The Passive House Institute in Germany  has improved upon American ideas from the 1970s and re-branded it as PASSIVHAUS. Superinsulated homes have been built in many locations in the U.S. over the last 30 years, as covered by many articles on the ASHRAE web site.

Passive houses use significantly less energy than do existing or new conventional residences. In fact, they use so little heating energy that a conventional heating and cooling system is mostly unnecessary. The house stays warm by recycling heat that is already being generated by internal sources – lighting fixtures, stoves, toasters, dryers.

This prefab home from WeberHaus is a contemporary example of a passive house.

Now, the Passive House Institute has developed an energy modeling program called the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP), created by Dr. Wolfgang Feist. This program calculates energy savings to anticipate the monetary payback from a superinsulated home.

Here at Green Compliance Plus we purchased PHPP to see what it was all about. It’s similar in some ways to the Title 24 modeling packages, in that it determines whether the finished residence will meet the Passivhaus energy consumption goals. However, it goes beyond Title 24 in both its reporting and intent.

Title 24 compares a project to a “standard model building” of the same size and orientation, and tells you whether the proposed design is more or less efficient than the standard model. The Passivhaus calculations require more input data than Title 24, and provides reports of the actual energy usage in kWh or therms. It also considers CO2 reductions, which is the home’s carbon footprint.

Examples of passive houses in Austria and Ireland. On the left, the Austrian multi-family project “Satzhof 2″, by Nabih Tahan, was completed in 2000, to the Low Energy standard, which was the generation before Passive House Standard.

Interview with Architect and Passive House Expert Nabih Tahan

To learn more, our own Alan Hugenot interviewed SF Bay Area Architect Nabih Tahan,  who recently completed construction of a Passivhaus residence in Berkeley and is a well-known speaker on the topic of passive houses.

Bay Area architect Nabih Tahan, an expert in passive houses

What kind of building is adequate in our mild Bay Area climate (Title 24 climate zones 2 and 3) to meet the PHPP standard?

As with conventional Title 24-based designs, many different building envelopes can qualify, and the PHPP model is used by entering different values for the insulation, fenestration, thermal mass, etc. until the optimum design is achieved. Generally, the Passivhaus envelope is more airtight than are conventionally designed residences. In a Passivhaus, the ventilation is controlled by the continuous mechanical ventilation system, which also handles all internal heat collection and redistribution. The underlying principle is “Build tight, ventilate right.”

If a Passivhaus does not require a conventional heating system, then where does the heat for the residence come from?

Tahan: In a typical house, every light bulb, computer, refrigerator, oven, hair dryer, and toaster generates heat. [In a passive house,] This heat cannot escape because the building envelope is tightly sealed. The only place this heat can go is through the ducts of the constant ventilation system which utilizes a heat recovery ventilator to transfer this heat from the air being exhausted into the fresh outside air being supplied into the house. This provides both energy efficiency and excellent indoor air quality. Typically, a passive house reduces the heating or cooling loads by 80 to 90%. So, a backup heating system is still necessary to provide the remaining 10-20% that is required.

What efficiency levels do passive houses achieve?

There are three measurements that define a passive house:

• The building envelope is constructed so that the heating requirements will not exceed 1.4 KWh / square feet per year.
• The outside source energy requirements will not exceed 11.1 kWh / square feet per year.
• The building shell is so airtight that it will pass less than 0.6 air changes per hour at a pressure above an ambient level of 50 pascals.

More Links to Nabih Tahan’s Material

Interview Q&A on Metro Green Business

Summary of a talk he gave at BuildItGreen this past February

The 2008 Title 24 requirements, which will become effective in January of 2010, will now require both HERS verification and electronic document filing and registration for all Title 24 documents, including the following:

• The CF-1R Certificate of Compliance, which completed and signed by both the Title 24 Document Author and the Architect
• The CF-6R Installation Certificate, completed by the installing contractor
• The CF-4R Certificate of Field Verification and Diagnostic Testing, completed by the HERS Rater

Any time any of the following HERS verifications are required, all these documents will now have to be registered and filed online with a HERS Provider who is certified through CalCERTS, CHEERS, or CBPCA. This means that, starting in 2010, designing architects will need to work with a HERS provider. As certified HERS raters through CalCERTS, we can verify the following:

• Duct sealing (duct blaster test)
• Supply duct location, surface area and R-value
• Low leakage for ducts in conditioned spaces
• Low leakage for air handling systems
• Verify refrigerant charge in split system air conditioners with heat pumps
• Cooling coil airflow
• Air handler fan watt draw
• High energy efficiency ratio (High EER)
• Maximum rated total cooling capacity
• Evaporatively cooled condensers
• Ice storage air conditioners
• Building envelope sealing (door blower test)
• High-quality insulation installation
• Photovoltaic field verification protocol

A HERS rater can verify that insulation is properly installed

It has become obvious that, on any project there are two players that make or break a project where energy is concerned:

• The first is the Title 24 Documentation Author. This is the person who creates the inputs and runs the Title 24 performance calculation model and writes up the Title 24 documents. In some jurisdictions, it is mandatory that Title 24 documents be completed by a Certified Energy Plans Examiner (CEPE) or Certified Energy Analyst (CEA) certified by CABEC. By an astonishing coincidence, we happen to have those qualifications as well.
• The second player is the HERS Rater, who must be certified by CalCERTS, CBPCA, or CHEERS. The HERS rater verifies the installation of energy-efficient measures and materials, and runs the diagnostic tests that are necessary to verify that the installation agrees with the Title 24 compliance calculations.

Both of these people have official sanctions and certifications from the State of California to actually file the necessary paperwork.

Here at Green Compliance Plus® we are certified and licensed by California to do both the Energy Analysis (Title 24 calculations) and the HERS Verification and diagnostic testing for you. We can also take care of the electronic filing requirements.

Interview with Bill Michelson, CEPE, San Joaquin County Building Inspector from November 2008

In GCP No.12, we had published an explanation of the slab edge insulation requirements which are required by Title 24 when specifying radiant heated floor slabs. We illustrated that prior discussion with examples of slab edge insulation as shown in the 2005 Residential Compliance Manual.

However, being practicing architects and architectural engineers ourselves, we also push projects through permitting, construction and final inspections, which allow us firsthand knowledge of how Title 24 requirements interface with building inspection requirements. So, after discussing those slab insulation details last week with one of our colleagues, Bill Michelson, CEPE who is a San Joaquin County Building Inspector, he mentioned one glitch in those Title 24’s details which Building Inspectors find troublesome in zones where termites are a problem, but he also recommended a solution, and here is that interview.

HUGENOT: Bill, as we have discussed previously slab flooring with built in radiant heat is becoming quite popular in residential design, because it has several advantages under title 24:

• Design simplicity.
• It can be poured in the slab which provides additional thermal mass.
• It requires no ducting and no duct maintenance.

But, from your onsite experience you have found that not all of the “approved” slab edge insulation details which are suggested on Page 3-45 of Title-24’s 2005 Residential Compliance Manual actually satisfy the termite ingress prevention requirements?

MICHELSEN: That’s right, while three of those shown do satisfy the requirements the fourth one, which shows the insulation on the “inside”, actually allows a path for termite ingress. It may look like it is sealed to someone without first hand on-site construction experience, but it is not sealed.

HUGENOT: So, then if I understand this correctly, the other three exterior insulation details satisfy because they are outside the slab. But, the detail entitled “inside insulation” actually allows a path for termite ingress?

MICHELSEN: Yes, and unless it is properly sealed against termites the insulation actually creates a path for termite ingress, unless it has a termite shield and is sealed with a gasket or caulked.

HUGENOT: So then, in order to prevent termite ingress, this detail needs to be modified, by the addition of a sill gasket (sealer) over a termite shield at the top of the foundation, similar to that shown in the details on page 11 of the attached PDF, to prevent termite ingress?

Note: The attached PDF is a two-page reprint from a longer document. Bill is referring to the printed page number.

MICHELSEN: Yes, most of those details do have termite shields, but may require additional caulking. Also some of them have the galvanized metal shield showing on the outside of the house, and this is most effective against termites. But, many owners find this distasteful because the exposed metal it may rust. The detail on the right on page 12 does not have this exposed metal, but may require additional caulking under the exterior fascia. Actually, most of these details will solve the problem if properly installed. But, I would prefer to see them use a system similar to the detail on the right of page 11 in the attachment which is the most effective.

Reprinted from Green Compliance Plus Vol. 1, No. 15, originally published November 17, 2008

EVERYTHING CHANGES AUGUST FIRST: The new 2008 Title 24, which becomes mandatory after August 1, 2009, is 15% more stringent than the 2005 version was, and also creates a whole new set of electronic filing requirements.

HERS VERIFICATIONS NOW MAKE SENSE: Under the new energy code, just to reach basic Title 24 compliance, it will now be necessary to be more creative. For many existing remodels and even for most new construction, it will often be impossible to reach compliance without a HERS rating. Where formerly we strove to avoid the added nuisance of opting for any HERS-rating verifications, the new energy code has changed so that HERS duct testing is now a desirable option which improves the buildings energy efficiency at a minimal cost.

The CEC estimates that HERS duct sealing verifications will now be four times as popular as they were previously under the 2005 Title 24.

NEW ELECTRONIC FILING REQUIREMENTS: Also after August 1, 2009, all CF-4R certificates which are required prior to occupancy must be registered with a HERS provider online (i.e. CalCERTS, CHEERS or CBPCA). Further, after October 2010, all Title 24 documentation including the original CF-1R, which reports the Performance Model, will have to also be filed online with a HERS-Provider.

This now means that any Architect submitting permit applications, in any jurisdiction, will be required by the state of California to have an association with a HERS-provider in order to process their permits online.

WE WANT TO MAKE THIS EASY FOR YOU: Our goal is to remove the hassle of Title 24 for our clients. So, given these facts:

1. HERS-rated duct testing and sealing verifications will now become the least expensive option of choice to reach compliance
2. Our clients will now need to file the CF-1R’s online through a HERS-provider prior to permitting and plans review, and also file the post construction Builder’s CF-6R’s and the HERS-Raters CF-4R certificates on line prior to occupancy

… We at Green Compliance Plus have decided to add HERS-Ratings to our package of complete Residential and Non-residential Title 24 services, so that all these filings can be handled for our clients through our offices.

To do so we have become HERS raters for both Existing Homes and for New Construction, and we have joined CalCERTS as our HERS-provider so that you can have access through us. Also, because we can now do the post construction HERS-verification testing on the project site for you, we now provide complete “Cradle to Cradle” green compliance for your projects, from schematic design to occupancy.

As registered and certified Home Energy Raters, we are trained by our HERS Provider (CalCERTS) to evaluate onsite installation techniques, take key measurements,  perform inspections and duct testing procedures to verify a home’s energy efficient performance, and then electronically file with our HERS provider (CalCERTS) the Title 24 forms which verify that a new home matches the CF-1R created by the Title 24 Author.

Completion of Field Verification. As HERS-Raters we conduct on-site Third Party Field Verification and diagnostic testing of the completed construction and then fills out the Title 24, CF-4R Certificate of Field Verification and Diagnostic Testing, This field verification ensures that energy-saving measures are consistent with the chosen performance guidelines as specified in the CF-1R issued by the Title 24 Documentation Author. As the  HERS-Rater we follow the inspection protocols and testing guidelines of our Provider (CalCERTS). The full testing process may include a blower door test (to test the leakiness of the houses thermal envelope), a duct blaster test (to test the leakiness of the duct system), and even a smoke test to locate the duct leaks. This may be followed with completion of a thermal bypass checklist (a visual inspection of common construction areas where air can flow through or around insulation

Forms Processing: As the HERS-Rater we then process the CF-4R and CF-6R forms electronically through our HERS Provider (CalCERTS) who administers a State-approved rating system and maintains the completed Title 24 forms electronically. The local Building Department Official will require the CF-6R form to finalize the Building Permit, and provide a Certificate of Occupancy. Also the Building Department Official may require a copy of the CF-4R to be filed with the final permit sign-off.

Energy Star for Homes & GreenPoint Rating: Finally, if the local jurisdiction utilizes GreenPoint ratings in their residential energy code, as most of the jurisdictions in Bay area and Northern California are beginning to do. Then as your HERS-Rater we will also verify the homes GreenPoint rating in accordance with Build-It-Green’s GreenPoint checklist. If the homeowner wants to achieve EPA’s Energy Star for homes ratings, then as HERS-Rater we can also provide that, as well as verifications for the various Tax Incentive programs which have been created to stimulate Energy Efficiency.

Registered California Certified Energy Analysts (CEA’s) such as ourselves can assist Architects, Builders and Developers through:

Existing Home Energy Audits: The Certified Energy Analyst (CEA) performs a site survey of an existing home and identifies all energy consuming equipment; Lighting, HVAC and Appliances. The CEA also measures the home and determines R-values and U-values for the existing building envelope. Performing a general ducting and systems visual inspection, looking at hot water tank blankets and insulation, hot water re-circ systems etc. The CEA may also decide that a duct blower test or door blower test, usually done by a HERS-rater may be required to determine the tightness of the building and ducting leakage.
Selection of Energy-Efficiency Measures (ECM’s) and Certifications:  The CEA then identifies appropriate ECM’s by simulating the home’s energy usage with a Title 24 Energy Efficiency Modeling program. The results of this analysis allow the CEA to select the most effective upgrades to meet the intended certification of Title 24, Energy Star, Green Point Ratings, LEED for Neighborhoods, Federal Tax Credits or New Solar Homes Partnerships, within the specific performance guidelines.

New Homes Title 24 Documentation & Modeling: California Certified Energy Analysts (CEA’s) serve as Title 24 Documentation Authors for Architects, Builders and Developers, by providing the official forms documenting the INTENDED (CF-1R), INSTALLED (CF-6R),  and  the VERIFIED &TESTED SYSTEMS (CF-4R).
Note: Some California jurisdictions (for example Stockton) are now requiring that any permit applications requiring Title 24 documentation, must be authored by a CABEC-certified CEPE or CEA.

We often get asked, “Who does what with Energy Compliance?” with regard to new residential construction and existing residential remodels. The traditional roles of Architect, Building Contractor, and Sub Contractors are well understood. But, as energy efficiency has become more regulated and the documentation required by the California Energy Efficiency Code (Title 24) has become more complicated…

… there has been a parallel proliferation of various Energy Experts and different Energy Raters each claiming to be the Real Green Expert. This seeming power vacuum has spawned a plethora of organizations competing for market share and each claiming to be the True Green Authority, some with governmental sanctions, but many without any official charter what-so-ever.

Unfortunately, in this free market we now have: BUILD-IT-GREEN, the CEC, CalCERTS, CBPCA, CHEERS, CABEC, CSLB, CARB, CEE, CPUC, CHPS, CalSEIA, DSIRE, EPA, Energy Star, EERE, IREC, LBNL, NCSEA, NREL, REPP, ResNET, SBIC, and finally in last place for residential and definitely not LEED…ing the pack is the USGBC, with LEED for Neighborhoods. Yet, this alphabet soup does not even include the public utilities which also have their own proliferation of sub-agencies….. So you might well be left asking, “Who are all these people?….. The short answer is….

“At Green Compliance Plus® we strive to be all of those people for you”.

The underlying truth hidden beneath the green chaos is that, on any project there are actually only (2) players that make any difference where energy is concerned; the Title 24 Documents Author (a CEPE or CEA certified by CABEC), and the HERS-Rater (certified by CalCERTS, CBPCA, or CHEERS). These are the guys with the official sanctions from the State of California to actually file the necessary paperwork.

Here at Green Compliance Plus® we are certified and licensed by California to do both halves of the Energy Analysis and Verifications for you. In my next post I’ll explain what Energy Analysts and HERS Raters do.

Our editor, Alan Hugenot, who is also Director of Energy Compliance at Mark English Architects, is now a Certified HERS Rater with CalCERTS. This now allows him to verify the energy efficiency of the heating and cooling installations on completed projects. And this provides our Title 24 clients with ONE STOP SHOPPING when it comes to energy efficiency.

Currently, a client in rural Oregon, who owns a windy butte, is looking at installing a major sized wind generator on the mountain top, and selling power back to the grid. All of that sounds like fun, but what about a normal residential client who wants to look at wind generation? The fact is that small wind-electric systems can provide electricity not just on remote, off-grid sites, but also right in town connected to the utility grid. Local ordinances preventing wind generation are quickly being abolished in many jurisdictions, so be sure to check for local prohibitions. Wind systems do require more maintenance and attention than solar-electric or micro-hydro electric systems.

Unfortunately there are a lot of cheap systems on the market, which will break down after a year or two. But, if you do the due-diligence research before investing in a system, there is some great stuff on the market. Be warned: small-scale wind energy is not for the half-hearted, uninvolved, or uncommitted, and probably not for folks who never change the oil in their vehicles, or those who are not willing to spend the bucks to hire someone to do the tower work on their wind generator. But, for clients who are willing to do the homework before purchasing, designing, and installing a well-thought-out system and who are committed to maintaining the systems, or to hiring someone to do it regularly, this can be a great way to be “Green”.

So, if you have a client who is into wind, then go to one of my favorite info sources, Home Power Magazine, to find excellent articles on Wind Energy:

• Estimating Wind Energy
• Wind Generator Tower Basics
• Wind-Electric Systems Simplified
• How To Buy a Wind-Electric System
• Wind Turbine Buyer´s Guide