Green Construction in a Post Peak Oil Context

On May 25 2010 we had great discussion on "Low-Energy House Design" that also considered all things green. We had a great turn-out and ran out of time long before we ran out of ideas, so perhaps we should return to this topic in another month. I suggest it be more specific, asking members to bring their own house plans, designs, and dreams for us to compare and discuss.

Below is some feedback to share from Ron Rancourt. I'll follow it up with my response in a separate post on this thread.

...Terry

-------------------------------

Hey Terry,

Thanks again for speaking so long and in depth about your ideas and
home construction project. I was eating it up.

Ron, this email or any parts can be distributed to the overall group.
In particular I'd like to highlight the website http://passivehouse.ca
as an excellent resource for anyone wanting to learn more about the
"Passivhaus" building standard. Training on PH has recently been
announced (on this website) for locations across Canada (not cheap
though).

Terry, I like your choices (propane appliances and backup "code" heat,
solar tubes, unique ICF walls, solar pump, high efficiency HRV,
recycled drywall, passive features, etc!). I think you chose very
well. Some questions:

Will you use poured concrete (uninsulated) for your cold room? I
imagine the ICF would add unwanted insulation for that part of the
house.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but you said that code requires "escape
windows" in every living area/bedroom, and that this is easily met in
a single story building. Yours is earth bermed on three sides. I now
understand why the windows and "berm-break" on the right side of your
house plan (attached is a version you sent me - would you consider
sharing to the group?)

I think you will be close to reaching the PH energy consumption limit
of 15 kWh/sq meter/year with this design. BTW - windows I can
recommend are Thermotech, in Carp. They were recommended to me by
Malcolm Isaacs, the PH architect who developed the above site.
Finally, will you use a double-wall on the South with thick
insulation?

Appreciate your time and good luck! Take lots of pictures! BTW I
will steal some or all of your ideas!

Thanks,
Ron

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ron St. Louis on May 2, 2011 at 4:18pm

I'm still in for this and the 28th would probably be best. I am waiting to hear back on when I will receive my bees and will let you know ASAP.

My friend is also interested in joining us and might have room for more.

Permalink Reply by Nui on May 2, 2011 at 10:23pm

Hi Terry,

Thanks for inviting us.

My husband Alex and I are interested to join the trip.

We cannot fully commit a date due to some uncertain needs to travel out-of-town.

May 15 looks good at the moment. May 14 should work, too. Further out in the future, is difficult to say for us at the moment.

We are looking forward to see you soon in Barry's Bay.

Nui

Permalink Reply by Terry Newcombe on May 10, 2011 at 9:08pm

Hi, Peter. Are you available for a site visit on May 29? That's possible for Ron, and best for me. Nui and her husband Alex would prefer May 15th but that's too soon for some of us. <Nui, when might you know if you and Alex can make the 29th?> Elena and Alexie are so busy with their own homesteading start-up that they can only come if it's a rainy day preventing them from doing their own projects.

Enjoy your day,

..Terry

Peter Karwacki said:

Yes I'm interested in this trip and also could help with its coordination.

Permalink Reply by Peter Karwacki on May 10, 2011 at 9:25pm

May 29 is good.

Pete

Terry Newcombe said:

Shall we get this trip on the road, then? Who's interested in coming up for a day trip to tour my site on either May 14, 15, 28, or 29? Peter and Ron, could you privately send me your email addresses and phone numbers so we can keep in touch? Nui Esser (http://transitionottawa.ning.com/profile/NuiEsser) is also interested, as are Elena and Alexie (Peak Oil members who haven't joined Transition Ottawa).

I've just asked Nui to join this discussion thread. Can each of you (Nui, Peter, Ron, and anyone else interested) reply here to see which of the four days works for you? I'll email Elena and Alexie to ask the same thing, and we can pick the day that fits best. I was envisioning a morning drive in one or two carpooled cars, an afternoon here, and an evening drive back to Ottawa.

Hope to see you soon!

...Terry

Permalink Reply by Peter Karwacki on May 10, 2011 at 9:26pm

Terry Newcombe said:

Shall we get this trip on the road, then? Who's interested in coming up for a day trip to tour my site on either May 14, 15, 28, or 29? Peter and Ron, could you privately send me your email addresses and phone numbers so we can keep in touch? Nui Esser (http://transitionottawa.ning.com/profile/NuiEsser) is also interested, as are Elena and Alexie (Peak Oil members who haven't joined Transition Ottawa).

I've just asked Nui to join this discussion thread. Can each of you (Nui, Peter, Ron, and anyone else interested) reply here to see which of the four days works for you? I'll email Elena and Alexie to ask the same thing, and we can pick the day that fits best. I was envisioning a morning drive in one or two carpooled cars, an afternoon here, and an evening drive back to Ottawa.

Hope to see you soon!

...Terry

Permalink Reply by Nui on May 10, 2011 at 11:28pm

Hi Terry,

We might not be in town from May 19 till mid June. You guys go ahead and have fun! Hope there will be more opportunities to visit you later on. I will let you know if our plan changed.

Thanks!
Nui

Permalink Reply by Terry Newcombe on May 11, 2011 at 12:06pm

Thanks for your reply, Nui. I'm sorry we can't work something out for everyone together on the same day, but that's always a challenge. Do let us know if your plans change.

Ron, can you confirm for the 29th? If so, please contact Peter directly as well as the friend you mentioned who was interested, and arrange when you all want to depart Ottawa and such. It's about 2 hrs from Kanata, 2.5 from the east end. Google Maps is good for directions, using "188 Paugh Lake Rd, Barry's Bay, ON".

Is there a Peak Oil meeting on the 23rd? That would be a great chance to see if anyone else wants to join in the trip. Talk to you soon,

...Terry, 613-756-3344

Permalink Reply by Ron St. Louis on May 11, 2011 at 12:14pm

Yes I'm in for the 29th. I'll send an email out shortly. Yes there will be a meet up on Tuesday May 24th. I am waiting to confirm details from a guest speaker. My friend is still interested but has not yet confirmed.

Stay tuned.

Permalink Reply by Peter Karwacki on May 11, 2011 at 2:41pm

Peter Karwacki 613-842-5448

Ron St. Louis said:

Yes I'm in for the 29th. I'll send an email out shortly. Yes there will be a meet up on Tuesday May 24th. I am waiting to confirm details from a guest speaker. My friend is still interested but has not yet confirmed.

Stay tuned.

r.

Permalink Reply by Ron St. Louis on May 20, 2011 at 4:56pm

David French (not registered here at Transition Ottawa) has offered a ride with room for 3 more. I believe he is in the West end.