Photo: RCDC homes on Evans Ave.
Last fall the Ranken Community Development Corporation (RCDC) started looking at more energy efficient ways to build homes. The first step was to undergo an Energy Star home inspection which was done by Gary Freis, an energy auditor and consultant from Applied Science Energy Ratings (ASERusa). ASERusa specializes in building science and technology design, field verification, and program rating services for National Building Performance Programs. The purpose of the inspection was to benchmark how energy efficient the home is and allow RCDC to learn how to continue to build more energy efficient homes. After the inspection, the representative walked through the home with Carpentry students and showed them ways to make the home more energy efficient.
Once framing was completed on the home at 4467 Evans Avenue, the shell was audited for proper sealing and all joints were caulked or foamed to avoid unnecessary air leaks into the home’s envelope. Before the holiday break, the home was once again audited for insulation techniques to determine the level of insulation of the walls and ceiling known as "R" factor. Generally the more "R" the better the rating.
When the home was completed in late May, a final performance test was done. ASERusa performs verification for National Building Performance Programs using certified verifiers with authorized tools. This tool, called the Blower Door, measures the Air Changes Per Hour (ACH) and the Effective Leakage Area (ELA) of the building envelope, assuring the building has been properly sealed by the builder. The test is looking for leaks where warm air in the summer or cold air in the winter could enter the home and cause the gas/electric bill to rise. The home specifications (plans, pictures, AC equipment model numbers, window sizes, etc.) and the blower door ratings were then sent to RESNET, a nationally certified home energy rating group. RESNET uses all of the information to create a computer generated model of the home and a rating is awarded.
Prior to learning and using more efficient building techniques, a standard home built by RCDC typically receives a 100 rating. The new home rated at 68, lower being better, so the home received an Energy Star Home rating.
"This was a real team effort between our design, construction, HVACR, plumbing, and electrical workers," said John Wood, vice president for student success. "Everyone really paid attention to detail on this home and the result is that our home owner will enjoy energy bills 30% less than average for a home this size."
"More energy efficient building techniques are not only the right thing to do, but it is also a great learning tool for our students who will be able to go out into the work force with this knowledge and potentially teach their employer and colleagues these new building techniques."
Congratulations to RCDC on two more completed homes and on this big step towards "going green."
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