Heliospiti Net-Zero Case Study: Design, Construction, and Lessons
Published 2024-05-23
The goal of this course is to provide the design process and results for one example of a net-zero energy home, and the lessons learned over the first twelve years of occupancy. This course is useful for builders, architects, and prospective homeowners seeking to cost-effectively maximize energy and water savings, while maintaining healthy indoor air quality. Participants require no previous background in construction or building science.
Continuing Education Units (CEUS) submitted 1 hour in*
• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)
• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse
• Passive House US (PHIUS) Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC)
• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)
• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)
• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Health, Materials
• American Institute of Building Designers (AIBD)
• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable
• Building Science Institute (BSI) Verifier
• Society of American Registered Architects (SARA)
Lessons Learned
1. Understand that designing net zero homes involves tradeoffs between various systems, such as heating, cooling, ventilation, and insulation.
2. Analyze the relationship between energy efficiency, decarbonization, moisture management, and health/safety to ensure that the home is not only energy-efficient but also healthy and safe to live in.
3. Introduce a systematic approach to overall net-zero home design that takes into account factors such as energy production, energy consumption, and energy storage.
4. Articulate how new products, materials, and technologies in the past ten years can significantly enhance the energy efficiency of homes, leading to lower energy bills and better occupant health and welfare.
Need CEUS?
Take the Quiz here:
greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/heliospit…
Speaker
Jim Riggins retired after 26 years in the U.S. Air Force serving as a fighter pilot, electro-optics research engineer, and strategic planner. Jim built a local business, EnerSmart Energy Solutions, from which he is now retired. He was a home energy rater and consultant, a Professional Building Energy Analyst, an ENERGY STAR home inspector, and an EPA WaterSense Inspector for new homes. He currently serves on the Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity Building Committee as a volunteer building energy efficiency consultant. He and his family live in a net-zero energy passive solar home which he designed, and which has been featured three times in Home Power Magazine and on the National Solar Tour.
All Comments (4)
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So impressive to see a homeowner so involved in the design and construction of their own home. They started with a basic Sun Plans design then took it to beyond Passive House standards with the addition of the earth tube feature - so innovative! All the Sun Plans homes are adaptable in such a manner.
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Great presentation: really appreciate the energy modeling and analysis of results, as well as quick overview of lots of important construction details. Bravo!
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Good presentation!