Populus Sustainable Design Consulting offers HERS rating and LEED for Homes™ consulting and training for Boulder and Denver, Colorado. » Green Building Conference

Populus to Present at NREL Building America Residential Energy Efficiency Summit

Populus Sustainable Design Consulting — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 23:01:18 +0000

Populus is pleased to announce that David Neiger, Principal at Populus, will be presenting at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Building America Residential Energy Efficiency Summit in Denver, Colorado next week. The Summit will be attended by residential energy efficiency experts and Building America Technical Teams from across the nation. The focus of the Summit is to present the latest findings in the area of residential energy efficiency research and outreach activities, and to create a discussion forum for gaps, barriers, and solutions to advance energy efficiency in our nation’s housing stock.

Neiger will be presenting alongside Craig Christensen of NREL and Peter Engelmann and Kurt Hoff of Fraunhofer CSE. The panel will explore the differences in utility bill data versus simulations (or energy models) for existing homes. As part of the panel, Neiger will present regarding energy simulations for existing homes including challenges for data collection and addressing the limitations of energy model simulation tools for modeling conditions assessed in existing homes. Neiger has had extensive experience at Populus conducting research on effective retrofit strategies and providing technical assistance to contractors in the existing home energy retrofit industry.

The presentations at the Summit will be available through a live streaming webinar. Check the Populus blog next week for a link to the live feed when it becomes available.

Populus is the only RESNET Accredited Home Energy Rating Provider based in Boulder, Colorado. While we are a local company, the scope our residential and municipal energy consulting is nationwide. At Populus, we specialize in high-performance and zero-energy residential projects, municipal energy efficiency programs and building science education. Populus walks architects and builders through the requirements of energy codes and green home certification programs, providing HERS ratings, energy consulting and third-party verification services. Visit Populus at www.popboulder.com.

Sustainable Window Selection

Populus Sustainable Design Consulting — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:31:05 +0000

What impact does window selection have on energy efficiency and sustainability? What factors influence the energy performance of windows? Populus Sustainable Design Consulting and SolarGlass Window & Door presented on these issues at last year’s USGBC Colorado Sustainability Conference. Here is a description of that presentation:

The session will explain the implication of the DOE’s pending 2009 Energy Star changes for high altitude markets and review the product design responses planned by leading manufacturers. Additionally, the session will discuss the interplay of the following factors on building envelop efficiency, sustainability, and occupant comfort: glazing to floor area ratios, dispersion of windows by elevation, glazing alternatives, frame materials, the often overlooked importance of quality installation

Attendees will come away with an understanding of what design elements should be given priority when developing a window solution for a given project, as well as the trade-offs associated with aesthetic, performance, and price considerations.

Included in the presentation will be an overview of the growing importance of performance-based measurements of building envelop efficiency (e.g.; Resnet’s Home Energy Rater modeling software) and how windows impact the HERS score.

USGBC Colorado has recently posted Populus & SolarGlass’s “Sustainable Window Selection” presentation on its website. Of particular interest, on page 11 of the presentation, you will find a graph which demonstrates the specific concerns and trade-offs related to window selection for various ranges of desired HERS Index Scores. Pages 13-18 contain a case study which analyzes the interaction of window selection and mechanical systems as it relates to home energy performance.

Populus is a full service sustainable design consulting firm that focuses on high performance, net-zero and near-net-zero custom residential and multi-family projects. Populus guides architects and builders through the requirements of mandatory green building codes and optional green home certification programs, providing HERS rating, LEED for Homes Green Rater services and LEED for Homes training. Visit Populus at www.popboulder.com.

A Zero Energy Home for All Americans: Ed Pollock Promotes Builders Challenge at EEBA Conference

Populus Sustainable Design Consulting — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:43:41 +0000

The Department of Energy came to Denver this week, promoting its Builders Challenge initiative, which seeks to promote affordable, zero energy homes for all Americans by 2030. Ed Pollock, the Residential Team Leader for the U.S. Department of Energy hosted the Builders Challenge tour at the EEBA Conference which featured two homes, including Sean Smith & Co.’s Wash Park Green LEED Certified Duplex in Denver’s Washington Park neighborhood and Ecofuture’s Solar Harvest House in Boulder.

Ed Pollock of the U.S. Department of Energy promotes the Builders Challenge alongside David Neiger and Laura Hutchings of Populus and Sean Smith of Sean Smith & Company (seen here in Builders Challenge-inspired t-shirts)

David Neiger, Principal at Populus Sustainable Design Consulting, led the EEBA conference tour through the high-performance energy features of the Wash Park duplex, which scored a 37 on the Builders Challenge E-Scale. The E-Scale, which is a “miles per gallon” type rating for a home, is tied to the Home Energy Rating System Index Score, and denotes how the home performs compared to a typical home built to code. A home must score below a 70 on the Builders Challenge E-Scale to be eligible for certification under the Department of Energy’s program. In addition, the Builders Challenge program requires the implementation of greenbuilding best practices which address indoor air quality and durability management.

Following the Builders Challenge Tour, the Populus team joined Ed Pollock, Sean Smith, Eric Doub of Ecofutures and Tom Wade of Artistic Homes at a panel discussion focusing on zero energy homes and the goals of the Builders Challenge / Building America program. Mr. Pollock began the panel presentation by discussing the Department of Energy’s Builders Challenge goal of an affordable zero energy home (or “Net Zero”) for all Americans by the year 2030. In order to achieve these substantial increases in residential energy efficiency, it is essential that the building industry highlight the operational savings of a zero energy home, rather than merely focusing on the first costs of high-performance home features.

David Neiger of Populus presents to a group of industry professionals at the Department of Energy Builders Challenge EEBA Conference Home Tour

To date, the Builders Challenge program has certified a total of 1800 homes, with six homes scoring net zero or better on the E-Scale and with an average E-Scale score of 63. While this represents only a tiny fraction of the homes built in the United States each year, the high-performance energy features of these 1800 homes results in an average cost savings of $1.6 million per year.

If you are a builder, developer or architect and would like to learn how you can pursue Builders Challenge certification for your next project, contact Populus Sustainable Design Consulting, a Partner in the Builders Challenge program, and we’ll walk you through the program requirements and the steps to certification. Unlike some green home certification programs, there is no fee for registering your project in the Builders Challenge program, although there are costs associated with the third-party verification and energy rating that is required under the program. In some cases, building an above-code performing home can qualify you for substantial rebates, incentives or tax credits.

CRC Solar Week Seminars Now FREE!!

Populus Sustainable Design Consulting — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:00:05 +0000

Interested in learning more about green building, energy efficiency and renewable energy? The Center for Resource Conservation (“CRC”) has announced that its Solar Week Seminars that start today will be free. From the CRC:

We have decided to remove the barrier of entry to our Solar Week Seminars, since we want to enrich as many people as possible with information on how to become more sustainable at home.

Please invite your colleagues, customers, prospects, and friends to these events. They are now FREE!!! No need to send me names of your complimentary guests, since they will not have to check in.

Here is the list of seminars (date, topic, location):

Mon, 9/28, Homeowner’s Have the “Power” on Boulder’s Path Toward Sustainability, CRC

Tue, 9/29, Sustainable Landscaping for Your Green Home, CRC

Tue, 9/29, The Energy-Water Nexus in Your Home, Longmont Library

Wed, 9/30, Seven Residential Green Building Case Studies, CRC

Wed, 9/30, Weatherization: The First Step to Energy Efficiency, Louisville Library

Thu, 10/1, The Future of Renewable Energy Technology, REI

Thu, 10/1, Steps to Going Solar, Longmont Library

You can read summaries of each seminar here: http://www.conservationcenter.org/e_solarweek_workshops_select.html

Wash Park LEED for Homes Gold Certified Duplex Featured in Eco Home Magazine

Populus Sustainable Design Consulting — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:06:47 +0000

Sean Smith & Co.’s Wash Park luxury duplex was recently featured as a case study in Eco Home Magazine.

LEED for Homes Gold Wash Park Duplex by Sean Smith & Company (photo copyright Ooms Photography)

This high-performance, green home pursued various green home certifications and was recently awarded LEED for Homes Gold Certification by the USGBC and Builders Challenge Certification by the Department of Energy. The home is also labeled under the EPA’s Indoor Air Package (now called “Indoor airPLUS“) and Energy Star programs.

In addition, the home will be featured in the upcoming EEBA Conference Builder’s Challenge Tour on September 28th, led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Residential Building Technologies Team Leader, Ed Pollock.

Populus Sustainable Design Consulting provided consulting services, HERS rating / energy modeling and LEED for Homes™ Green Rater services for this upscale duplex in Denver’s Washington Park neighborhood. The project, including its high-performance features, was also recently profiled in Colorado Expression magazine in the article, “Greened to Perfection.”

Look for more energy efficient, sustainably built, green homes from Sean Smith & Company in the future.

Register for the 2009 ENERGY STAR Summit in Denver

Populus Sustainable Design Consulting — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:40:23 +0000

Interested in learning more about ENERGY STAR? The ENERGY STAR Summit and Awards Dinner will be held in Denver on December 9, 2009 at the Doubletree Hotel at Stapleton.

Come learn about the ENERGY STAR program from local champions and ENERGY STAR leadership. The day will provide excellent education opportunities, networking, and continuing education. In the evening the Smart Energy Living Alliance will recognize champions of the ENERGY STAR program during an awards dinner.

Don’t Miss the Early Bird Rates — Register Now!

4 Educational Tracks

ENERGY STAR New Homes

Lessons from the Field — Advanced Building Science for ENERGY STAR

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR

Multi-Family Housing

Come meet and learn from ENERGY STAR leadership such as Sam Rashkin, National Director, ENERGY STAR for Homes at U.S. EPA

Get local information on utility programs, Governor’s Energy Office programs, and federal incentives

Interact with panels and provide feedback on programs affecting your business

Register, Learn More, and Nominate Award Winners

Gulf Coast Green Living Festival: The Idea

Populus Sustainable Design Consulting — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:49:12 +0000

The Gulf Coast Green Living Festival is a one of a kind eco-festival being planned in the lower ninth ward of New Orleans. David Neiger, Principal of Populus Sustainable Design Consulting, serves on the board of Gulf Coast Green Living.

Read more about the origins of Gulf Coast Green Living in this recent post from the Gulf Coast Green Living blog by Charles Brown, the Executive Director of Gulf Coast Green Living:

I’ve been thinking seriously about an eco-festival in New Orleans for about six months now. With the green movement gaining significant traction nationally, these environmentally friendly festivals have begun to pop up across the landscape. The concept for these festivals is fairly simple. You gather experts in fields related to sustainable living, green building practices, and alternative energy and provide a forum where they can share their knowledge and practical insight with the public. Successful eco-fests generally program a combination of hands-on exhibits, participatory workshops, lectures and energy neutral entertainment. The ultimate goal is to entertain and educate the general public, without having an impact on the immediate environment.

In December, my wife and I traveled back to my hometown of Kutztown Pennsylvania to spend the holidays with my family. While we were visiting I had the opportunity to speak with Archie Follweiler, the president of MAREA (Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Association). MAREA is a non-profit group based in southeastern Pennsylvania, which programs regular educational workshops related to renewable energy and sustainable living with an annual eco-fair, The Pennsylvania Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Festival.

www.paenergyfest.com

Archie started throwing the fest five years ago. Each year it has gotten bigger, more popular and more informative. There is a huge appetite for all things related to the environment right now. People are interested. That’s not to say that Archie doesn’t put a ton of time and effort into creating an informative festival. This year’s line-up includes over 100 presenters, weighing in on topics that range from community solar farms to cooking with hydrogen. A lot huge effort goes into making it all happen, but the rewards, a cleaner safer Earth, make it all worth it.

I passed the time on the long drive back to the bayou thinking about an energy festival in New Orleans. By the time I crossed the Mason-Dixon line, my mind was set and I had started planning the thing out in my head. Over the next six months I played with different ideas, scouted different locations and began setting up the non-profit corporation Gulf Coast Green Living.

Conceptually, I found it easier to address some of the things that would have to be different from the festival in PA, as well as those in other places. First and foremost, New Orleans has a culture and an appetite for community festivities unique unto herself. To have a festival in New Orleans presumes there will be some delicious eats and some funky music. Festivals occur on a weekly basis in this place and there are certain standards that need to be upheld. That being said, what needs to separate the Gulf Coast Green Living Festival from so many of the others is the eco-science-fair aspect of it. The science needs to be as big of a draw as the food and the music, which will be one of our great programming challenges.

Beyond the festival culture, we’re dealing with two totally different environments. Kempton Pennsylvania is a very rural town with one traffic signal, surrounded by rolling hills of scattered woods and farmland. The region faces a whole different set of environmental challenges. A festival in nola would have to focus on it’s own series of environmental issues that are unique to the region like coastal restoration, hurricane protection and the ongoing rebuilding of the entire gulf south.

As the idea took shape, I began recruiting some of my ingenious and creative friends to give me a hand with the planning. In June we officially incorporated, elected a founding board of directors and adopted bylaws. We intend to kick off the 1^st Annual Gulf Coast Green Living Festival in June of 2010, but we’re going to need a ton of help getting there. So if you want to get involved with a cool community project on the ground level, drop us a line via e-mail charliebrown6@mac.com

We’re looking for anyone with an interest in any of the following:

Renewable Energy

Urban Farming

Hurricane Protection & Preparedness

Coastal Restoration

Energy Efficient Transportation

Green Design & Building

Recycling

Organic Lifestyles

Community Gardening

Non-profit Management

Fundraising

Event Planning

Accounting

Graphic Design

Web Design

Writing Content

Video Production

Editing

Community Activism

Visit Populus at EEBA Conference Off-Site Builders Challenge Home Tour

Populus Sustainable Design Consulting — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 20:48:15 +0000

Visit Populus at the EEBA Conference Off-site Builders Challenge Home Tour sponsored by the US DOE Building America – Builders Challenge on September 28, 2009.

The tour will be led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Residential Building Technologies Team Leader, Ed Pollock, and will feature two Builders Challenge qualified homes.

The first home on the tour will be the Solar Harvest house in Boulder, Colorado by Eric Doub of Ecofutures Building. The second featured home will be Sean Smith and Company’s Washington Park Duplex which recently earned a 39 on the Builders Challenge E-Scale and is pending LEED for Homes Gold certification with the USGBC.

Populus Sustainable Design Consulting provided high performance consulting on the Washington Park Duplex project and performed energy modeling and verification services for both the Builders Challenge and LEED for Homes programs. Populus will be on-site at the Washington Park Duplex during the tour to answer any of your questions regarding the high performance and green features of the home.

The bus for this tour (Tour IV) loads at 7:30 a.m. and will depart the Denver Marriott Tech Center at 8 a.m. The bus will return to the Denver Marriott Tech Center in time for the EEBA Conference opening lunch. This tour is limited to the first 50 attendees to register. Learn more about the EEBA Conference Off-Site Tours and register here.

Populus is a Boulder-based, full-service sustainable design consulting firm that focuses on high performance, net-zero and near-net-zero custom residential and multi-family projects. Populus is your partner in high-performance design solutions, specializing in energy efficiency codes, green building certifications and LEED for Homes™ training. Contact Populus at news@popboulder.com.

Watch David Neiger Present to the Boulder County GreenBuilding Conference at the University of Colorado

Populus Sustainable Design Consulting — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:07:53 +0000

David Neiger, Principal at Populus Sustainable Design Consulting presented regarding high performance remodeling to the Boulder County GreenBuilding Conference at the University of Colorado on July 17th. View the video:

Populus to Present at Pennsylvania Renewable Energy Festival

Populus Sustainable Design Consulting — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 01:19:11 +0000

David Neiger, Principal at Populus Sustainable Design Consulting, will be presenting regarding performance-based green building codes at the MidAtlantic Renewable Energy Association’s Pennsylvania Renewable Energy Festival.

The Future of Building Codes: Learning from Boulder, Colorado’s Energy Efficient, Green Building Codes

Municipalities throughout the world are adopting green building codes that address issues from indoor air quality to energy efficiency. This new generation of building codes is performance-based in nature, providing flexibility to create green, energy efficient homes. Learn about the implementation of cutting-edge energy efficiency codes in Boulder, Colorado and how municipalities nationwide can drastically reduce home energy consumption and carbon emissions.

David will present on Saturday, September 19th at the Kempton Community Center in Kempton, PA. The PA Renewable Energy is a three-day festival about renewable energy, natural building construction, sustainable agriculture, land-use planning, forestry and healthy living practices in general. The festival features dynamic speakers, national exhibitors, workshops, hands-on demonstrations, vendors, live music and entertainment, children’s activities, food and more. Learn more about the festival at www.paenergyfest.com.