Posts Tagged ‘Net Zero Energy’

Edison Planner Saves Us Over $1,000!
by Robert Fortunato on July 31st, 2010 1 Comment »

As we approach out fall start date, it is time to think about undergrounding our utilities.  This is mandatory as we are doing a more than 50% renovation.   In meeting with our local Edison Service Planner, Ryan, he had some great ideas for saving money.  One of them was to
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Smart Meters are Coming!
by Robert Fortunato on May 8th, 2010 3 Comments »

As a direct result of Congresswoman Harman’s briefing at our house in October, Scott Gobble and the rest of the Edison team mobilized to make Hermosa Beach a beta site for Smart Meters!

Knowledge is Power
by Robert Fortunato on April 30th, 2010 1 Comment »

Even though we are in a temperate climate (zone 6), understanding the climactic conditions is the first step to getting to net zero.
Dry Bulb Temperatures
C1Psychrometric Chart (CZ6)
Wind Speed and Direction

Zero the Hero
by Robert Fortunato on April 29th, 2010 No Comments »

In terms of background, California’s Public Utilities Commission has set guidelines that ALL new residential construction will be net zero energy by 2020, and ALL new commercial buildings will be net zero by 2030.
We (and Edison) believe this project can act as a catalyst to change energy policy in the
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Energy Consumption Profiles
by Robert Fortunato on April 28th, 2010 No Comments »

Typical Energy Consumption Profiles
Knowing when and how appliances are used helps us understand how to minimize their impact

Build It Green
by Robert Fortunato on April 27th, 2010 2 Comments »

The GreenPoint Rated label is the mark of quality for green home construction. It is a recognizable, independent seal of approval that verifies a home has been built or remodeled according to proven green standards. To make sure that every GreenPoint Rated home is healthy and efficient from the inside
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A Passive – Aggressive Move
by Robert Fortunato on April 27th, 2010 No Comments »

Passive Solar Heating in the Winter
This diagram depicts how the thermal mass wall in the stairwell
collects heat in the winter and stays cool in the summer
During summer months, the south facing lightwell window is shaded and prevents overheating.
During the winter months the low angles of the sun heats the thermal
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Objectives
by Robert Fortunato on April 27th, 2010 No Comments »

We started the project with a system of interdependent objectives that acts as a map and a compass. No project is perfect and this one won’t be either; but being mindful of these objectives keeps us on track when making decisions. We have found that it is particularly
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HB Patch, Plan Aims to Turn Hermosa Beach Into Area’s First Carbon Neutral City
by Robert Fortunato on April 27th, 2010 No Comments »

Mayor Michael DiVirgilio sees carbon neutrality as the future of the city.

Wall Street Journal, Builders Zero In on New Goal of Energy Neutral Housing
by Robert Fortunato on April 25th, 2010 No Comments »