Course Description
Decisions to improve energy efficiency stem from multiple sources. Enforceable energy codes dictate some choices in new construction. Budget concerns will determine the difference between the best life-cycle cost choices and what can actually be afforded. Home energy audits identify existing points of energy loss and suggest areas of potential improvement. Becoming aware of very old and emerging technologies for energy efficiency, is enough to get the wheels turning for some. A desire to improve the environment is motivation for many. Whatever the reason, the decision to help conserve our natural resources is a good investment in the future. Many steps can be taken to reduce power use, includign passive steps during construction. Most of those, discussed in this presentation, center on creation of the building envelope during construction. Final choices presented are more the decisions of the occupants. This course encourages and examines construction component choices and lifestyle choices that result in energy savings. Because all such actions ultimately result in a desireable preservation of natural resources.
