By Dan Kolbert, Guest Columnist
For the past two years, Maine Green Building Supply in Portland has hosted a monthly Building Science discussion group. As the moderator of the group, I try to come up with questions and ideas that will spur a conversation on the topic of the month. One goal that underlies almost every discussion is finding the spot that maximizes energy efficiency, resource consumption, cost effectiveness and comfort.
This past year, a three-word phrase came up that crystallized what we’ve been talking about — the “Pretty Good House.” Participants in our group have been involved in many cutting-edge projects, where little expense was spared to achieve very aggressive energy efficient goals. These projects are enormously important as demonstrations of what is possible. However many projects don’t have the budget or the time to pursue that level of work.
So what are the things that should be part of any project, no matter what the budget or scope? Some of the answers are easy — increasing insulation and air sealing are almost always cost effective. High efficiency heating equipment and appliances, good windows, daylighting, and durable, low-maintenance materials and finishes are clear winners.
Other areas are harder to pin down. How many inches of rigid foam insulation under the concrete slab do you need? What type of heating and ventilation makes sense? Where do you put windows if the best views are to the north?
It is a very exciting time to be involved in home building and renovation; traditional techniques are being re-examined for the design gems that have sometimes been discarded (like well-designed overhangs that allow winter sun in but block summer glare).
The “Pretty Good House” provides a framework for us as a group and individuals to measure our projects against the sometimes competing goals we need to reconcile. It is a vital and on-going conversation.
Dan Kolbert is a builder, has lived in Portland since 1988 and owns Kolbert Building, a residential construction company with a focus on energy and resource efficiency.
