This is one in a series of blog posts about the materials we’ve chosen to build our Zero House project…

What are BiPVco Flextron solar modules? BiPVco specializes in the manufacturing of building integrated photovoltaics, that is, solar modules that are a part of the building, rather than “add-ons” that must be fastened over or onto the building.

Where are BiPVco Flextron solar modules used in Zero House? The standing seam metal roof on the south side of the building receives 32 modules that each produce 120 watts of power, for a total of 3,840 watts (3.84 kW). We use a company that does sheet metal fabrication Texas. These parts are hand delivered to us.

How do BiPVco Flextron solar modules help achieve the Zero House goals? 

• Zero net energy use – The solar energy harvested from the BiPVco modules over the course of a year will equal the amount of energy it takes to operate Zero House.
• Zero carbon footprint – The modules use a flexible, CIGS thin-film technology that does not require the tempered glass or aluminum frames of typical modules, and combined with the elimination of mounting racks, the BiPVco modules have a significantly smaller carbon footprint than other solar modules (67 kgCO2e/m2 versus 242 kgCO2e/m2 for monocrystalline modules, according to the Inventory of Carbon and Energy V.2).
• Zero waste – The flexible modules are highly resilient and require only a fraction of the packaging for glass-covered modules.

Other reasons for using BiPVco solar modules:

• Durability – We don’t need to make any penetrations in the roof surface to mount the BiPVco modules, which is a huge advantage in terms of long-term durability of the roof. There is also no glass to break in case of hail or falling tree branches.
• Affordability – The modules are comparable in price per watt to standard modules, but the savings on racking and mounting make them a very attractive option price-wise. Roof trusses do not need to be sized to take an extra load, as the modules are very light weight and don’t present any wind uplift issues.
• Prefab – We can mount the modules to the roofing and ship them together to the building site, eliminating a separate shipping step and construction step on site.
• Code compliance – BiPVco does not yet have CSA certification, and requires a field inspection.

Any drawbacks to using BiPVco solar modules?

• The adhesive that binds the modules to the metal roofing seems very strong, but only time will tell how it holds up the Canadian climate.

Flextron spec sheet

This is one in a series of blog posts about the materials we’ve chosen to build our Zero House project…

What is 475 High Performance Building Supply?  475 High Performance Building Supply provides essential building knowledge and components to building professionals, focusing on materials that provide the best air tightness, ventilation and durability.

Where are 475 products used in Zero House?  There are 475 High Performance Building Supply products used throughout the Zero House building, including:

• Mento 1000 house wrap – A 3-layer airtight, vapor-open housewrap that is an extremely strong weather resistive barrier (WRB). It provides superior weather protection and can cover most exterior building substrates. It has an actively vapor open, monolithic layer of TEEE film that is extremely waterproof – and outperforms perforated/stretched WRBs both in outward drying potential (38 perms) as well as airtightness.
• Intello Plus – A “smart” vapor retarder that provides a first class air barrrier for thermal insulation in roofs, walls and floors. It gives structural systems a previously unachievable degree of protection from structural damage (from condensation), even under extreme climatic conditions, due to its intelligent vapor retarding properties.
• Tescon Vanna – Air sealing tape is a long-lasting, robust solution for building airtightness. Used to seal the air control membranes over our prefab panels on the exterior and interior side.
• Tescon Profil – Same great airsealing, weather resistance, and vapor profile as Tescon Vana, but with a 3-split release backing to make airtight connections and waterproof seals at corners quickly and easily.
• Extoseal Encors – A watertight adhesive tape with high adhesion for creating window sills.
• Roflex pipe gaskets – Creates durable and airtight seals around pipes, ducts and cables which pass through membranes, wood-based panels and other substrates.

How do 475 products help achieve the Zero House goals?

• Zero net energy use – A building must be air-tight to be truly energy efficient, and the air-tightness products from 475 High Performance Building Supply help us to ensure that our building is free of costly leaks and that our air sealing will be durable and long-lasting.
• Zero toxins – All Pro Clima tapes and membranes are free of solvents, VOCs and softeners

Other reasons for using 475 High Performance Building Supply products:

• Waste – Most of the ProClima products are 100% recyclable
• Workability – The membranes and tapes are very rugged, and don’t stretch or deform. They are much easier to install than other house wrap and vapor retarders, and it is easy to install without waves or folds. The tapes adhere extremely well and can be applied smoothly and accurately.
• Moisture control – All the products have top ratings for moisture control in their intended locations, and together allow us to safely create a vapor permeable wall, roof and floor assembly.
• Durability – The membranes and tapes are long-lasting, and the excellent moisture control characteristics help the building to last a long time in a wide variety of humidity and weather conditions.

Any drawbacks to using 475 High Performance Building Supply products:

• 475 recently added a Canadian warehouse, so shipping times are greatly reduced. Products must be ordered directly from 475.
• Many products do not have Canadian code compliance documentation, so even though they outperform conventional options, builders may have to use Alternative Compliance pathways to get code approval

Air sealing materials from 475 High Performance Building Supply are a key part of the high performance and energy efficiency of our projects at Endeavour. It is our hope that more builders will turn to these top-notch products in the move toward more energy efficient buildings.

This is one unlimited web hosting reviews about the materials we’ve chosen to build our Zero House project…

What are Inline Fiberglass windows? Inline is a Toronto-based manufacturer of high quality, energy efficient windows that use fiberglass frames, rather than the more typical vinyl or wooden frames.

Where are Inline Fiberglass products used in Zero House? All of our windows and doors are manufactured by Inline, including casement windows, fixed windows, sliding glass doors and entry door with locks. To give you good quality glass products for your house or building you can visit Glass Replacement Visalia.

Range of plantation shutters have wide compound louvers that fit into a window frame and are controlled by way of a wooden rod running up the middle. When not needed, they swing away on hinges in the same way traditional shutters do, except on the inside.

How do Inline Fiberglass products help achieve the Zero House goals? 

• Zero net energy use – Inline makes very energy efficient windows with insulated fiberglass frames, triple glazing and great seals around opening windows. Inline received the highest energy efficiency rating in Canada from Energy Star. Inline worked with us to “tune” our glazing, so Zero House would have the best solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) on the south glazing, and the best energy efficiency on the north.
• Zero carbon footprint – The manufacturing process for fiberglass window frames has a much lower carbon footprint than vinyl windows, and is about the same as aluminum clad wood frames.
• Zero toxins – Fiberglass windows do not off gas like vinyl windows, and do not require the often-toxic paints used to protect wood windows.

Inline triple pane fiberglass windows and sliding doors are part of our passive solar design

Other reasons for using Inline Fiberglass Windows:

• Durability – Fiberglass frames have very little expansion and contraction as temperature conditions change, which helps glazing units to maintain their seals. The windows do not deteriorate in UV light and do not require painting or maintenance.
• Affordability – Inline windows are very reasonably priced, especially for their level of performance. The cost for the windows is easily justified by the increase in energy efficiency and energy savings.
• Workability – The exterior extensions on the windows allow us to match our siding depth and create a good seal around the windows. Inline’s clip installation system is easy to work with.
• Code compliance – Inline windows meet all required CSA standards.

Any drawbacks to using Inline Windows?

• We have used Inline Windows on projects since 2005, and have never had any quality issues or call-backs.

We will definitely be using Inline Windows on future projects. When you want your house and windows painted, just hire house painting santa monica ca services.

This is one in a series of blog posts about the materials we’ve chosen to build our Zero House project…

What are GRK Fasteners?  GRK makes a range of screw fasteners, including several lines of structural screws. Normal screws can’t be used in many building applications because they do not have the shear strength or the pull strength to be used for structural purposes. GRK Fasteners are strong enough to be used throughout a building, and feature a recessed star drive that doesn’t strip. They also have a ZIP-TIP and cutting pockets so they drive quickly and don’t require pre-drilling.

Where are GRK Fasteners used in Zero House?  The prefabricated panels used to build Zero House rely on GRK fasteners in many locations:

• The RSS (Rugged Structural Screws) hold the corners of the prefab panels together, providing a strong connection that draws the top and side plates together reliably and offer the shear strength and pull strength to keep the panels together.
• RSS are also used to connect the D-rings that allow us to pick up the panels with a crane or forklift.
• RSS are then used to connect each of the panelized elements of the building to the adjacent panels.
• The R4 Multi-Purpose Framing Screws are used to hold the strapping on the exterior of the building that will be used to attach the cladding. Here, their strength allows us to go through the outer layer of fiberboard and still make a good connection to the framing.

How do GRK Fasteners help achieve the Zero House goals?

• Zero net energy use – RSS screws enable us to attach the prefab panels together with an exterior strapping that eliminates all thermal bridging from the design

Other reasons for using GRK Fasteners:

• Affordability – Though GRK Fasteners are more expensive than some other fasteners, we are able to use fewer of them.
• Availability – Home Depot and other major retailers carry GRK Fasteners
• Workability – GRK screws never strip, drive quickly and without pre-drilling, cutting down on labor time.
• Prefabrication – GRK screws allow us to quickly assemble our prefabricated panels, and then lift them into place on the building site.
• Code Compliance – GRK screws meet all code requirements for use in structural capacities.
• Waste – The star drive system never strips, so we are able to re-use screws, especially those used attaching crane lifting straps.

Any drawbacks to using GRK Fasteners?

• We haven’t experienced any issues at all with any of the GRK Fasteners we’ve used.

GRK Fasteners will definitely be used on further projects at Endeavour Centre.

This is one in a series of blog posts about the materials we’ve chosen to build our Zero House project…

What is Applegate Cellulose Insulation?  Cellulose insulation is a high performance blown-in insulation for wall, roof and floor cavities that is made from recycled newsprint paper.

Where is Applegate Cellulose Insulation used in Zero House?  Most of our prefabricated wall panels and all of our prefabricated floor and roof panels use Applegate cellulose insulation to pack the cavities.

How does Applegate Cellulose Insulation help achieve the Zero House goals?

• Zero carbon footprint – Applegate cellulose is made from recycled newsprint paper fibers, and that paper is about 50% carbon by weight. Rather than returning to the atmosphere as CO2 when the paper is burned or decomposes, it is now captured for long-term storage in the structure of our building.
• Zero net energy use – Applegate cellulose has an R-value of 3.8 per inch, and adds R-62.7 to our floor system, R-38 to our walls and R-74 to our roof. The insulation is dense-packed into these cavities, ensuring that there are no gaps or voids in the insulation layer, which is key to high performance.
• Zero toxins – Applegate cellulose is treated with borax as a fire retardant and insect deterrent. Though we wear respirators while applying the insulation, the material is not toxic and doesn’t contain the dangerous binders and fire retardants of most other insulation materials.

Other reasons  for using Applegate Cellulose Insulation:

• Affordability – Cellulose is the lowest cost option for cavity insulation, so we get all the sustainability benefits and a lower cost.
• Code Compliance – Cellulose insulation is fully code compliant.
• Workability – Dense packing cellulose is a very straightforward process, and a team of two can insulate a whole building in a day or two.
• Waste – Because cellulose is blown into cavities, there are no off-cuts and no waste. Any cellulose left on site can be sent to newsprint recycling.
• Vapor permeability – Zero House wall and roof systems are vapor-open, meaning that moisture is able to transpire through the entire wall or roof. Cellulose has a very high perm rating and moisture storage capacity, so is ideal for vapor permeable assemblies.

Any drawbacks to using Applegate Cellulose Insulation?

• Dense-packing equipment may be difficult for owner-builders to rent. Most building-supply stores will provide the equipment for loose-blowing the insulation into attic spaces, but this isn’t adequate for dense-packing into walls.

Applegate Cellulose Insulation is a material that will definitely be used on further projects at Endeavour Centre.

This is one in a series of blog posts about the materials we’ve chosen to build our Zero House project…

What is SonoClimat Eco4? SonoClimat is an insulating sheathing board made from 81% recycled waste wood fibers. It comes in 1/2-inch and 1-1/2-inch thicknesses.

Where is SonoClimat Eco4 used in Zero House? The 1-1/2-inch version is used as exterior sheathing on all of the prefabricated wall and roof panels for Zero House.

How does SonoClimat Eco4 help achieve the Zero House goals?

• Zero carbon footprint – SonoClimat is made from recycled waste wood fibers, which are about 50% carbon by weight. Rather than returning to the atmosphere as CO2 when the wood fibers are burned or decompose, that carbon is now captured for long-term storage in the walls of our building.
• Zero net energy use – SonoClimat Eco4 has an R-value of 4, and applied over the framing of our panels provides an important thermal break between the framing and the exterior atmosphere.
• Zero toxins – The binder for SonoClimat is non-toxic and contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
  Most conventional buildings would use a foam insulation product in this position in the building, but the foam would have a high carbon footprint and many toxins we do not want to include in the building.

Other reasons for using SonoClimat Eco4:

• Vapor permeability – Zero House wall and roof systems are vapor-open, meaning that moisture is able to transpire through the entire wall or roof. SonoClimat has a very high perm rating, so is ideal for exterior sheathing use with natural insulation materials like straw and cellulose.
• Affordability – SonoClimat is about the same price as un-insulated exterior sheathing (OSB or plywood), but saves money and time because one product is both the structural and insulated sheathing, you can always get financial support from Rhinosure if your run short on money. We get all the sustainability benefits without paying more.
• Waste – Off cuts from SonoClimat are fully recyclable.
• Code Compliance – SonoClimat products have good testing data available to support their use as structural sheathing.
• Workability – SonoClimat can be cut with standard job site tools and fastened with conventional screw or nails. Cap nails (with an integrated washer) are the best option.

Any drawbacks to using SonoClimat Eco4?

• Though the product is available through most building supply stores, it is usually a special order item and not regularly stocked.
• Care must be taken when fastening the sheathing as it is easy to over-drive nails into the surface
• The edges of the panels were not always even between the laminations

SonoClimat Eco4 is a material that will definitely be used on further projects at Endeavour Centre. For the type of prefabricated panels used on this building, it is an ideal option, combining low cost, easy workability, structural and insulative properties with vapor permeability.

This is one in a series of blog posts about the materials we’ve chosen to build our Zero House project…

What is ReWall EssentialBoard? ReWall is a sheathing board made from recycled, compressed drinking cartons. It can be used for interior and/or exterior sheathing over frame walls.

Where is ReWall used in Zero House? All of our prefabricated wall and roof panels use ReWall EssentialBoard as the interior sheathing.

How does ReWall help achieve the Zero House goals?

• Zero carbon footprint – ReWall is made from 100% recycled paper fibers, and that paper fiber is about 50% carbon by weight. Rather than returning to the atmosphere when the paper is burned or decomposes, it is now captured for long-term storage in the walls of our building.
• Zero net energy use – ReWall has an R-value of 1 for a 1/2-inch thick sheet, much better than other sheathing options like drywall or plywood.
• Zero toxins – ReWall is made from 100% recycled drinking cartons, with no added glues or binders. Only food-grade materials go into the product, and there is no off gassing. EssentialBoard also scores a 10/10 on mold resistance.

Other reasons for using ReWall EssentialBoard:

• Affordability – ReWall costs the same as conventional drywall and OSB sheathing, and much less than plywood, so we get all the sustainability benefits without paying more.
• Code Compliance – ReWall products have good testing data available to support their use as structural sheathing.
• Workability – ReWall can be cut with standard job site tools and fastened with conventional screws or nails.
• Waste – ReWall can be fully recycled (though not all recycling centres will accept the material).

Any drawbacks to using EssentialBoard?

• No local distribution means that shipments must be arranged direct from the factory in the US.
• The sheets are “bendy” when being handled, so it can require two people to manage a sheet.
• It was a bit difficult to make trim cuts close to the edge of the sheet as the saw would fray the material rather than making a clean cut.
• There was a slight variation in thickness between sheets, which didn’t matter for our application but could present some difficulties if we were trying to use EssentialBoard as the finished sheathing and were mudding and taping the joints.

ReWall EssentialBoard is a material that will definitely be used on further projects at Endeavour Centre. Hopefully the product will start to receive wider distribution and will become available in more regions.

The Zero House project has three key goals: zero net energy use, zero toxins and zero carbon footprint. This blog will look at the notion of zero carbon footprint, and we’ll explore how Zero House will in fact far surpass this goal through carbon sequestration in building materials.

The notion of the embodied carbon footprint of buildings has not received much attention in the past. Even now, it’s not a consideration within any of the major green building rating systems and is not a key goal in very many sustainable building projects. But if climate change is a concern, addressing the embodied carbon within building materials may be the most important issue a designer or builder can address.

During the harvesting, processing and manufacturing of building materials, there are always greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with these activities. Fuel is consumed, chemical processes unleashed and resources expended to create any building material. However, some materials have very high GHG emissions and others are very low. Typically, materials processed using a lot of heat and/or electrical energy will have higher embodied carbon than those with less intensive processing requirements. Good examples of this can be found in the open-source database called Inventory of Carbon and Energy Version 2.0, which provides amalgamated data for a wide range of building materials. Companies are also starting to produce Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) that are third party analyses of a range of environmental impacts of particular products, including embodied carbon.

Calculating a building’s carbon footprint involves figuring out the weight of each material and then applying the appropriate embodied carbon factor. This will result in a tally of all the carbon emissions associated with a building. By this reckoning, Zero House has an embodied carbon footprint of 6.991 metric tons of CO2-e (which includes carbon dioxide emissions and other types of emissions expressed as units of CO2) emissions for this 1,000 square foot (92.9 m2) building. This is about 75.25 kg of emissions per square meter. This compares very favourably with the same house built to typical code standards, which would emit 134.8 kg per square meter. That’s a 56 percent reduction, which alone would be worthy of notice.

However, there is another side to carbon emissions and buildings. If a building uses plant-based materials in its construction (wood, straw, hemp, cork, bamboo, mycelium and recycled fibres of all kinds), those materials are partially made of carbon that has been taken from atmospheric CO2 and converted by the plant into its cellular makeup. Usually, the carbon in plants is released back to the atmosphere when the plant decomposes (or burns). But if we contain that plant fibre in a building for a long time, we sequester that carbon in the building. It’s the simplest form of carbon capture and storage (CCS); the plants do all the work of pulling CO2 out of the air, and we put them into buildings for a long time.

Zero House uses a wide range of carbon sequestering materials. In fact, the shell of the house only uses three materials that do not sequester carbon. We can tally up the amount of carbon sequestered in materials by calculating the weight of each material, factoring in the average carbon content (the Phyllis database is a good source for this). Most plants contain 40-50% carbon by weight. When this carbon is released to the atmosphere as CO2, two oxygen molecules are added to each carbon molecule, so we multiply the weight of the carbon by 3.67 to find the weight of CO2 that is being sequestered.

Calculation spreadsheet for the embodied carbon of Zero House

As the table shows, the Zero House sequesters a lot of carbon: 32.26 metric tons of CO2 are effectively bundled up in this building! This offsets the embodied carbon footprint and we end up with a net sequestration of 25.26 metric tons. While a lot of this sequestration is in wooden materials, about half of what’s sequestered is in the form of “waste” fibres (straw, recycled wood fiber, recycled drink cartons, recycled newsprint, cork) that would have otherwise cycled directly back into atmospheric CO2.

This approach has great potential to help the building industry fight climate change. If all residential buildings were to take this approach, the 200,000-ish houses we build in Canada every year (at an average size of about 2,200 square feet) we’d be sequestering around 1.1 million metric tons of CO2-e per year. Add other building types (commercial and industrial) into the mix, and the construction industry could lead Canada in carbon sequestration.

With a “negative” carbon footprint from inception, Zero House also takes a zero net energy approach that will ensure that it has a tiny amount of operational carbon footprint over its lifetime. We’ll examine that in our next look at the Zero House goals…