[Greenbuilding] No Fracking Way?
Corwyn
corwyn at midcoast.com
Thu Apr 21 08:57:33 CDT 2011
On 4/18/2011 3:15 PM, Frank Cetera wrote:
> Implementing an urban home retrofit using only electrical powered
> systems, with the potential of becoming an off-grid site in the future
> through reduced energy consumption and on-site generation (with purchase
> of alternative sources in the short-term), in order to relieve our
> dependence on natural gas as a fuel source due to its potential for high
> environmental damage. (This would not be a super-insulated passivhaus
> sort of design and would rely on natural materials as much as possible
> for air sealing, insulation, and built additions/restorations)
What advantages do you see in going off-grid in an urban environment?
Unless your utility gives you a really horrible deal on your produced
electricity, it is better for you, and everyone else for you to just go
grid-tie.
Reduction of energy use should always be your first objective. If you
are unsure about what each change will do for you in energy terms, I
recommend you get a competent energy audit. Then adjust their
recommendations by what you are actually going to be paying for your
energy. This should give you a good idea about what will be most
beneficial for you. Don't start with the idea that you aren't going to
do Passivhaus standard; start with the numbers and see where they lead.
Natural material air sealing is tough. Sadly, you may have to relax
that a bit. If not, let s know what you did!
Thank You Kindly,
Corwyn
--
Topher Belknap
Green Fret Consulting
Kermit didn't know the half of it...
http://www.greenfret.com/
topher at greenfret.com
(207) 882-7652
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