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Net Zero Energy House (NZEH)
NZEH Is Now on Facebook! Look for our update there!
Dec 21 2011: Moultie News: Netting Zero Energy
"Utilizing strategies such as Structural Insulated Panel (SIPS) walls and roofs, air-tight construction, geothermal HVAC, energy recovery ventilation and high performance windows, the house will serve as a new model of efficiency for future Habitat projects. It will also serve as a model to the construction professionals and volunteers who learned through hands-on engagement during its construction."
Download the article.
Dec 12 2011: Final Blower Test
Final Blower Test Results:
NZEH Airflow at 50 pascals 320 cfm = 0.25 cfm per sf
Leakage 16.5 sq. in. LBL ELA at 4 Pa
We also tested the house next door - a "standard" Habitat house
Airflow at 50 pascals 1325 cfm = 1.08 cfm per sf
Leakage 67.9 sq. in. LBL ELA at 4 Pa
Our fresh air will be controlled and run through the ERV to wring out the humidity/moisture. The NZEH whole building mechanical ventilation rate will be 42.9 cfm to meet ASHRAE 62.2
Dec 9 2011: House Dedication Ceremony
A day worth waiting for! Today was the dedication ceremony for the NZEH for Habitat for Humanity East Cooper! Missed the ceremony? Look for our video on our new YouTube Page soon!
Aug 29 2011: JBED Summer 2011 Article
JBED Magazine: Summer 2011 issue Page 27 Features our NZEH as it relates to BEC | Charleston. A good article by Whitney Okon, BEC Charleston 2010-11 Chair. Download the magazine.
See other good building science articles in this magazine put out by the National Institute of Building Sciences.
MAY 13-14 2011:
13th - Dennis Knight, PE of Whole Building Systems explains the NZEH and the blower door test. See the video on Facebook.
Length: 3:00
14th - Whitney Okon and Wayne Butler with Applied Building Sciences conduct the Blower Door test. Sorry for the poor audio quality. We hope to get the results posted soon, but the house was TIGHT! See the video on Facebook. Length: 3:00
MARCH 4, 2011: SIPS Panels Have Arrived
SIPS Panels arrived on site this week, and Friday March 4th was a BEC Workday with installation beginning. Global Building Solutions was on hand to help make sure things went smoothly. Also on the 4th, Charles Muldrow, AIA presented to one of the Silver Sponsors, the Waterproofing Contractors Association (WCA), on behalf of BEC Charleston. The WCA was having their Spring Conference at the Courtyard by Marriott in Mount Pleasant. Charles updated the membership on the progress of the NZEH.
Based on calculations it looks like the house will have to make up approximately 5,707 kWh with our PV system; which we are still needing a patron to provide. This will be equivalent to a 2 KWh system. If we only succeed in getting (or affording) a 1.5 kWh system, the occupant will have an estimated monthly electrical bill of $12.00 per month.
FEBRUARY 26, 2011: Subfloor Installed
The East Cooper Breakfast Rotary Club and the Mount Pleasant Lunch Club teamed up on Saturday, February 26th to install the plywood subfloor. There was also participation by an enthusiastic group of Interact Club members from Wando High School. This project is not just about energy efficiency. It is also a service project to bring the community together. Special thanks to Southern Lumber for their assistance with the floor joists and plywood.
FEBRUARY 17, 2011: Geothermal Vertical Loops Installed
On February 17th we had our first NZEH Learning Session on Geothermal Vertical Loop Installation. Two vertical loops were installed to a depth of 250 feet, and grouted. Andy Anderson was on site to supervise the crew from Anderson Well Drilling. They encountered some difficulty at around 20 feet below grade in keeping the water that lubricates the drill shaft in contact with the shaft. It would disperse into some soft organic matter. They eventually overcame the problem and successfully completed the task. While it was very frustrating for Andy, particularly when donating their time and talent, they were most professional and steadfast. Kudos to Anderson Well Drilling out of Hollywood, SC.
This day was also a learning event for the SC Ground Water Association. Don Easson, PE with Coastal Geo Exchange was on hand to provide explanations about geothermal systems and why this system is more efficient that an air source heat pump.
Feb 10, 2011 Read about NZEH in the Moultrie News:
The Building Enclosure Council of Charleston and the East Cooper Breakfast Rotary Club have teamed up with the East Cooper Habitat for Humanity to construct a Net-Zero Energy House (NZEH) on Kent Street in Mount Pleasant.
Ground was broken on the lot last week where this NZEH project will explore energy-efficient construction methods and net-zero energy strategies, and tackle the challenge of Charleston's notoriously hot-humid climate.
Utilizing strategies such as SIPS walls and roofs, air-tight construction, geothermal HVAC, energy recovery ventilation, and high performance windows, the house will serve as a new model of efficiency for future Habitat projects, and to the construction professionals and volunteers who will learn through hands-on engagement during its construction.
Two years ago East Cooper Breakfast Rotary Club (ECBR) President Wayne Cassaday had a vision... read more.
FEBRUARY 4, 2011: CMU Piers Completed
CMU piers were laid up by professional masons to make sure (hopefully) that we start with a building foundation that is square, plumb, and level.
Jan 28, 2011 Net Zero Energy House Groundbreaking
