I’m close to starting construction on a new home in Washington State, up the Columbia River about 60 miles from the city of Vancouver. I’d like to find an “energy consultant” – a person or organization that knows the latest energy-saving applications and the rebates/credits/incentives available.
I know about Energy Star, Earth Advantage, LEED, etc. but there seems to be some disagreement among them. My local energy utility seems to have nothing available, but the federal Stimulus Package may have changed that. This will be my 3rd house so I know a little about building, but not much about HVAC. I can work the computer pretty good, but evaluating the information in various websites is tough.
Any help will be sincerely appreciated.
Replies
I would think a HERS rater from RESNET would be a good starting point.
You can also check out the DSIRE, Energy Star, DOE, and TIAP for some more information.
Jon Blakemore
RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
Good advice, thanks.
I'd like to find an "energy consultant"
Sounds like you already found one YOURSELF!!!!!!!!!!!!! .. and the internet.........
I can't help with the consultant part but EarthCraft is another energy efficiency standard you may want to check out. I know a consultant in my area but I doubt that would help you.
http://www.earthcrafthouse.com/
Unless I am mistaken, EarthCraft does not have a presence west of the Mississippi. The OP would still have to find a HERS rater to certify that the house met the EarthCraft standards.Are you an EarthCraft builder?
Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
No. I'm an engineer with a keen interest in green building. There's a new development going in on my road and I noticed the EarthCraft signs. Then I did some research. I know I like the look of the houses. Of course that may have nothing to do with the EarthCraft standards.
You are in the Hood River area ... I live there ... part time. I'm a consultant, but focus most on commercial buildings as most residential people don't see value in paying a consultant.
I can offer some design advice/critique if you like.
There is a lady that does this in the Gorge ... I can't recall her name. She does residential design with an eye on 'sustainable'/energy. I don't personally know how good she is. I met her at the Gorge Rebuild-It center in Hood River.
Best time to begin thinking energy is before you start design. Imparting efficiency after you are done or well into a design concept is really nothing more than a band aid. The north shore of the Gorge offers some great opportunities for both passive solar and views depending on your site.
Where are you located/where is the site?
Please drop me an email at cherron@hrecn.net, Thanks.
Not sure why you closed your new thread to posting, but I would take issue with your conclusion that foam is the most "green" insulation. It certainly has great insulating and air sealing properties but it's made from petroleum and isn't nearly as vapor permeable as other insulations, which may have an effect on how long your building (or parts of it) last. You also did not mention passive solar exposure, which I think is really important.
Hello Cherron.
I can help with the solar aspect of a new home, assuming you will
install solar thermal and perhaps solar PV on your new home. The
incentives from the Federal government, the State of WA and the utilities are substantial.
I'm in the Camas WA area and can be reached at 360 936 6219.
Check out my website at http://www.girandaenergy.com
Kashas Construction is a forward thinking design-build firm and
they can be reached at http://www.kashas.com