[Greenbuilding] NYC 90% emissions cut with windows

[Alan Abrams]

<I have a very hard time believing that 90% of GHG emissions *even come
from* window and insulation losses.

I wish people wouldn't try to hype their proposals by giving such numbers.
 Huge savings are possible, but at least try to make them look plausible or
they will be dismissed out of hand (as I did).

Thank You Kindly,>

I'm with Corwyn, thank you kindly.  on a recent reno / small addition
project, we airsealed and insulated a 1925 bungalow (which already had
pretty tight low-e insul glass windows), installed new mechanical systems
and direct vent helical flue water heater...gas usage went down to one
third of usage prior to construction.

but electrical use nearly *doubled,* partly due to new mechanical system
load (including an ERV), but also because of more extensive lighting and
increased use of spaces--like the creepy original basement--that were
avoided before the reno.  plus hauling the old fridge down to said rec room
to stock beer, for use, I suppose, when the owners are exercising on their
stationary bikes in front of the new half acre TV screen ...

project data still showed a slight drop in usage (by reducing nat gas and
elec usage to kBtu's and comparing the aggregates before and after
construction), until line loss is figured in.  Then, a doubling of
electrical use results in roughly 6X more GHG emissions at the generating
station, assuming 70% electrical transmission loss.

-a

Alan Abrams*
**certifed professional building designer, AIBD
certified passive house consultant, PHIUS*
*certified passive house builder, PHIUS**
*Abrams Design Build LLC
*sustainable design for intentional living*
6411 Orchard Avenue Suite 102
Takoma Park, MD 20912
office  301-270-NET- ZERO (301-270-6380)
fax      301-270-1466
cell     202-437-8583
alan at abramsdesignbuild.com
www.abramsdesignbuild.com



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