EcoNet is an integrated building system incorporating extreme energy conservation systems with on site sustainable micro energy generation capabilities. The goal is to reach a cost effective energy neutral position relating to heating, cooling, ventilation and water heating. Additional emphasis is placed on overall energy conservation including appliances, lighting and water conservation.
Meeting EcoNet Objectives
The EcoNet objectives appear relatively easy to achieve until the rest of the story is revealed. In addition to the energy neutral position relating to heating, cooling, ventilation and water heating, the other EcoNet objectives are to maintain a zero or near zero carbon footprint, zero or near zero consumption of on-site combustibles, zero interior residual air toxin levels and show absolutely no visible evidence of any micro generation systems.
How it’s done
First, every home is designed exclusively for the site upon which it will be constructed and for the specific requirements of its owners.
Second, the sustainable engineering principals are integrated into the design of the home from the design conception.
Third, the building envelope is designed to achieve maximum air management capability. EcoNet buildings can be constructed of concrete, wood or metal but must be built to the EcoNet standards. Typically, EcoNet buildings achieve R-36.8 wall, and R-60 roof insulation values, U__ window values, “Thermos-like” air penetration values and highly controlled solar gain through typically massive glazing areas. R-values alone will not achieve the objectives. The building envelope must be oriented to its site - sun, wind, shading and special weather considerations apply to every site and the building must be designed to respond to these variables if you desire to reach EcoNet objectives.
Glazing, solar gain, shading
Next to managed air movement within the building envelope, glazing is the most important thermal element of the structure. The importance of managing solar gain in warm, sunny weather conditions and heat loss in cold conditions can not be over stated. EcoNet standards require mechanically active exterior shading on all (or most) south, west and east facing glazing. Many attractive shading systems are available at modest cost to meet this requirement. Attractive shading offers a significant aesthetic element in addition to their major contribution to energy management.
Other glazing elements may include reflective or laminated glazing where advantageous. Some locations may gain significant control with triple glazing on north or west exposures.
Door Openings
EcoNet standards require protection from direct sun and weather conditions at every exterior door opening. It is paramount that doors fit as tight as feasible. There will be some air penetration at exterior openings but high quality door systems will minimize the distortion of the building envelope.
Heating, Cooling, Ventilation
Of all energy-use systems in your home, the HVAC system offers the greatest opportunity for energy savings and improved creature comfort. As with all things EcoNet, the HVAC system is designed specifically for each home and each client.
In general, EcoNet design will first maximize the benefit of passive solar heating. Second, solar hydronics will back up the passive solar and store solar energy for evening heating. As an ultimate back up, a gas or electric fired ultra high efficiency hydronic heating system will provide massive BTU’s at minimal cost.
For cooling, the first consideration is to provide solar protection at all glazed areas. This is accomplished with mechanically active automatic exterior shading equipment. Second, for evening cooling, HVAC economizers draw huge amounts of cool filtered air from outdoors and simultaneously exhausts existing warm air. For warm day time temperatures, a hydronic chiller is used to cool interior air fast and efficiently. Ultra high efficiency energy recovery ventilators continually exhaust stale interior air and introduce fresh filtered and conditioned air through out the entire home. EcoNet standards require ventilation of all interior air a minimum of 16 times per 24 hour period.
Energy use for all heating, cooling and ventilation systems are metered independent of energy used for other purposes.
Water Heating
EcoNet standards require, at a minimum, solar water heating. The type of solar panels and back up fuel is determined according to fuel availability and client preference. Solar panels should not be visible from any exterior viewpoint.
Combustables
EcoNet Zero standards prohibit use of any combustable fuels. Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels allow limited use of combustables in highly efficient equipment. The use of EcoNet recommended products will minimize carbon emissions from all EcoNet homes. EcoNet homes are not to be equipped with wood burning appliances of any type.
Micro-generation
EcoNet Zero, Gold and Silver level homes require on-site sustainable micro generation systems to produce electricity to offset the energy used for HVAC and water heating systems. The most feasible approach in most areas is photovoltaics (PV) solar energy systems. EcoNet standards require the use of integrated P.V. film as the collection system for any P.V. installation. EcoNet engineered building envelopes require minimum energy expenditures to condition the interior air to high comfort levels, thus they requrie minimum micro generation capabilities to off set those expenditures.
Lighting, Appliances
EcoNet standards require the use of new generation fluorescent and L.E.D. lighting. Energy-mizer switching is encouraged but not required. All built in appliances must have Energy Star certification.
Water Conservation
EcoNet standards require 1.28 gal. or .08/1.6 gal dual flush toilets, optional cycle dishwashers, low flow shower heads, moisture level automatic irrigation systems and reasonable landscape design based on location, soil type and other specific attributes of each site.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
EcoNet is an engineered integrated building system. The system can be applied to any design of home - from Traditional to Contemporary, Northwest Lodge to Southwest, Santa Fe or Cape Cod - the system works equally well integrated into any architectural style. But the design must be integrated to the site in order to actually achieve the EcoNet objectives.
Lighting, Appliances