Passive Homes
How does sunlight work in a passive house
By collecting heat and daylight during the day, and storing it in the building's materials
Can net zero homes have a gas range?
It is possible, but the main source of energy is solar. Fossil fuels are not recommended in Net Zero.
What is the most recycle material in construction?
Steel is the most recycled construction material in the world, with about 98% of structural steel being recycled. Steel is easy to separate from other construction waste and can be remelted into new metal.
Because it is significantly less energy efficient compared to double or triple pane options, meaning it poorly insulates against heat and cold, leading to higher energy bills and discomfort in extreme temperatures
What is the most efficient source of energy?
Nuclear Power
Where should the night areas be oriented and why?
Towards the source of light to warm them up during the day.
Can Net Zero homes rely on electricity from the grid?
Most net zero homes are "grid-tied," meaning they are connected to the electricity grid and can draw power from it when necessary.
Can windows be recycled?
Windows are most valuable for recycling when they are intact. Broken windows are more difficult to transport and have less value in the recycling market.
What makes a green insulation?
Green insulation is made from renewable resources or recycled materials, and it aims to reduce energy costs. Green insulation is made from renewable resources or recycled materials, and it aims to reduce energy costs.
What is a greenhouse gas, and which fuel is the highest emitter of it?
A greenhouse gas is a gas in the Earth's atmosphere that traps heat, primarily including carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4); the fuel considered the highest emitter of greenhouse gases is coal.
What is the most important part of a passive home?
It is the highly insulated, airtight building envelope.
Can a Net Zero Home be considered an Off Grid home?
Unlike a completely "off-grid" home, a net zero home is not designed to operate entirely independently from the grid.
What is the difference between repurpose and reuse?
Repurpose involves giving an item a new purpose or use, often by creatively transforming it. Reuse involves using an item again, often in a different way, or after reprocessing or reclaiming.
What is more important? Reduce or reuse?
"Reduce" is generally considered more important than "Reuse" because it directly prevents waste from being generated in the first place, while reusing simply extends the life of an existing item
Name at least 4 challenges of Solar Panels.
Dependence on sunlight (intermittent energy), high initial cost, limited space requirements for installation, potential electrical issues like loose connections, environmental impact of manufacturing, inefficient energy conversion, degradation from factors like heat and dust, and the need for battery storage to address power fluctuations.
Explain the dynamics of a thermal bridge.
Thermal bridges are areas where heat transfer is higher than in the surrounding materials. They occur when materials that conduct heat or cold well form a "bridge" between the inside and outside of a building.
What sources of energy are valid for a net zero home?
Valid energy sources for a net zero home include solar power (from photovoltaic panels), wind energy (wind turbines), geothermal energy (ground source heat pumps), and other renewable sources like hydropower,
How is drywall recycled?
Recycled drywall is currently being used in the following ways: In the manufacturing of new drywall. As an ingredient in fertilizer products. As an additive in composting operations.
Cardboard and paper
Note at least two downsides of hydropower.
What percentage of heat loss can be attributed to a thermal bridge?
Thermal bridges can cause up to 30% of a building's total heat loss.
What is the most challenging aspect of a net zero home?
In a net zero home, the most difficult aspect to manage is often considered to be maintaining optimal indoor air quality due to the high level of air tightness required for energy efficiency, which can trap pollutants if not properly ventilated and managed with a comprehensive indoor air quality strategy.
What types of wood can't be recycled?
Name an architect who works with recycled paper, or at least identify his/her/their origin
Shigeru Ban from Japan.
What is the entity responsible for sustainability issues in the U.S., and when was it established?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established in 1970 by a republican president, Richard Nixon.