer bark of cork oak trees without damaging the trees. Cork oaks regenerate their bark and can be reharvested every 9 years.

Cotton insulation

Insulation made from post-industrial recycled cotton textile trimmings. Typically treated with a nontoxic fire retardant and sold as batts that fit between framing studs.

Daylighting Using light from the sun to illuminate a room. Usually used in combination with electric lighting.

Deconstruction Disassembling rather than demolishing a building so that its components can be reused.

Direct current (DC)

Electric current that flows in one direction. Photovoltaic systems convert sunlight into DC electricity. An inverter is then used to convert the DC electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity so that it can be used to power standard household equipment and appliances.

Double-glazed window

A window with two panes of glass separated by an air space. Compared to single-glazed windows, double-glazed windows significantly reduce heat and sound transmission. Some double-glazed windows contain a gas such as argon or krypton in the air gap to provide additional insulation.

Energy efficiency ratio (EER)

A measurement of energy efficiency for air conditioners. The EER is computed by dividing cooling capacity, measured in British Thermal Units per hour (BTUH), by watts of power.

Energy efficiency Using less electricity or fuel than a conventional technology to perform the same task.

ENERGY STAR® A program sponsored jointly by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that promotes energy-efficient products, homes and technologies for consumers and businesses. Energy Star qualified products and new homes are often ten to thirty percent more efficient than their conventional counterparts.

Energy Guide label

A yellow sticker required by U.S. law on certain new household appliances, including air conditioners, furnaces, clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers. The label provides information on the amount of energy the appliance will use in one year.

Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV)

A ventilator that recovers latent and sensible energy from the exhaust airstream and imparts it to the incoming airstream. Sensible heat is transferred from the warmer to the cooler airstream and moisture is transferred from the wetter to the dryer airstream. ERVs are used in humid climates to reject outdoor humidity and in very cold climates to retain indoor humidity.

GLOSSARY OF GREEN HOME TERMINOLOGYGlossary adapted from Good Green Homes: Creating Better Homes for a Healthier Planet

With permission from the author, Jennifer Roberts. www.jenniferroberts.com www.goodgreenhomes.com

EPSTM EPSTM, brought to you by Energy Trust of Oregon, is an energy performance score that helps you assess a home’s energy consumption, energy costs and carbon footprint.”

Engineered wood

Building products, including beams, framing studs, and floor and roof joists, made from wood fibers bound with adhesives. The wood typically comes from plantation-grown trees, thus reducing demand for old-growth trees. In general, engineered wood products result in less wood waste than solid sawn lumber products.

Fiber-cement siding

An exterior siding product made from a blend of portland cement, sand, cellulose fiber and additives, typically sold as planks or panels, with a smooth or textured finish.

Fly ash A waste product from coal-fired electric power plants that can be used as a substitute for portland cement in some concrete mixtures.

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

An international certification organization that has established voluntary environmental forest management standards. FSC accredits independent third-party organizations that monitor and certify the compliance of forestry operations with FSC standards. FSC-labeled wood products give consumers assurance that the wood comes from trees grown and harvested in an environmentally responsible manner.

Formaldehyde A colorless, pungent gas used in many glues, adhesives, preservatives and coatings. It also occurs naturally. Products and materials containing formaldehyde can offgas the chemical into the air. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to formaldehyde may cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems or cancer in humans. Phenol formaldehyde is roughly 4-10% as volatile as Urea-based glues. Phenol is typically used for exterior materials like OSB, engineered lumber and exterior grade plywood.

Geothermal Energy produced by the internal heat of the earth. It is the normal temperature of the ground at shallow depths. Geothermal energy uses this stable temperature to cool your house in the summer and heat it in the winter. Channels are dug into the ground and pipes laid to circulate water (or refrigerant) throughout the house – one direction in winter to draw in the warmer water and the other direction in the summer to send the heat outside and bring in the cooler temperature water

Glazing Transparent or translucent material, such as glass or plastic, that lets light into a building.

Graywater Household wastewater that doesn’t contain sewage and can be reused for toilet flushing. Graywater typically comes from showers, lavatories, and clothes washing machines.

Green roof A roof that has a layer of soil or other growing medium on top of a waterproofing membrane. May be planted with sedum, grasses, wildflowers or other groundcover. Also known as a “living roof” or “eco roof.”

Halogen light bulb

A type of incandescent light bulb that is filled with halogen gas. It burns longer than a standard incandescent bulb and provides a crisp white light, but gets very hot and is less energy efficient than a compact fluorescent bulb.

Heat gain Heat from the sun, people, electric lights or appliances that cause the temperature in a space to rise.

Heat island effect

The tendency of large areas of roofs, asphalt, concrete and paved surfaces to absorb the heat, making urban areas considerably hotter than nearby rural areas.

Heat loss The decrease of heat in a space as a result of heat escaping through the building’s walls, windows, roof and other building envelope components.

Horizontal-axis washing machine

A clothes washer with a horizontal tub instead of a vertical tub (also known as front load washing machines). Horizontal-axis washers tend to use significantly less water—and therefore less energy to heat the water—than conventional washers.

Heat Recovery ventilation (HRV) system

An air-to-air heat exchanger captures heat from indoor air that’s about to be vented from a home and transfers that heat to fresh air that’s being drawn in from the outside. Exhaust and supply airstreams cross but do not mix. Heat is transferred from warmer to cooler airstream. There are two core types; Cross flow cores and Counter flow cores.

Hydronic radiant-floor heating system

A heating system in which warm water circulates through tubes embedded in a concrete floor slab or attached beneath the subflooring. The floor absorbs heat from the tubes and slowly releases it to the room, providing comfortable, quiet, gentle warmth that doesn’t stir up dust or create drafts.

Impervious surface A surface that water can’t pass through.

Incandescent light bulb

A light bulb that consists of a filament inside a glass bulb. Passing electric current through the filament causes it to heat up and produce light. Standard household light bulbs are incandescent bulbs; they are very inefficient, wasting 90% of their energy as heat instead of useful light.

Indoor air quality

The level of air pollutants inside a building. Indoor air pollution sources include tobacco and wood smoke; certain building materials and furnishings; certain cleaning, maintenance, and personal care products; dust mites; pet dander; mold; radon; pesticides; and outdoor air pollution. Inadequate ventilation and high humidity levels can also contribute to indoor air quality problems.

Infill development

Building on empty or underutilized lots in cities or older suburban areas instead of building in a previously undeveloped area.

Infiltration The uncontrolled movement of outdoor air into a building through cracks and other defects around plumbing, floor cavities, soffits, chimneys, ducts. Accompanied by an equal outflow of air from indoors to the outdoors.

Insulated concrete form (ICF)

Plastic foam shaped into hollow blocks, panels or planks and used as a form to create a concrete wall. After positioning the foam forms, rebar is typically inserted into the cavities to reinforce the walls, and then concrete is poured in. Once the concrete cures, the foam remains in place to insulate the walls. Exterior siding and interior wall finishes are attached to the ICFs.

Insulation A material that has a high resistance to heat flow. Used to keep a home comfortable and reduce the energy needed to heat and cool the home.


Integrated building design

A collaborative design process that takes into account the interrelatedness of all parts of a building. It involves designing a building from the outset so that all its components, equipment and systems work together to provide maximum comfort, healthfulness, energy and resource efficiency, and cost effectiveness.

Inverter A device used to convert DC electricity (such as that produced by a photovoltaic system) into AC electricity to power standard household equipment and appliances.

Kilowatt (kW) A unit of electric power equal to 1000 joules per second or 3412 BTUs in output.

Kilowatt-hour (kWh) A unit of electric energy equal to 3600 kilojoules or 3412 BTUs.(relates to usage)

Light emitting diode (LED)

A diode consists of a section of N-type material bonded to a section of P-type material, with electrodes on each end. This semiconductor arrangement produces an electrical current in only one direction. ...this setup has an interesting side effect -- it generates light!

Lighting controls

Devices used to manually or automatically dim electric lights or switch them on or off. These devices, which include dimmers, timers, motion sensors and photocell controls, provide convenience and energy savings.

Linoleum A smooth floor covering typically used in kitchens and bathrooms. True linoleum is made from natural renewable resources, including pine rosin, sawdust, linseed oil, natural pigments and jute. Vinyl flooring, sometimes mistakenly called linoleum, is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is derived from petrochemicals.

Low-e (low-emissivity) window

A window with a special coating that allows daylight to enter a building but reduces the flow of heat. The appropriate type of low-e glazing for a home will depend on the climate and the window’s orientation.

Native vegetation

Plants that are indigenous to a particular area, and generally require less water & less maintenance, as opposed to occurring there due to human intervention.

Natural cooling

Cooling a building through passive means rather than mechanical systems such as air conditioning. Natural cooling strategies include shading, cross ventilation, and the use of thermal mass to moderate temperatures inside a space.

Natural ventilation

The introduction of outside air into a building by using passive means such as open windows and cross ventilation, rather than using mechanical systems such as air conditioners, heating systems or fans.

Net metering A billing agreement that allows small power producers, such as homeowners with photovoltaic systems, to feed directly to the utility grid any electricity they generate in excess of their current demand. This causes the electricity meter to spin backwards, essentially selling that power back to the utility system at retail price.

Net Zero or Net Zero Energy (NZE) Building

A building that creates at least as much energy as it uses. The home will be small, designed to take advantage of passive solar design, and will focus on reducing energy demand with super-insulation and an air-tight envelope. A combination of solar water heating systems and electricity produced with photovoltaic panels or wind turbines is essential to generate the on-site energy required to achieve net-zero. Use in areas with no utility access are “off grid”.

Offgas The release of vapors from a material through the process of evaporation or chemical decomposition. Many building products, furnishings, floor and wall coverings and other products brought into the home offgas formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other potentially harmful chemicals.

Organic gardening

Gardening without synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers, instead using environmentally responsible techniques and substances like compost, mulch and manure to build healthy soils, manage pests and encourage healthy plant growth.

Orientation The relationship of a building, or a window or other building component, to compass direction and consequently to the sun’s position.

Oriented strand board (OSB)

An engineered wood panel made from strands of wood arranged in crisscrossing layers and bound with an adhesive.

Parallel strand lumber

An engineered wood product made from strands of wood glued together under pressure and cut to form beams, columns and other structural building components.

Pascal A unit of measurement of air pressure

Passive solar design

A building specifically designed to collect and store the sun’s heat, and release that heat into the interior spaces to help warm the rooms naturally. Depending on the design and climate, passive solar heating can be the sole source of heat for the building or can be supplemented with a heating system.

Phantom load The small amounts of electricity consumed by many appliances and equipment—such as TVs and stereos with remotes, ovens with digital clocks, cell phone chargers and answering machines—even when they’re not in use.

Photovoltaic (PV) cell

A material that converts sunlight directly into electricity.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Also known as vinyl. A family of plastics, derived from vinyl chloride, with a wide range of forms and uses. PVC is used extensively in building products, consumer goods and industrial applications. PVC contains or releases many dangerous chemicals including dioxins, phthalates & vinyl chloride. There is no safe way to manufacture, use or dispose of PVC.

Post-consumer recycled content

Products that have been used and discarded by a consumer and are then reprocessed as raw material for a new product.

Radiant barrier

A material installed in buildings to reduce summer heat gain (and, to a lesser extent, winter heat loss). Radiant barrier products typically consist of a thin sheet of a reflective material such as aluminum, attached to a substrate such as plywood, oriented strand board or kraft paper. The product is typically installed in a home’s attic to reduce the transfer of heat from the roof into the home.

Radiation The transfer of heat from a warm object to a cooler object by means of electromagnetic waves passing through air or space. When you stand in the sun, your skin is warmed by radiation. When you stand next to a cold window, your body radiates heat to the cooler window.

Radon A radioactive gas derived from the natural decay of uranium. Radon is emitted by some soils and rocks, and can enter a home through cracks and holes in the foundation or through well water. Exposure to radon causes lung cancer.

Rainwater harvesting

Collecting rainwater from a catchment area such as a roof and storing it in cisterns or other containers to use for watering a yard or garden, or for other purposes.

Reclaimed material

A material that’s put to a new beneficial use after it’s no longer needed for its original use, such as wood removed from an abandoned building and used to construct a new building.

Renewable resource A material that can be replenished in a relatively short period of time after it is harvested or used.

R-value A measure of a material’s resistance to the passage of heat through it. The higher the R-value, the more effective the material is as insulation.

Sealed-combustion appliance

A gas-burning fireplace, furnace or water heater with a sealed combustion chamber. Fresh air is supplied directly to the combustion chamber from outside and harmful combustion by-products are exhausted directly to the outside, keeping them out of the home. Same as direct vent.

SEER Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio

Indicates an air conditioner’s energy efficiency. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the air conditioner. The cooling output in BTU’s during a season divided by the total electrical energy input watt-hours during the same period.

Smart growth A community planning movement that offers an alternative to unchecked, sprawling development. It advocates protecting open space and farmland, preserving natural and cultural resources, revitalizing inner cities and inner suburbs, and creating communities that are livable and affordable.

Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC)

An indication of how much of the sun’s heat will enter through a window. An SHGC of 0.40, for example, means that forty percent of the sun’s heat gets through the window.

Solar electricity Electricity generated from sunlight. Also called photovoltaic or PV power.

Solar Thermal or Solar water heating systems

The use of concentrated sunlight to heat or preheat water for domestic use and /or space heating. A closed system of Flat-plate or Evacuated-tube solar collector moves hot water from roof to store in a tank in the building.

Stack effect The air flow established in a building from air infiltrating low and exiting high. The pressures created are greatest at the highest and lowest points in the building.

Stormwater runoff Water that flows off of buildings and paved surfaces and over land during a rainstorm.

Stormwater retention

Generally refers to the collection of stormwater, with no discharge point. Water is collected and then is allowed to percolate into the ground or evaporate

Structural insulating panel (SIP)

An alternative to framing with wood studs and joists. SIPs can be used to build well-insulated floors, walls and roofs. Prefabricated panels typically consist of rigid foam insulation sandwiched between two panels of oriented strand board or plywood.

Sustainability Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (as defi ned by the World Commission on the Environment and Development).

Swale A shallow depression or hollow in the ground used to slow the fl ow of stormwater off a property.

Tankless water heater

A water heater that saves energy by heating water as it is needed, rather than storing hot water in a tank. Also known as an instantaneous or demand water heater.

Thermal bridge

A highly conductive material within a building envelope, such as a steel or wood framing member, that allows heat to bypass the insulation.

Thermal mass The ability of a material to absorb and retain heat. Materials with a high thermal mass, such as rocks, earth and concrete, have the capacity to absorb heat during the day and release it when temperatures cool.

Truss A prefabricated, structural framework for supporting roofs or fl oors. Trusses, which are shipped to the building site ready to install, are typically fashioned of small pieces of wood joined with metal plates into a triangulated form. They use less wood, and save time and money compared to site-built rafters and joists.

Tubular skylight

A circular skylight that’s much smaller than typical skylights, designed to illuminate interiors with daylight while keeping out excessive heat. It consists of a small, roof-mounted dome attached to a tube lined with refl ective material. Light is refl ected down the tube, and is transmitted into the room through a translucent ceiling fi xture.

U-factor Indicates how easily heat will pass through a construction assembly, such as a window. The lower the U-factor, the lower the rate of heat fl ow.

Universal design An approach to designing a product or a building to make it more easily usable by people of all ages and diverse physical abilities.

Ventilation The movement of air through an area for the purpose of removing moisture, air pollutants, or unwanted heat.

Volatile organic compound (VOC)

A class of organic chemicals that readily release gaseous vapors at room temperature. VOCs occur naturally in many materials, and can also be manufactured and added to materials and products. VOCs are released (“offgassed”) into a home by common furnishings and building materials, including many types of particleboard, paint, solvents, carpets and synthetic fabrics. Exposure to VOCs can cause symptoms ranging from short-term nausea, eye irritation and headaches to more severe, longer-lasting effects.

Whole-house fan

A powerful fan mounted in a ceiling opening, used to pull air through the home and exhaust it out the attic and through the roof vents. It provides air circulation and cooling in climates where days are warm and nights are cooler, and can often reduce or eliminate the need for air conditioning. A whole-house fan is typically used at night to pull cooler outside air into the home through open windows, and to vent warm air through the attic and roof.

Xeriscape Landscaping design that conserves water by using native or drought-tolerant plants, mulch, and limited or no irrigation.


“Embrace life’s changes and design a home that is flexible in its use over time.”

Co-Designers: Jason Offutt and Marayd Allen • Builder: Craig JohannesenYear Built: Under Construction

Address: 18830 MacAlpine Loop, BendWhat do you do when the family structure changes, cre-ating different needs from your home? You embrace the change and design a home that is flexible in its use over time. Working intimately with the designer and builder, that is what these owners have done. The 2-story layout allows them to close off the upstairs when their “kids” are not home, focusing their daily living on the main level where they can enjoy the breezes moving through the surrounding trees. That is, of course, when they are not enjoying the mountain bike trails on the adjacent “Phil’s Trail” system. Proximity to these Forest Service trails was

a major deciding factor for the location of the home, and an appreciation for the integrity of the lot’s land and trees influenced their efforts to minimize the amount of development the property received. The design encour-ages daylight into all high-use areas, creating a visual con-nection to the beautiful outdoor environment. Knowing that trees can also become a fire hazard, Insulated Con-crete Forms (ICF’s) and concrete roof tiles were used to protect as well as insulate the home. A recipient of the Energy Star New Home Verification, an energy efficiency program that addresses systems, products and materials,

this home should sat-isfy their needs and fulfill their dreams for quite some time. The home’s masonry heat-er is a must see.

GREEN AT A GLANCE3RD PARTY GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATIONSEPS Score 105 estEarth Advantage® PlatinumENERGY STAR® HomeBUILDING ENVELOPE Wall: ICF , R22Ceiling: trusses with 16” raised heel, R-49Floor: 12” engineered joist, R-38Windows: triple pane, average U-value .3211% glazing to floor space ratio, 50% south facingTarget 2.0 ACH@50pa (air changes per hour)3571 square feetENERGY EFFICIENCY & RENEWABLE ENERGYHeat Source: masonry heater “Firespeaking”,Secondary Heat: 93% AFUE forced air systemSolar ready; 100% CFL lighting or betterENERGY STAR® appliancesINDOOR AIR QUALITYNo-VOC paints, glues, and caulkFormaldehyde free cabinets, trim, doors80% hard surface flooringCentral Vacuum systemEnergy Recovery Ventilation (ERV)WATER CONSERVATIONXeriscapingDual flush toilets, low flow faucets, Permeable paversRESOURCE CONSERVATIONReclaimed wood floors, cork floors, countertops. Fire wood from site

##44

Home Energy Analyst Training at COCCIt’s no secret that the building profession has become increasingly competitive in our challenging economy. One way for building professionals to stay competitive and keep business leads coming in is to include home energy efficiency services on existing homes as part of your product and service selection.

COCC’s Continuing Education program offers the classroom and field training to prepare building professionals for the Building Performance Institute’s (BPI) ‘Home Energy Analyst’ certification exams. Participants in the course learn to use testing equipment to provide specific energy utilization information including calculating a home energy use score. Students spend six days learning the fundamentals of building science with partial days in the classroom and partial days practicing energy testing skills in local homes under the guidance of instructor Rod Street. Following the classroom/field learning, candidates will take certification exams proctored by a BPI proctor in order to become certified as a ‘Home Energy Analyst’.

The Home Energy Analyst training has typically been available only in larger cities, so taking a Central Oregon class will save travel time and money. While many other providers of this course offer online options, COCC’s class has been intentional to keep a strong hands-on field learning component, which translates to high retention when students finish the class.

COCC’s next course begins October 24 and meets October 24, 25, 26, 31, November 1 and 2 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at COCC’s Bend campus and alternate locations for field sessions. The deadline to register for this training is October 12 and cost is $1550, which does not include BPI testing fees. For detailed course information go to http://www.cocc.edu/energy.aspx or call Nancy Jumper at 541-383-7273.


“A safe and nurturing sanctuary; rooted on the earth and soaring to the sky,

evoking an expansive, exalted state.”Designer/Builder/Homeowner: Don O’Brien,

Year Built: 2012

Address: 1761 SW Troon, BendOne way to achieve a level of environmental sustain-ability in a home is to share resources and space, and when the design of that space is done well, it can also facilitate a sustainability of spirit. This is the ultimate

intention behind the design of this home. Three mas-ter suites provide personal domains while the main floor is shared by all, creating a collaborative living experience. This connection and collaborative spirit is reflected in the structures and systems throughout the house, beginning with the approach to the house via the elevated entry walkway, which the designer calls a “skybridge.” This bridge connects the land to the structure of the house, but it also serves as the first step of a journey in which the designer hopes that the individual is able to connect with a larger sense of oneself. The small foundational footprint allows for greater use of site for present community events and future gardens that will be irrigated with water from a 2,500 gal. rainwater collection tank. A tremendous use of day lighting, with triple pane glazing, create an ex-traordinary quality of light; 10 inch walls provide com-fort, and the minimalist approach to surface materials create an overall calming environment.

GREEN AT A GLANCE3RD PARTY GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATIONSEPS Score 59Earth Advantage® SilverENERGY STAR® HomeBUILDING ENVELOPE Wall:2x4 staggered stud , R-38Ceiling: R-60Floor: 12” engineered joist, R-38Blown in fiberglassWindows: triple pane, average U-value .2347% glazing south facing2.75ACH@50pa (air changes per hour)2450 square feetENERGY EFFICIENCY & RENEWABLE ENERGYHeat Source: ductless mini split- 18 SEER, HSPF 9.3Hot water system -93%EF90% CFL lightingPassive solar designENERGY STAR® appliancesINDOOR AIR QUALITYLow-VOC paints, glues, and caulkNA% hard surface flooringEnergy Recovery Ventilation (ERV)WATER CONSERVATIONXeriscapingRainwater Harvesting: 2500 gal tank/storageDual flush toiletsRESOURCE CONSERVATIONEstimated monthly energy cost $94.56, Fly ash concrete, construction waste reduction, collaborative living environment, universal design, composting

##55

e n v i r o n m e n t a l b u i l d i n g p r o d u c t s

FALL FLOORING SALE! 10-60% OFFOctober 1st - October 31st

Bend’s Largest Selection of Healthy Flooring• Wool Carpet• Reclaimed Wood

• Bamboo Flooring• Natural Linoleum

• Recycled Content Tile• Cork Flooring

Think quality, non-toxic materials are out of your budget?Come check out our unbeatable prices on wool carpet and wood/bamboo flooring

Corner of Greenwood & Wall • 541-317-0202 • www.brilliantmaterials.com


“The Desert Rain House is rooted in its environment and responsive to its inhabitants.”

Designer: Tozer DesignBuilder: Timberline Construction• Year Built: Under construction

Address: 22 NW Shasta Place, Bend

Some homes support sustainable living choices; this home requires that the owners truly walk the thin green line in order to achieve what is the most rigorous certification standards in sustainable design and construction to date. According to the team behind the creation of this home, it will be “net zero energy, net zero water and will meet the rest of the Living Building Challenge (LBC) requirements for LBC certification as well as achieve LEED Platinum certification.” The homeowners must not only document their compliance throughout the entire

design and construction process, but must track the home’s performance over the course of a year before receiving the Living Building Challenge certification. This project models a new level of energy efficiency and sustainability that the owners hope will serve as a learning tool for others, in a design that is warm and welcoming for all. “While not fully ADA compliant, one of the driving factors of the project is to make the home and the grounds as accessible as possible for friends who may have a physical disability.” Open, artfully aesthetic,

and practical in how the spaces are to be used, the Desert Rain home intimately engages with its environment and calls all that enter to be mindful of how they engage as well.

GREEN AT A GLANCE3RD PARTY GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATIONSInt ernational Living Building Institute: Living Building ChallengeLEED Platinum BUILDING ENVELOPE Wall: R36 - R47Ceiling: R-70Floor: R- 43Windows: triple pane, average U-value .2125% glazing to floor space ratio, 90% south facingTBD ACH@50pa (air changes per hour)2200 +500 square feetENERGY EFFICIENCY & RENEWABLE ENERGYHeat Source: Air to water pump/ solar assistPV:14.8 kW connected to gridSolar thermal domestic hot water Future plans for wind100% LED lightingNight sky lighting designPassive Solar designENERGY STAR® appliances or betterHome Energy Monitoring system by: Resource Conservation TechINDOOR AIR QUALITYLow-VOC glues, caulk, finishes on cabinets, millwork NAUF throughout (No Added Urea formaldehyde)No-VOC unfinished ceiling and rafters, exterior siding, soffits. No paints used.100% hard surface flooringCentral Vacuum systemEnergy Recovery Ventilation (ERV)WATER CONSERVATIONXeriscaping, Greywater, Rainwater harvesting, Permeable landscapingDual flush toilets 1.0 gpfLow flow faucets 1.5 gpmRESOURCE CONSERVATION Minimal impact on landfill by-De-construction, Re-cycle, re-used, -re-purposed construction waste: Salvaged millwork, plumbing fixtures, pavers. FSC lumber, recycled content material.

##66

Carol Mergenthaler never saw herself as an environmentalist. She would not have described her daily living practices as being particularly “green.” Then she and her husband decided to remodel their 1970’s “clunker” of a house and she began to see that there could be more to this idea of sustainability than she thought. Even now, she is reluctant to say that this remodel project was an example of green construction because the home lacks any of those details that have become synonymous with green design- things like solar panels, passive solar orientation or concrete radiant floors. However, it was the deconstruction process of the home and the reconstruction choices made when rebuilding that combined to express a level of sustainability that was real, practical, affordable, and just plain delightful for the greater sense of community it both fostered and benefitted.

The process began with gutting the interior. Out came the carpet, pads, trim, hardware, appliances, vanities, showers, burnt orange toilets, cabinets and glorious gold switch

plates, as well as some exterior decking. A “free to a good home” advertisement was placed in the Nickel Ads for the decking, which got a positive response from a resourceful couple that was building a cabin in the Strawberry Mountains, east of John Day. Upon arrival, they saw the other “treasures” and, in the spirit of the project, jumped in to help with the deconstruction. Later, Carol and her family took their good natures and the rest of the deconstruction goods, from the burnt orange toilets to the gold switch plates, on a trip to the cabin in the Strawberry Mountains. She describes it as a wonderful experience in sharing; “We built a relationship with those folks and still exchange Christmas cards, to this day.”

Although Carol and her husband did not begin the project with the intention of being sustainable, that is just what they were doing by passing on their outdated “treasures” to others who were thrilled to give them new life, thus reducing the project’s construction waste. Everything else that was still useful was donated to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Bend and

when it came time to make purchases for the remodel, they returned to the ReStore, keeping the reuse cycle going. Finally, they made two trips to the dump in a 4x8x5 trailer with what could not be recycled or reused, calculating their cubic feet of construction waste to be a mere 160 cubic feet for the deconstruction of the interior of a 1,675 square foot home.

One of the surprises of this project was the discovery of a 2x8 tongue and groove Douglas fir subfloor that had been hiding under all that old carpet. The people at Cutting Edge Flooring (no longer in the area) worked with Carol and her husband to refinish the floor until it was smooth underfoot and glowing with warmth. Now, when they spend time at home, they feel surrounded by the satisfying knowledge that their remodel was sustaining in many unexpected ways, for the family, for the land and for their now greatly extended community.

Practically speaking, Carol’s family saved money by reusing what they could and

putting materials into the reuse stream for others. They saved dollars as well by reducing their volume of construction waste that went to the dump. Their newly-insulated attic, floor and walls will help reduce their home heating bills and add to the overall feeling of comfort. “Being sustainable,” Carol has learned, “isn’t an end-product to achieve or a competition to see who can be the greenest. It’s a process that you can begin by taking one step at a time, no matter how small and an opportunity to connect in new ways with your community.”

To learn more about the small steps you can take to reduce, reuse, recycle and rethink about waste in Deschutes county, visit WWW. RETHINKWASTE.COM.

To see Carol’s specialty wall surfaces and murals, visit WWW.SKIMUM.COM, or stop by Volcano Vineyards tasting room, which has “layered pigments” on the walls made with local soils from Tumalo and Bachi Mts and features 5 of her “Custom Chandeliers” made from reclaimed materials.

Building Relationships While Rebuilding a Home: a Story of Sustainabilityby Gina Meredith


“A passive solar home that outperforms calculated energy calculations; embracing the owners with gracious,

healthy living at a fraction of normal utility costs.”Architect: Lawrence M. Schechter, LEED AP

Builder: SolAire Homebuilders • Year Built: 2011

Address: 64970 Gerking Market Rd, TumaloThe design of this award-winning home (2011 COBA Tour of Homes: Green Building Award, plus 5 others) incorpo-rates many notable details, including a passive solar de-sign; 4,000 watt PV solar electric system and solar hot wa-ter system; Ground Source Heat Pump and Geothermal wells. No matter what the season, the house maintains a comfortable range of 65 to 72 degrees- due primarily to passive energy- and the first four months of operation

resulted in a net credit from the utility company. Projec-tions are that the annual utility costs will be 40% below the calculated total. Its list of certifications is equally im-pressive (see Green at a Glance), but it is the livability and simple, natural elegance of the home that the owners love- as well as the savings. In the owners’ words, “this house provides better living than we expected; greater comfort and is more affordable to live in than we imag-

ined.” For this, they point to the initial creation of a design-build team, which included Architect, Law-rence Schechter, SolAire Homebuilders and the owners. It takes a village to create this caliber of sustainable design.

GREEN AT A GLANCE3RD PARTY GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATIONSEPS Score 36Earth Advantage® PlatinumLEED PlatinumENERGY STAR® Home Oregon High Performance HomeBUILDING ENVELOPE Wall: 2x4 staggered stud, R-31Ceiling:raised heel truss, R-50Floor: slab on grade, R-15Insulation - fiberglass blown in blanket (BIB)Windows: triple pane, average U-value .3021% glazing to floor space ratio, 50% south facing0.90 ACH@50pa (air changes per hour)3568 square feetENERGY EFFICIENCY & RENEWABLE ENERGYHeat Source: Geothermal- ground source Radiant floor; ground to water heat pumpPV: 4 kW connected to gridSolar thermal hot water: 2 panels 80sf100% CFL and LED lightingENERGY STAR® appliancesHome Energy Monitoring, FIDOINDOOR AIR QUALITYLow-VOC paints and finishesCentral vacuum system90% hard surface flooringFormaldehyde free materialsEnergy Recovery Ventilation (ERV)WATER CONSERVATIONXeriscaping , smart irrigation, permeable paversDual flush toilets 1.3 gpfLow flow faucets RESOURCE CONSERVATIONNo cooling requiredRecycle content material, All mechanical equipment in conditioned space, minimal site disturbanceESTIMATED TAX CREDITS TOTAL: Fed $28,514, State $8,550Incentives from utility: $2,135Photo © Ross Chandler

##77

Building Design • Construction Drawings • Consulting

PHCertified Passive House Consultant

Contact us to discuss your next project541-610-7351Glenn Haupt, [email protected]


“ ‘Exceeding’ is about believing that style and alternative energy systems can work

hand in hand to create quite a home.”Designer: The Shelter Studio • Builder: Black Rock Construction • Year Built: 2012

Address: 14900 Miramonte Ct. Brasada Ranch, Powell Butte

##88

Actually exceeding the energy efficiency require-ments of Earth Advantage, this home has received a Platinum rating- the highest available in the Earth Ad-vantage certification program. For those who are not familiar with what is entailed in reaching this level of certification, here are some words from Earth Advan-tage Institute. “Our certification is a holistic program based on building measures in five categories; water,

land, energy, health and materials. The program in-corporates systems and materials that create supe-rior indoor air quality, use natural resources responsi-bly, protect land, and lower water usage. Combining these benefits with the energy efficiency standards of ENERGY STAR ensures that Earth Advantage certi-fied homes exhibit superior performance and environ-mental responsibility compared to traditionally built

homes.” Many of these factors will not be vis-ible in the home; what you will probably be most aware of are the beautiful surfaces from floor, to wall; counter to cabinet and the gracious flow between indoors and out. There is one more de-tail that you will not be aware of, which sets this home above many others- the attention to re-cycling jobsite waste. According to the builders, Black Rock Construction, “One hundred percent of the metal, drywall, shrink-wrap, and plastic waste were recycled.” “Exceeding” is about be-lieving that style and alternative energy systems can work hand in hand to create quite a home.

GREEN AT A GLANCE3RD PARTY GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATIONSEPS Score Target 64Earth Advantage® PlatinumENERGY STAR® HomeBUILDING ENVELOPE Wall: staggered stud 2x4, R- 38Ceiling: raised heel trusses, R-49 /38Floor: 12” engineered joist, R-38Windows: triple pane, average U-value .2121% glazing to floor space ratio 4.90ACH@50pa (air changes per hour)2596 square feetENERGY EFFICIENCY & RENEWABLE ENERGYHeat Source: solar assisted radiant floorSolar thermal hot water: 4 Schuco CollectorsInsulation: blown in BIB95% CFL lightingDaylight designENERGY STAR® appliances: allHome Energy Monitoring, FIDOINDOOR AIR QUALITYNo-VOC paints, glues, and caulkFormaldehyde free: cabinets and flooring components80% hard surface flooringWATER CONSERVATIONXeriscapingLow Flow “water sense” faucetsDual flush toilets: Toto 0.9 > 1.6 gpfResource ConservationFSC lumber, Recycle content, recycled interior finishes, Construction waster reduction, Permeable landscaping pavers

LIVABLEIVABLE • S • SUSTAINABLEUSTAINABLE

CCB#180380

Sustainable.Efficient.Intelligent

[email protected]

541.388.3979

Living Building Challenge, LEED, Earth Advantage,

Energy Star


“This project is low-tech and low-cost for high-yield.”Designer/Builder/Owner: David W. Kuperstein

Year Built: 2011

Address: 2202 SE Vickie Dr., Prineville

##99

It all started with the vegetables. Because they live in a region that has such a short growing season, the own-ers decided to build a series of cold frames that would allow them to grow more food. Those led to adding a

greenhouse to the shop, which inspired the building of a passive solar sun/garden room addition to their home that also houses a hot tub and a small wood-stove. Sound basic design and implementation have created a comfortable, year-round space that helps heat or cool the home, depending on the season. Tiled, eight inch concrete walls and a stained concrete floor serve as heat sinks, while operable clerestory windows allow excess heat to escape. “Temperature gain/loss can be adjusted with shade-cloth, insulation or passive and active ventilation.” Using simple prac-tices, the owners have realized a reduction in their heating costs of 5% over the course of the year. “Not huge,” says the owner, “but hey, it’s free.” The cost of the structure was also reduced by choosing to use re-cycled lumber from Pakit and windows from the Habi-tat for Humanity ReStore, both in Bend. This project demonstrates the realization of sustainability that is accessible on several levels- being financially feasible, as it feeds the body and sooths the spirit.

GREEN AT A GLANCE3RD PARTY GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATIONSNA

BUILDING ENVELOPE Wall: R-22Ceiling: R-35Floor: R-20Windows: U-value .28>.35, SHGC .5511% glazing to floor space ratio, 74% south facingsquare feet: 216 greenhouse + 180 cold frame

ENERGY EFFICIENCY & RENEWABLE ENERGYPV: solar ready100% CFL lighting

INDOOR AIR QUALITYRecirculating heat filtered15% hard surface flooring: bambooThermostatic controlled ventilation

WATER CONSERVATIONXeriscapingDual flush toilets: 1.6 gpfPermeable pavers, crushed rock, drip irrigation, Gutter barrels for rainwater collection

RESOURCE CONSERVATIONStructural design to prevent waste, Recycle lumber, night sky lighting,Passive Solar tax credits

Bundled in parkas and loading the final remnants of our firewood stash, we vowed it would be the last winter of our dependence on wood heat to keep the utility bills manageable. I had to remind myself that my “new” home was now older than Justin Bieber. The original heat pump and furnace could barely wheeze out a breath of warm air without sending the electric meter into a whirling frenzy. But replacing the entire heating and cooling system presented a daunting financial challenge. And exactly how do you retrofit an older home?So I was intrigued when I ran across a flyer for Clean Energy Works Oregon (CEWO). With promises of a possible 30 percent savings with an

energy efficient upgrade, plus low-interest loans, it was a one-stop shop for my needs. I signed up and was soon scheduled for “the blower door”—whatever that meant. I envisioned us and the cats velcroed to the wall in a negative air flow environment.

In reality, the blower door—the star of the home performance test—helped the project specialist identify air leaks and other deficiencies in the “house as a system.” She also explored the attic and crawl space to assess insulation and duct work. Yep – I could expect to realize 30 percent savings, plus rebates and tax credits, with a new system. And hey, how about replacing the hot water

heater that’s old enough to vote? I was sold.

With summer temps in the 90’s, the contractors started work at 6:30 most mornings. While it was a bit unnerving to encounter an installer in the hallway on the way to my first coffee, I was impressed with the project’s rapid pace. The heat pump, furnace and water heater were installed in one day. Sealing and insulating duct work, caulking air leaks, weatherstripping, insulating the attic to a whopping R50, correcting the exhaust and attic ventilation, was all accomplished in about one week.

The blower door returned and revealed some remaining areas of improvement. More tweaking,

and a final test determined that our home is now snug as a bug in the proverbial rug. While the retrofit was under way, we ushered some of the resident water hogs out the door. An uncooperative toilet was replaced with a low-flush model. An ancient clothes washer spun its last and a new high-efficiency washer took its place. While we will always manage the heating and cooling system conservatively, it’s reassuring to have a greener home that will increase our comfort, lower our energy bills, and be kinder to the environment, for many years to come. www.cleanenergyworksoregon.org/

Greener and Leaner: Teaching an Older Home New TricksLouise Hawker

StructuralInsulatedPanels

Pacific BuildersRESOURCE, LLC

Build Your Energy Efficient Home With Our Green Products

Manufacturer Rep For:

Pacific Builders Resource, LLC

(541) 973-3538www.Pacific-Builders.com


The Living Building Challenge: The Desert Rain Project

The Living Building Challenge is the world’s most rigorous green building performance standard. It is both a philosophy and certification program, challenging building teams to embrace regional solutions in seven areas, or ‘petals’: Site, Water, Energy, Health, Materials, Equity and Beauty. Projects must be in operation for 12 months before they are eligible for certification. These are the worlds greenest buildings and will never get an energy or water bill again. The Red List, an imperative of the Materials Petal, is intended to eliminate the most toxic chemicals, from a human and ecological standpoint, from the built environment. Building materials may not contain these chemicals, must come from responsible sources, and from within a relatively short distance. Chemicals, like formaldehyde, PVC (polyvinyl Chloride) and CFC’s are present in our standard construction products. Water pipes, electrical wire, particleboard and plywood are a few of these. The challenge is to build with alternative materials; not an easy task. In Bend, one of the major challenges of our dry climate, is the Water Petal. It posits that “100% of occupants’ water use must come from captured precipitation or closed loop water systems, purified without the use of chemicals.” This requires a large storage tank to capture water when available in winter, for use in our generally dry summers.In addition 100% of storm water and building waste water must be managed onsite, purified and reused, often for landscape maintenance. Waste management and the carbon footprint of the construction process are also subject to stringent standards. The Living Building Institute calls the Challenge “a visionary path to a restorative future”. We are privileged to have the visionary Desert Rain Project, built by Timberline Construction, on the 2012 Tour. There are currently only three projects, worldwide, that have achieved full ‘Living Building’ status by meeting all the Imperatives. Finally, from the Challenge Guide: “Imagine a building designed and constructed to function as efficiently as a flower, a building informed by its bioregion’s characteristics, and that generates all of its own energy with renewable resources, captures and treats all of its water, and operates efficiently and for maximum beauty.” We are proud to say imagination is becoming reality in Bend.

For more on the Challenge: https://ilbi.org/lbc/


green + solar home tour

Documents