[BLDG-SIM] HERS, RESNET, Energy Star, etc. in Apartment Complexes

[Graham & Megan]

If you are looking as to what is happening internationally, in Australia there has been a fair bit of focus on energy & water consevation in all types of residential (detached, semi-detached and multi-unit).  

Up until 18 months ago we only had HER's which rated the envelope only at the design stage using tools such as NatHERS, BERS, FirstRate depending on which state you are in.  These are now being replaced by Accurate.  Each of these provide a star rating for each dwelling with local authorities / building codes calling up minimum star ratings.

The more interesting development (in the last 18 months) has been the release of the Building Sustainability Index (www.basix.nsw.gov.au) in NSW which covers both water and energy conservation.  While there is still a lot of debate on the black box calculations for the energy rating (% improvement on existing stock) it nevertheless is rating everything (appliances, lighting, AC, envelope, pools) in a dwelling aside from what you plug into the wall.  Currently high rise residential in Sydney has a 40% water savings target and 20% energy savings target.  Th state government is looking to up the energy target in 2008 but is under a lot of pressure from property lobbyists who believe the $10-25k premium/dwelling is economically unsustainable.

I would be interested in hearing about any similar schemes contemplated elsewhere in the World. 
Regards,
Graham
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Alec Stevens 
  To: BLDG-SIM at GARD.COM 
  Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 8:08 AM
  Subject: [BLDG-SIM] HERS, RESNET, Energy Star, etc. in Apartment Complexes


  Hi,

  I have a potential client who is interested in pursuing Energy Star for a new Massachusetts apartment complex with an affordable housing component.

   

  Having not done much work with residential construction or Energy Star, I am looking for some insight into how this might pan out.  

  Looking on the Energy Star website, I could not immediately locate any section of the site that dealt with new construction multi-unit apartments.  Can anyone confirm whether Energy Star is applicable to this type of project?

   

  If it is applicable, can anyone give me an idea of what is involved in attaining the rating?  

  Any appropriate links or other info is much appreciated.  Sorry if the question is too obvious!  

   

  Sincerely,

  Alec Stevens, PE, LEED AP

  DMI

  450 Lexington St., Newton, MA 02466

  p: 617-527-1525 x105 f: 617-527-6606

  e: astevens at dmiinc.com

   


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