Superior Performance integrated Sturcture & Natural HVAC Construction by Living Earth & iDes2
Pitch
Integrate a superior construction system with natural energy management + solar & wind & result is a net Positive Energy Lifestyle structure
Description
Summary
40% of all energy used in the US is by heating & cooling homes. Another 40% of all energy used in the US is in transportation. The Oak Ridge Nat'l Lab researched DBMS (Dynamic Benefit of Mass [wall] Systems ... to Scientifically Quantify mass wall system performance, compared to a base wood stud home; rated as 1.00... ICFs (Insulated Concrete Forms) achieved 1.56, but an asymmetrical configuration reached 2.46 (or 246%) improvement. That report inspired us to develop an AICF construction system in both Foundation & Wall panels (AICF = Asymmetrical Insulated Concrete Forms). We include a NEMS (Natural Energy Management System) utilizing the natural energy of near surface geothermal ambient temperature (about 56°F constant at 6 to 10 feet below ground) plus Solar Panels & Thromb Box Solar heating, plus a VAWT wind generator. Thus is achieved a Net Positive Energy home or commercial building. Add ultra efficient appliances such as Sun Frost refrigerator, inductive stove (where only the pot gets hot), LED lights, Solar fiber optic lighting, structure integrated full envelope radiant heating/cooling system,. and 100% eliminate fossil fuel use relative to the home's energy need. Then add solar recharged electric vehicles & ERVs (Electric Recreating Vehicles), and 100% eliminate fossil fuel from our transport needs. Thus 80% of US energy use can be reduced to 20% or less. Older existing structures can have 3" to 4" solid foam added to the outside to dramatically improve thermal performance...and get a facelift with new sealed cell stucco & integrated color finish. (not need re-painting for decades). This is not a "Pie in the Sky" Dream...these are ALL mature technologies thoroughly integrated into one structure....as opposed to the current practice which is to utilize wood studs (the least energy efficient system) to build new homes, new apartments and new buildings all across America....because the timber industry has in-their-pocket politicians promoting "no changes".
What actions do you propose?
1. Need to change the building code to require dramatically higher energy efficient buildings. (Some cities have already done this, others are doing it)
2).Change the Building Permit FEE structure to encourage construction of higher efficiency buildings and to penalize use of lesser efficient systems. (Some cities have already done this, others are doing it)
3). Incentivise the changes to more energy efficient wall system manufacture.
a). Defer Taxes for new businesses that engage to manufacture alternative technology more energy efficient construction systems.
b). Provide subsidies to existing industries to adopt alternative technologies.
c). Provide R&D money to existing businesses to develop new alternative technology products.
d). Give grants to small businesses that produce superior performance construction and HVAC systems.
e). Give R&D Subsidies to small & large businesses that develop new superior components used in alternative technology construction materials or HVAC systems. (for example: using plant waste products, such as food produce stalks & offal to make foam for use as insulation...instead of fossil fuel derivative foam...such as EPS & XPS (Expanded & Extruded Poly Styrene).
4). Provide low interest loans to manufacturers and builders and subdivision & apartment producers to build with alternative wall & foundation systems.
5). Provide low or near zero interest loan guarantee program for consumers who opt into purchasing an improved efficiency alternative technology home.
6). Provide low or near zero interest loan guarantee program for businesses who opt into building commercial structures utilizing an improved efficiency alternative technology system.
7). Have the USGBC (US Green Building Council) become agents for establishing training programs to teach construction utilizing alternative technology systems...teach construction (general contractors) and construction workers.
8) Incentivise Design of buildings to utilize alternative technology components, materials and appliances by architects & designers....such as Tax credits and lowered tax rates on revenues (commissions) they earn.
9). Incentivise the Construction of homes and buildings to utilize alternative technology components, materials and appliances by lowering tax rates on materials the builder purchases. Also lower tax rates on employee remuneration....or increase tax credits.
10). De-incentivise Wood Stud construction.
a). Cease ALL Timber industry Subsidies, (except for replanting trees).
b). Increase tax rates on revenues earned from wood stud sales.
c). Increase fees on importation of wood used for producing wood studs.
d). Increase tarrifs or taxation on exporting wood studs.
e). Decrease allowances for production equipment write off.
f). Shorten production equipment amortization time allotments.
g). Raise rates on forest access. Reduce annual tree harvest allotments.
I believe items 5 and 6 will have the most affect on consumers and entrepreneurs as well as existing businessmen and business women.
Then, once they live in an ultra efficient home, they will be sold for life, because they ARE more comfortable.
Why is a "Positive Energy Lifestyle" home noticably more comfortable? Part of the NEMS (Natural Energy Management System) is a constant flow Fresh Air system, which flushes out all the air in the house about 8 to 10 times a day. The system beings in fresh filtered air and constantly exhausts contaminated air. Our air system features "Strategic Uptake" which is quite a bit different from a conventional recirculating HVAC system. Instead of one inlet in about the middle of the house, into which all the air is drawn in, our system has uptakes at all the source points where dirt, pollen, flying insects, airborne bacterium and "contaminants" enter the building. Those Strategic Uptake ducts are located at the front door, the back door, (any other outside access doors such as master suite door(s), etc.), in the bathrooms & powder rooms, in the laundry room (handling dirty clothes releases "contaminants" into the air), and in the kitchen (cleaning vegetables & cooking can release "contaminants" into the home). There are fresh air supply ducts in the bedrooms, living room, hallways and eating area. The fresh filtered air is constantly flowing into the house and moving the "contaminants" toward their source, where the strategic uptake ducts are located. As compared to a central intake which draws the contaminants into the center of the house and then HVAC distributes them throughout the entire house. So, a home which features a Fresh Air system with Strategic Uptake would actually be a healthier home.
The USGBC should help make the public aware of these kinds of money saving and healthier living advantages. The USGBC website could identify "Effective Alternative Technology Systems & Components" with short descriptions of the products & construction systems available.
Any business should be able to buy ad space at a price according to their previous year or two revenues...so big businesses do not have a distinct advertising advantage or the small business.
Who will take these actions?
The Congress must pass the regulations proposed, so there needs to be a progressive champion(s) of the program(s) implicit in this proposal.
By:
Living Earth & iDes2
