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Showing posts with label Energy Efficient Designs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Energy Efficient Designs. Show all posts

11.06.2013

Ensuring Success StLouis Small Biz Energy Efficiency Design Build Project

In todays day and age of small business enterprises I rarely find that a local St Louis area small business is actually thriving.  And when I learned that this successful small business needs to expand to meet the needs of her growing business I was more than happy to assist her in making her business a continued success by utilizing proven advanced energy efficient construction techniques for this Attic Conversion.

"Proper Design Build Energy Conservation Techniques used in this project will ensure that this business owner will keep the energy costs low and comfort levels high-Scotty,Scotts Contracting"

Here is behind the scene work on the Design Build Energy Efficiency-Attic Conversion and the Small Business Customer Must Haves for the project and how I am going to convert the unused attic space into a functional and energy efficient design build project that meets and exceeds the clients requests


Here are the clients Must Haves:
  • Energy Efficient Design (part1)
  • Open Floor Plan (part 2)
  • Kid Sized Plumbing Fixtures located in the Bathroom (part 3)
  • 1 Sink located outside the Bathroom with Extra Counter-space (part 3)
  • Flooring options require materials that do not transfer sound and are easy clean up (part 4)
  • No Harmful VOC Building Products (part 4)
  • Cost Effective (part 4)
  • Financing this Small Business Success Story Design Build Project (part 5)

Designing for Energy Efficiency
Since this project will be in the top floor of a two story building special attention was given to ensure that proper levels of insulation are utilized as well as eliminating air leakage.  


Here is a CAD drawing of the planned Ceiling and modifying the existing Roof Construction that addresses building code requirements for energy efficient design and construction.

Three Main Aspects: Natural Air Flow, R49 Ceiling Insulation, and Air Tight Electrical Junction Box Covers
Three Main Aspects of proper ceiling construction for energy efficiency: (1)Natural Air Flow, (2) R49 Ceiling Insulation, and (3) AirTight Electrical Junction Box Covers

CAD Detail cutaway view of the above Energy Efficient design calling out not only the proper ceiling construction with insulation and air barrier added to the Attic Knee Walls and Dead Space
CAD Detail-Energy Efficient Ceiling and Wall Construction by Scotty-Scotts Contracting
CAD Detail-Energy Efficient Ceiling and Wall Construction by Scotty-Scotts Contracting
In the above photos you see that Natural Air Flow is mentioned numerous times.  The importance of natural air flow-is not only suggested it is required by the new building codes that are slowly being adopted and utilized in today's energy efficient building designs.

What gets me is that why some builders leave out this crucial step.  Its not a new concept and one that I learned in my first year of Drafting classes in 1989 while designing my final year Residential Home Drafting Project.  

What this natural air flow does is keep the upstairs cooler in the summer and is needed to assist in eliminating ice dams during the winter.

Rule of Thumb for determining this natural air flow from eve to roof peak is: 1 square inch for every square foot of space.  

This 1 square inch is then divided equally in half between the top and bottom of the building.  In the case of this building we will be using: Soffit Vent as well as Roof Peak Vent and to ensure there is unobstructed air travel Air Baffles will be utilized in the areas where the insulation contacts the underside of the roof.

Never let a Building Contractor neglect this important step in any of your building projects.

Stay Tuned for Part 2 of the Design process where I address the open floor plan.











Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotts Contracting- St Louis Home Improvement Projects and Energy Reducing Needs Get Your Green Building Tips and Resources at St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog

11.02.2013

#DesignBuild Energy Efficiency-Attic Conversion

My next Design Build Project will be converting this unused attic into Energy Efficient and usable 2nd Floor Space.   

We will be performing major Energy Conservation Build Techniques as well as using Advanced FramingMethods on this Green Build Project 

Upon completing we will have the following RValues: R19+ in the wall, R49 Attic, R13+ in the Floor. 

My plans also call for Air Tight Electrical Junction Box Covers in the Attic as well as 6mil Poly Air Barrier for the Interior Walls. 

Stay Tuned for more project photos as well as otherCAD Drafting details by Scotty-Scotts Contracting . 

Build Green Scotty! 


#DesignBuild   #EnergyConservation  #AdvancedFramingTechniques   #RValue  #CADDrafting 

CAD DesignBuild Attic Conversion Project Drawings and Before Pics
See more of the CAD Drawings for this Energy Efficient Attic Conversion at the link below





















Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotts Contracting- St Louis Home Improvement Projects and Energy Reducing Needs Get Your Green Building Tips and Resources at St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog

4.08.2011

Examples of Energy Efficiency Upgrades Saving $ and Energy-

Capital Region businesses save big bucks with energy efficiency upgrades
Apr 7, 2011WNYT
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced today that 219 Capital Region businesses are reducing energy costs by nearly $4.5 million annually as a result of the energy efficiency upgrades and sustainable building projects supported by NYSERDA during 2010.

According to a press release from NYSERDA, the energy savings—more than 48 million kilowatt hours—is equivalent to the amount of electricity consumed by nearly 7,000 single-family homes annually and will be realized by these companies every year for years to come.


“NYSERDA commends these leaders in the Capital Region business community for their commitment to more environmentally sustainable business practices,” said President and CEO of NYSERDA Francis J. Murray Jr. in a statement. “And we encourage other companies to apply for the incentives available in 2011 for energy efficiency improvements for existing buildings and new building projects.”


NYSERDA provided $6.5 million in incentives to businesses to make energy efficiency projects more affordable, enhance competitiveness and cut costs for businesses. These incentives are available to every sector of the economy, including retail, manufacturing, hospitality, health care, agricultural, commercial and others.


Examples of Capital Region businesses that have benefited from participating in NYSERDA programs in 2010 include:


• Adirondack Beverage Corp. in Scotia replaced old, inefficient lighting with newer high performance fixtures and replaced incandescent exit signs with LED fixtures. The project reduced annual energy costs by $116,000 and decreased electricity consumption by more than 1.1 million kilowatt hours.


• Freihofer’s Cake Plant, a division of Bimbo Bakeries USA, in Albany replaced old, inefficient lighting with newer high performance fixtures and installed occupancy sensors in applicable areas. The project will reduce annual energy costs by nearly $47,000 and decrease electricity consumption by more than 1.8 million kilowatt hours.


• Garelick Farms in Rensselaer upgraded existing lighting with more energy-efficient fixtures. The project will help reduce annual energy costs by nearly $42,000 and decrease electricity consumption by nearly 350,000 kilowatt hours.


• Stewart’s Shops in Saratoga Springs replaced old, inefficient lighting with newer high performance fixtures and installed occupancy sensors in its 300,000 square-foot warehouse. The project will help reduce annual energy costs by $77,000 and decrease electricity consumption by more than 740,000 kilowatt hours. Stewart’s is achieving additional energy savings by retrofitting freezer cases with “zero energy” cooler doors and LED lighting at stores in Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa, Gansevoort, Voorheesville and Wynantskill.


cross posted courtesy of the Carbon Capture Report- Courtesy of Green Me UP-Scotty

4.06.2011

Can I Get a Tax Credit for That?

...for consumers making energy-efficient choices, tax season might help you keep a little extra cash in your wallet. In addition to lowering your energy bills at home and on the road, energy-efficient products eligible for the federal tax credits actually lower the amount of federal income taxes that you must pay Uncle Sam.

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taxes
Author(s): 
Kissairis Munoz
No one likes filling out their taxes. But, for consumers making energy-efficient choices, tax season might help you keep a little extra cash in your wallet. In addition to lowering your energy bills at home and on the road, energy-efficient products eligible for the federal tax credits actually lower the amount of federal income taxes that you must pay Uncle Sam.

You might be eligible for a federal income tax credit if…

  • You’ve purchased fuel-efficient hybrid, electric or diesel vehicles
  • You’ve made certain energy efficiency upgrades in your home

What is a tax credit?

You don’t receive an income tax credit when you buy the product, like an instant rebate. Instead, you claim the credit on your federal income tax form at the end of the year. The credit will increase the tax refund you receive or decrease the amount you owe the government.

What’s the difference between a credit and a deduction?

A tax credit is more valuable than a tax deduction of the same amount. A tax credit reduces the tax you pay, dollar-for-dollar. Tax deductions — such as those for home mortgages and charitable giving — lower your taxable income.

For instance, if you are in the highest 35% tax bracket, a tax credit will reduce your federal income tax by 100% of the credit amount. With a deduction, the income tax you pay is reduced by 35% of the deduction’s value.

What about other incentives?

In addition to the federal tax credits, consumers in some areas of the country also will be eligible for utility, state or local rebates and tax incentives for homes, vehicles and equipment. Check out the DSIRE database of state incentives or contact your state energy office or local utility.

Which year's credits do I claim?

The credit value and technical criteria for the home improvement credits depend on when that improvement was installed. If you purchased a product in 2010, but didn't install it until 2011, the 2011 criteria apply.

Where do I find these credits in the tax code?

  • Vehicle credits: The hybrid, "lean-burn" diesel, and alternative fuel vehicle credits are part of the “alternative motor vehicle” credit in section 30B of the tax code. Electric vehicles are in section 30D, the "new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles" credit.
  • Home improvements credits: Formally called the “nonbusiness energy property” credit, it is in section 25C of the tax code
  • Geothermal heat pump, solar equipment and fuel cells: Formally called the “residential energy efficient property” credit, they are in section 25D of the tax code.

Are there tax credits available to businesses?

A commercial building retrofit credit is available though, unlike the residential credits, it is based on whole-building performance levels. The good news is that businesses also can claim the vehicle tax credits.

Businesses that build or manufacture certain other energy-efficient consumer products (see below) also are eligible for federal income tax credits. While these credits do not go directly to consumers, they could reduce the cost to consumers of:
  • New energy-efficient homes through 2011 and
  • Energy-efficient refrigerators, clothes washers and dishwashers through 2011.

I'm filing for...

We're making this easy. Click on the links below to get all the information you need.

4.01.2011

Energy Efficiency Creates Jobs in the UK

UK to US: Green energy makes jobs

Apr 1, 2011 Charlotte Observer

As the United Kingdom slashes public spending to tackle its largest post-war deficit, new Prime Minister David Cameron set a heady goal: To lead the island nation's greenest government ever.

The Brits believe lowering their greenhouse gas emissions, investing in energy efficiency and partnering government with private industry is a way to grow the economy. The UK energy and climate change minister, Gregory Barker, talked about the possibilities Thursday in Charlotte with representatives of British and local firms headed toward the same goal.

There's a lot of work to do across the pond, Barker said.

The British record of energy efficiency is "rubbish," he said, making it cheaper to heat homes in icy Norway than in Britain. The UK has embarked on a campaign to retrofit 14 million homes, an effort estimated to create 250,000 jobs. It plans to invest the equivalent of $5 billion in a new green-energy investment bank and will offer innovative financing for renewable heating sources.

"Green will touch every sector," said Bill Rumble of the Mark Group, a British firm that specializes in making buildings more energy efficient. Millions of jobs for energy-efficiency technicians could be created, he predicted.

The long-term UK plan, Barker said, has bipartisan political support. "This is such a vital agenda," he said. "It really is important that we work together."

There's no such unanimity in the United States. President Barack Obama's administration has failed to win congressional support for limits on greenhouse gases, seen by energy advocates as a vital first step. Republican leaders are demanding more domestic drilling for oil and gas, while the Japanese crisis may shake support for new nuclear plants.

But that hasn't stopped businesses here, U.S. executives said.

NASCAR, with its 70 million fan base, has a green campaign underway that ranges from recycling to solar power. US Airways, which has its largest hub in Charlotte, has reduced its per-passenger use of fuel by 45 percent in the past 20 years. The owners of Indian Trail-based Radiator Specialty Co., which makes petroleum-based cleaners, degreasers and lubricants, last year formed a company to make biodegradable products.

"Over the last five years, I have seen a tremendous shift" toward green products by businesses, said Heather Killgallon of RSC Bio Solutions, the new company. "They want something tangible, not just because it feels good."

3.25.2011

Energy Lessons from Dubai

Dubai Chamber saves Dh5.5m in power costs


Mar. 25, 2011 -- DUBAI -- The Arab World's first green building, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry building, has successfully saved about Dh5.5 million in electricity costs within a period of 10 years. This has been achieved through conservation measures in their head office alone and aims to inspire others to follow the path to a sustainable future this Earth Hour and beyond.

"Earth Hour itself does not really save Dubai Chamber anything as we turn off our lighting and air-conditioning each evening anyway, and have done so for over a decade. This one simple practice has saved us thousands of dirhams in costs each year and reduced our carbon emissions significantly," said Annalies Hodge, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager of Dubai Chamber of Commerce. Air-conditioners and lighting together take up about 80 per cent of electricity consumption, so residents and businesses are advised to reduce their usage whenever possible.

"By simply turning up the temperature by 1 degree C, from say 22 degree C to 23 degree C, they can save up to nine per cent on their electricity bill. Regarding lighting, energy efficient Light Emitting Diodes or LEDs of Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) can reduce energy consumption by around 80 per cent and last much longer, too," she said.

In terms of water, simple tricks like putting a brick in the toilet tank can reduce the flush by a few litres and help save thousands of litres of water each day. Additionally, waste can be reduced by recycling and reusing items. Dubai Chamber is one of the landmarks in the UAE that will take part in the worldwide event and join the rest of the globe in an ongoing battle against climate change. It is known as the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Existing Building in the Arab World and the fourth outside of North America. Its green building programms helped reduce water and energy consumption by approximately 77 per cent and 47 per cent respectively between 1998 and 2008 and that led to significant carbon emission reductions and savings of around Dh7.1 million

"Just like the previous years, this year's Earth Hour will raise more awareness about climate change and encourage people to make small changes in their lives so they can live in a more sustainable manner throughout the year. The Chamber is targeting the business community as it encourages its members to participate in Earth Hour and adopt measures to conserve energy throughout the year as part of their responsible practices and make our communities a better place to live and work in," said Annelies.

farhana@khaleejtimes.com Mar 24, 2011 Khaleej Times

Farhana Chowdhury (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex)

Newstex ID: KRTB-0471-102006006

2.02.2011

Suggested Reading- How to Design and Build an Energy Efficient Home

The document is full of various Building Materials and Best Practices for the Installation of these Materials. It also covers the various aspects and considerations for Energy Management, Preventing UN-wanted Energy Losses, Moisture Control, Air Filtration, Insulation, Windows, HVAC, Doors, Proper Ventilation, etc.


The document also provides all the Building Code Considerations needed to bring your Projects Current with today's Suggested Energy Efficient Building Codes.


Down Load the (FREE)- Builders and Buyers Handbook. It will give any- Home:Owner, Builder, Site Superintendent, Job Foreman, Crew Member, and others interested in an Energy Efficient Home the suggested and preferred tips and instructions for Designing, Building or Renovating an Energy Efficient Home in a Mixed Climate (our Area- St Louis).


Must Read for anyone involved in Designing, Building, and Retrofitting a Home that will not only be pleasant to live in but reduces energy consumption, thus saving your Hard Earned Money for more important issues.


Down Load the Free Document Here - Builders and Buyers Handbook

Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audits: 140 Simple Solutions to Lower Energy Costs, Increase Your Home's Efficiency, and Save the Environmen (Tab Green Guru Guides)Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings (Ninth Edition)Do-It-Yourself Home Energy AuditsConsumer Guide to Home Energy Savings, 9th Edition: Save Money, Save the Earth
Lowe's How-To Series on DVD - Weatherize Your HomeHome Energy-Saving TipsNational Geographic: Plan It GreenNo Cost and Low Cost Home Energy Saving Tips!
The Homeowner's Handbook to Energy Efficiency: A Guide to Big and Small Improvements

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