196
C. F. Albrecht et al.
new level of home performance, with rigorous requirements that ensure outstanding levels of energy savings, comfort, health and durability” (EERE, no date). The
goal of the Zero Energy Ready Home program is to further reduce energy efficiency
use to a point that demand can be met using on-site renewable energy. “DOE Zero
Energy Ready Homes are verified by a qualified third-party and are at least 40–50%
more efficient than a typical new home. This generally corresponds to a HERS Index
Score in the low- to mid-50s, depending on the size of the home and the region in
which it is built.” DOE Zero Energy Homes must comply with ENERGY STAR
for Homes Program requirements and meet strict requirements for thermal enclosure, HVAC systems and installation, water management, energy efficient appliances
and fixtures, and climate-specific high-performance window standards. Factors for
home size, associated with increased energy use, are also considered (IBID, Program
Requirements). Moreover, Zero Energy Ready Homes generally comply with EPA
programs for water and indoor air quality:
• WaterSense, to reduce residential water consumption and energy use and losses
associated with hot water (https://www.epa.gov/watersense); and
• Indoor airPLUS, a voluntary labeling program requiring construction practices
and product specifications that minimize exposure to harmful airborne pollutants
and contaminants (https://www.epa.gov/indoorairplus), contributing to improved
resident health and well-being.
The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Buildings (EERE), Zero
Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program website, identifies the synergies between
related programs for energy efficiency (ENERGY STAR). Rigorous standards set
forth by the International Passive House standard, and PHIUS (Passive House
Institute US) are also recognized. DOE ENERGY STAR architect Sam Rashkin,
describes a staircase approach that builds of a strong foundation of improved energy
codes (IECC) and ENERGY STAR then ascending to ZERH “coordinated with
Passive House “to form a continuum of high-performance label options for home
builders”. The foundation for this “High-Performance Home Staircase,” encourages
U.S. homebuilders to make commitment, not only to energy performance but also to
quality housing management programs and disaster resilience (Rashkin 2015). The
Envelope-first approach to energy improvements has significantly reduced energy
demand. This results in significantly lower operating expenses for the owner and can
be realized for little if any increased cost in construction. However, the approach
requires mechanical systems be used for thermal comfort and ventilation. Natural
and manmade disasters frequently result in detrimental power outages, compromising ability to run mechanical systems.
To accomplish resilience in housing design, we need to return to some of the tenets
of historical patterns and passive solar design, including designing for adaptability,
flexibility and an enhanced understanding of place. The term “Passive Survivability”
is gaining some ground in informing resilience strategies. The term, defined by
Wilson (2006), refers to “buildings ability to maintain critical life-support conditions
in the event of extended loss of power, heating fuel or water”. To achieve this, general
sustainable design and development standards (such as USGBC LEED for Homes
C. F. Albrecht et al.
new level of home performance, with rigorous requirements that ensure outstanding levels of energy savings, comfort, health and durability” (EERE, no date). The
goal of the Zero Energy Ready Home program is to further reduce energy efficiency
use to a point that demand can be met using on-site renewable energy. “DOE Zero
Energy Ready Homes are verified by a qualified third-party and are at least 40–50%
more efficient than a typical new home. This generally corresponds to a HERS Index
Score in the low- to mid-50s, depending on the size of the home and the region in
which it is built.” DOE Zero Energy Homes must comply with ENERGY STAR
for Homes Program requirements and meet strict requirements for thermal enclosure, HVAC systems and installation, water management, energy efficient appliances
and fixtures, and climate-specific high-performance window standards. Factors for
home size, associated with increased energy use, are also considered (IBID, Program
Requirements). Moreover, Zero Energy Ready Homes generally comply with EPA
programs for water and indoor air quality:
• WaterSense, to reduce residential water consumption and energy use and losses
associated with hot water (https://www.epa.gov/watersense); and
• Indoor airPLUS, a voluntary labeling program requiring construction practices
and product specifications that minimize exposure to harmful airborne pollutants
and contaminants (https://www.epa.gov/indoorairplus), contributing to improved
resident health and well-being.
The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Buildings (EERE), Zero
Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program website, identifies the synergies between
related programs for energy efficiency (ENERGY STAR). Rigorous standards set
forth by the International Passive House standard, and PHIUS (Passive House
Institute US) are also recognized. DOE ENERGY STAR architect Sam Rashkin,
describes a staircase approach that builds of a strong foundation of improved energy
codes (IECC) and ENERGY STAR then ascending to ZERH “coordinated with
Passive House “to form a continuum of high-performance label options for home
builders”. The foundation for this “High-Performance Home Staircase,” encourages
U.S. homebuilders to make commitment, not only to energy performance but also to
quality housing management programs and disaster resilience (Rashkin 2015). The
Envelope-first approach to energy improvements has significantly reduced energy
demand. This results in significantly lower operating expenses for the owner and can
be realized for little if any increased cost in construction. However, the approach
requires mechanical systems be used for thermal comfort and ventilation. Natural
and manmade disasters frequently result in detrimental power outages, compromising ability to run mechanical systems.
To accomplish resilience in housing design, we need to return to some of the tenets
of historical patterns and passive solar design, including designing for adaptability,
flexibility and an enhanced understanding of place. The term “Passive Survivability”
is gaining some ground in informing resilience strategies. The term, defined by
Wilson (2006), refers to “buildings ability to maintain critical life-support conditions
in the event of extended loss of power, heating fuel or water”. To achieve this, general
sustainable design and development standards (such as USGBC LEED for Homes