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<P><FONT SIZE=2>Hi Guys<BR>
<BR>
Look at ecohomes, predecesor to the UK code for sustainable housing, it had a credit for making a room "office ready" - primarily smart wiring technologies but no different than "solar ready" - starts the discussion...<BR>
<BR>
Larry Brydon<BR>
Reliance Home Comfort<BR>
416 704 0749<BR>
Lbrydon@reliancecomfort.com<BR>
<BR>
-----Original Message-----<BR>
From: greenbuilding-bounces@lists.bioenergylists.org <greenbuilding-bounces@lists.bioenergylists.org><BR>
To: Green Building <greenbuilding@lists.bioenergylists.org><BR>
Sent: Wed Jan 12 20:28:42 2011<BR>
Subject: Re: [Greenbuilding] Aggressively Passive: Building Homes to thePassive House Standard<BR>
<BR>
I think it should be obvious that the IDEA of not penalized, in fact, encouraging, stay at home work arrangements, even if it is easy to forget this in a detailed discussion.<BR>
The issue of transportation is really what this is about.<BR>
However, in housing standards like PH, Energy Star, LEED R2000, etc. it is really tough to come up with workable rules. We should try though.<BR>
For example, there should be exemptions to make it easier for homes built or converted near high density urban centers (although rural folks will scream).<BR>
It is also not clear that adding a den to home will result in fewer commutes, although it does make it possible to conveniently working at home.<BR>
<BR>
On 2011-01-12, at 6:04 PM, Gordon Scale wrote:<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
From an overall energy perspective, can we not take this opportunity to help<BR>
turn this around. Somehow I believe new standards of measurement should<BR>
try to foster benefits to those considering housing with home based businesses<BR>
of substance. The resulting energy benefits in transportation energy are<BR>
considerable, especially if married with compact urban form. <BR>
<BR>
I see no reason to penalize a somewhat larger than average home - if it includes<BR>
a reasonably sized retail, professional or service use. Food for thought when<BR>
striving for practical energy standards for new housing and infill/renovations.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Dr John Straube, P.Eng.<BR>
Associate Professor<BR>
University of Waterloo<BR>
Dept of Civil Eng. & School of Architecture<BR>
www.buildingscience.com<BR>
<BR>
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