• Timeless Construction

This custom builder planned to build a large energy efficient custom home in New York with photovoltaic (PV) grid-connected panels.  Discussions began on optimizing electrical energy use and including solar water heating panels for household water.  The builder planned to use gas appliances wherever possible and a floor radiant heating system (pump energy is one-third that for a fan air distribution system).  FSEC recommended a solar water heating system with gas backup and forwarded information on two solar water heater designs available from Duke Solar.  FSEC also provided several choices in heat recovery ventilator (HRV) units which would provide 200 CFM of outside air.

New construction drawings were received and EnergyGauge USA analysis results discussed with builder and Alten Design, since PV grid-interconnect requirements and architectural changes were  needed to accommodate the PV panels.  FSECs PV group laid out a 7 kW PV system that included 4.5 kW's of flat roof panels (unique for a residential application) and sent information to the architect.  This activity ended in 2002 with no home constructed.

• WCI Communities , Inc.

A meeting was held in November of 2002 to discuss a partnership between the builder and Building America.  Because of their corporate environmental mission, WCI plans to build a significant number of homes to the Florida Green Home Designation Standard and has requested the help of Building America to ensure a systems engineering approach, to conduct efficiency monitoring, and to offer staff training.  WCI constructs approximately 2,000 homes per year across south Florida and is beginning the design phase of two showcase communities that will incorporate a variety of green principles.  FSEC received sample home plans and conducted an EGUSA analysis.

A meeting was held with the director of purchasing to review final specifications for the first  homes WCI will build to the Florida Green Home Designation Standard.  The homes are expected to score very high on the standard, and to achieve a HERS score above 90.  A home with similar specifications will be built in every new WCI community.  These homes will allow customers to select features of their choice from a variety of green options.  In some WCI communities, every home will be required to meet the Florida Green Standard.  Several Building America target items were discussed, including HVAC system design for proper ventilation and dehumidification, right-sizing HVAC systems, kitchen range-hood venting, and the incorporation of unvented attics.  Progress was monitored on the prototype "Green Home" in the Evergrene community.  Instrumentation is expected to begin in April 2003.