Beyond Energy*

Passive House: Affordable, Retrofit, and Huge

Probably the most adopted newer certification in the building industry, Passive House is a US and international standard that small to very large owners are using to build and retrofit. Simple, affordable, and durable, this standard works in many types of buildings. Learn from four experienced practitioners about how smaller buildings are retrofitted, how affordable housing is built within budget, and how large scale dormitories and other buildings will be built in the future.

We the People...In Multifamily Buildings!

Studies have shown that human behavior is just as important to a building's performance as energy efficient systems themselves. Engagement and training for residents and building operators is often overlooked, as the focus is usually on installing advanced new energy efficient equipment. This panel-style session will explore challenges and real life examples of how resident engagement, operator training and behavioral awareness have reduced energy usage in multifamily buildings and created healthier, happier living spaces.

Living on the Edge: Resiliency, Energy, and Affordability

With every passing year, temperatures and storms are becoming more extreme in our region. Protecting both tenants and building systems requires a new way of thinking about floodproofing, thermal comfort, and power loss. Speakers will review best practices and design solutions that have been implemented in affordable housing developments and retrofits to address a wide variety of environmental stressors. Speakers will also explore the public and private sources used to fund the projects.

Energy Efficiency and Green Building Technologies - Made in Germany

Germany has established itself as an international market leader and innovation driver in the fields of energy efficiency and green building. This workshop will feature a select group of German organizations and companies presenting their latest innovative products and reference projects which incorporate energy efficiency solutions. Speakers include:

·         Dr. Kurt Roth, Director Building Energy Technologies at Fraunhofer CSE presenting emerging energy efficiency opportunities

The Future of Homebuilding Can't Wait: Making Sustainable, Low Energy Dwellings the Norm

It is said that homebuilding can look back at 300 years of history unimpeded by progress. It’s a bit of an exaggeration, but the energy-sucking, defect prone truth is unacceptable. Homeowners, society, and even the health of our planet have been underserved by the quality standard of our homes. As the vicious cycle of climate change accelerates, we must achieve a home quality paradigm shift now. That will mean thinking differently, acting differently, and doing differently.

Speaker: Tedd Benson, Bensonwood & Unity Homes

Electricity 101 - Understanding electricity markets and regulations in the Northeast

This workshop will explain the roles of legislatures, utility commissions, state energy offices and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in setting energy policy. It will explain day ahead and real time wholesale energy markets, capacity markets, and REC markets, and the role of Independent System Operators and the New England Power Pool. We will review how retail “standard offer” energy pricing is set and how transmission, distribution, transition, demand charges and other aspects of retail pricing are established. Energy professionals who don’t yet know this stuff should.

Sustainable Design for Developing Countries

This active-learning workshop will explore the challenges of sustainable design in developing countries.  Following a brief presentation and discussion of recent projects, participants will be divided into small groups for a charrette focusing on two current projects where resilient design and energy independence are critical.  One project is at the very beginning stage while the other is further advanced, leading to a variety of design challenges to address.  The workshop will conclude with group presentations and an open discussion.

Closing Forum: 100 Years of Experience

The closing forum will feature 6 Pecha Kucha 20x20 presentations (20 slides, each for 20 seconds) followed by a discussion moderated by Matt Root. Participants will include three sages—John Abrams, Chuck Silver and Terry Brennan and three rising stars - Declan Keefe, Ace McArleton and Stephanie Horowitz. In 90 minutes, this session will teach you more about building, design, business, and life than you could learn in 10 years on your own.

Applying Passive House Principles to 160 Units of Affordable Housing - Lessons Learned

Fairfax Gardens was a 150 unit dilapidated public housing development in Taunton, MA. The THA selected Trinity Financial to be the developer, owner and operator of a 160 unit replacement program on two sites. The Hope VI Program requires a very competitive funding application that includes strong sustainability incentives measured using Leed and/or Enterprise Green community checklist criteria. The Fairfax Gardens funding application was successful in part because it committed to very aggressive energy conservation measures.

Tiny Bubbles: The Deal With Spray Foam

“Is Foam Evil?”—that’s how this session was originally titled. Saner heads prevailed: foam is so highly insulating, so airtight, so slick on the jobsite, how could we ask such a question? Wait—it’s just those wonderful features that suck us in and make us love foam and forget about those toxic chemicals, occupational hazards, climate impacts, and faulty installations. Is that evil? Come discuss design choices, material options, and building science with our panel.
Subscribe to Beyond Energy*