Joe Davis and Sid Frederick own an innovative passive solar home on 40 acres that is "off the grid" in the Santa Cruz mountains, using no energy from PG&E. Built in 1983, it has passive solar heating, solar water heating, photovoltaic electricity and two backup propane heating systems. A giant central skylight provides passive cooling and day-lighting.
Our job was to calculate the energy and carbon savings of the home and objectively describe its green features compared to a conventional new home, in a report to be shown to potential buyers. Using the architect's building plans, we created a simulation of the home's energy consumption and calculated the energy contributions of the three different solar systems and the two backup systems. We were able to show that the home uses less than half the external sources of energy of a brand new conventional home built to stringent new standards, using a type of analysis approved by the state of California. Despite already being very efficient, we were able to make recommendations to cut energy use even further. This showcase home stands as a model of what can be achieved to cut energy and carbon use at modest extra cost and no sacrifice in comfort and convenience. As home buyers become more concerned with operating costs and their carbon footprint, there will be more need for energy audits and for EcoBrokers®, like the Realtor® who owns this house. Read the complete report.
Former Mayor and current Councilman of the City of Santa Cruz, Don Lane, is an advocate of municipal programs to combat global warming. He took the lesson "Think globally, act locally" to its natural conclusion by asking us to inspect his own home for potential energy savings, even though his PG&E bills were already low. Built in the 1920s, the home has opportunities for adding insulation in the walls and attic, and sealing leaks. We also identified a furnace and water heater that were at the end of their lives and needing replacement. We found air leaks in a furnace closet, window frames and a fireplace damper. That's leadership in action. Read the complete report.
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