In recent years, sustainable and energy-efficient housing design has become increasingly popular. Success stories about Net Zero and Net Zero Ready as well as Passive House projects are making the news regularly.
We like it!!!
Canada has a goal to have Net Zero Energy houses. It’s in the building code now, as Tier 4 (National Building Code) and Step 5 (BC Energy Step Code).
What does that mean?
It means that a house produces as much energy in a year as it consumes. And what’s the best way to create such a house?
By using better envelopes and windows, building designers can reduce energy loads and avoid overheating, leading to a more comfortable and energy-efficient living space.
We can optimize the power of the sun to provide energy in several ways.
That means two primary goals need to be met:
- Passive solar design that bakes in the best strategies to collect, store, and distribute heat.
- Active solar energy systems that provide electrical or thermal energy (or even both!).
Learn the Fundamentals of Passive Solar Design and How to Size a Solar System
Our new course: Introduction to Renewables in Housing covers the fundamentals of both goals. Whether you’re a builder, renovator, or designer, working in the industry, or a homeowner looking to get the best out of your major investment, this course is for you!
The two-module course is a comprehensive overview of the key principles and strategies involved in achieving the twin goals of minimizing energy loads and maximizing energy production.
This course gives you a solid foundation to designing your next project or new home to be Net Zero Energy or Net Zero Energy Ready (also known as Zero Net Energy in the US). Learn how to design a passive solar house and then, how to size a solar system.
Here’s a breakdown of the content of Introduction to Renewables in Housing:
Module 1: Solar Design Fundamentals
The Sun in the Sky
Introduction to the solar cycle, how it works, and how we are able to capture the energy of the sun in a variety of ways, including renewable energy sources as wind.
What’s that?
Yes. The sun drives wind patterns.
The design process starts with the building’s relationship with the sun and how it relates to orientation, seasonal and diurnal (night and day) considerations.
Making Solar Energy Useful
The collection, storage, and distribution of solar gain, which is a critical component of both sustainable housing design and solar energy systems. Understanding these principles is the key to how to design a passive solar house.
Be Cool Like Nature
emphasizes natural ventilation and shading techniques, which can help keep a building cool and comfortable while reducing the need for air conditioning.
Active Solar Heat
The use of solar thermal systems for heating air and water, covering everything from flat panel and evacuated tube systems to open and closed-loop systems.
Module 2: Onsite Energy Generation
On-Site Energy Generation
An overview of system design fundamentals and explains the differences between grid-connect, grid-active, off-grid, microhydro, and BIPV systems.
Photovoltaics (PV) for Houses
A deep dive into solar energy system components: types of solar PV panels, arrays, and the balance of system components. Learn how to determine if a house is a good candidate for PV, how to pre-plan for PV, and how to select the right panel types and sizes.
How Much PV Is Enough?
How to size a solar system using a rough size calculation to determine the appropriate size for the energy needs of the building.
What’s Blowing in the Wind?
An overview of turbine types, site planning, and rough sizing. Wind energy is a less common way of generating energy on-site, as it is not suited to all locations as it requires more space for the turbine tower installation.
Whether you're a homeowner, a builder, a renovator, or a building designer, Introduction to Renewables for Housing will provide you with a solid foundation for creating sustainable and energy-efficient living spaces.
