The dozen or so SCCG members who attended last week’s meeting were treated to a learned discourse on “Building Science”, presented by GC and Guild member Scott Milrod. First, thanks to Scott for taking the time to introduce us to a complex subject that is the “wave of the future” in building design and construction. Building Science combines understanding of scientific principles that affect building performance with performance-based methods for finding, fixing and preventing building problems. My only regret is that we didn’t have nearly enough time to see all of Scott’s specialized tools in action, so I hope he will return for “Part 2″ at a future meeting. Also, I’d like to give Scott’s presentation some context from my own experience in building energy analysis.
Most of us are familiar with the requirements imposed on our building projects by the California Building Energy Efficiency Standards, even if we don’t often use that long-winded name. We usually refer to “the Standards”, or “Title 24″, or just “T-24″. The Standards are a set of rules that tell us things like how much insulation to use in a floor/wall/ceiling, or where to use fluorescent lighting instead of incandescent. This rule-based system is a “prescriptive” approach to energy efficiency, even when computer simulation modeling is used. So, for instance, The Standards may “prescribe” installation of R-13 insulation between wall studs, but you have no guarantee that the finished wall will perform at the R-13 level. In fact, the Standards include built-in assumptions that installations will rarely be perfect.

By contrast, Building Science includes a “performance” approach, where actual on-site conditions are measured before and after building performance improvements are installed. Various measuring devices can be deployed to “see” where air and heat are leaking out (or in), or where dangerous combustion gases may be accumulating in interior spaces. These measurements can be used in computer energy analysis programs to get “extra credit” toward meeting Standards requirements, or to qualify for rebate programs. In future editions of the Standards, performance measurements will play an ever-increasing role. We all need to become “Building Scientists” as we go forward to meet the future of building design and construction.

LINK to Fine Homebuilding article.

Custom-designed green home with solar and straw-bale construction. Built in 2010 by Marc Susskind and MS Builders.

We Provide Millwork

To The Bay Area’s Finest Contractors

Mulberry Woodworking was established in 1975 in Santa Cruz as a custom window and door shop. Our specialty is designing and building custom doors and windows for the renovation of historical buildings. We work closely with architects, designers, builders and contractors to create a successful project. We are located in Santa Cruz but we have built up a list of happy customers all over the Bay Area. There aren’t that many shops that can handle the level of craftsmanship that we do.

We specialize in the renovation and replacement of public and private historic and architectural home window and door systems. We manufacture these in our Santa Cruz shop. We also sell factory made windows and doors by top quality manufacturers that back their products with solid guarantees and warranties.

We carry all kinds of window and door hardware. Make an appointment to visit our sales and manufacturing facility today – our knowledgeable team is here to show you the latest innovative technologies to help accomplish your building projects.

We have worked to supplement or modify the offerings of many manufacturers by providing matching products in alternate woods to make units operate in different configurations and period or art glass.

We work directly with architects and builders to design and manufacture doors and windows for historic restoration and homes of unique detailing.

Contact Info:

Steve Barlow
Mulberry Woodworking
501-A River St.
Santa Cruz, CA  95060
Tel: 831-458-3121
Email: steve@mulberywoodworking.com 
Website:  www.mulberrywoodworking.com

License: 885340

Referred by: Santa Cruz County Builders

COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE SINCE 1975

Commons & Burt Builders has been building unique custom homes on the Central Coast since 1975. Owner Stephen Burt has over thirty-five years of experience and more than sixty projects to his credit. His success in building unique homes reflects his commitment to craftsmanship, integrity, and communication with clients, architects, and engineers.

Stephen is a firm believer in a hands-on approach to maintaining quality throughout the building process. He supervises his crew of experienced professionals on a daily basis, bringing his personal attention to every aspect of the building process.

When building a home, navigating the many choices and decisions can be an adventure. Stephen Burt is a friendly and knowledgeable guide through the wilderness of fine home building. Stephen has a reputation for promoting good communication and trusting relationships with his clients, which has ensured excellent home-building experiences since 1975.

Commons & Burt Builders’ mission is to provide a cost-efficient, high-quality building to the client’s satisfaction. This is why Commons & Burt Builders is considered to be among the foremost builders in the region.

Contact Details: 
P. O. Box 1431
Soquel, California
95073
Phone: (831)464-1073
Mobile:
Fax: (831)464-2176
Email: steve@commonsandburtbuilders.com
Website: http://commonsandburtbuilders.com/index.php
Facebook Page
Linked-In Profile

Contractor License number: #688507

Referred by: Cordell Davis

I’m Paul Harvey.  Westec Electric is a full service electrical contractor.  We service the Greater Santa Cruz / Los Gatos area. Our small company takes pride in the quality of our work and our customer service. We know that our happy customers are the basis for our growing referral business.

Electrical work requires knowledge, experience and attention to detail. At Westec Electric all of our employees have completed the electrical certification course or are enrolled in classes. We take pride in our employees always being presentable, punctual and professional.

Our Services

Residential/Commercial – Data and Communications – Generator Installation – Custom Lighting Design – New Electrical Systems – New Construction and Installation – Upgrades, Renovations and Expansion – New Main Service Panel Upgrade – Alterations – Power Wiring – Control Wiring – Maintenance – Trouble Shooting, Testing and Repair

Green Energy & Energy Savings

Effective October 1, 2005, California implemented Title 24, which is a building regulation that establishes standards and construction requirements to conserve energy. Below are the details on how our lighting systems can help you go green!

Westec Electric is ahead of the curve when it comes to “green” technology. Our design and installation of energy-efficient lighting systems will help our customers save the earth and money on their electricity bill.

Contact Details:

Paul Harvey
1650 Wilshire Drive Aptos, California
95003
Phone: (831)566-8982
Mobile: (831)688-1178
Fax:
Email: paul@westecelectric.biz
Website: http://www.westecelectric.biz

Contractor License number: 866511

Referred by: Thomas Kern of Santa Cruz County Builders

Quality At A Reasonable Price

We have what you need no matter what your budget may be.

We Service and Repair: Garage Doors, Garage Door Openers.

We sell Martin Garage Doors, Liftmaster garage door openers.

Owned and operated by Tracy and Jacob Armintrout.

Contact Details:
13 Progress Ave
Watsonville, California
95076
Phone: 831-722-5387
Mobile: 831-750-5626
Fax: 831-763-0636
Email: thedoorcomp@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.thedoorcomp.com

Contractor License number: 651452

Referred by: Marc Picard

Home energy efficiency upgrades are an important new opportunity for contractors, especially with new rebates available through PG&E. A few weeks ago, I reported on a workshop sponsored by the local Ecology Action organization.

Attendees learned how to use EnergyPro5, a commercially-available computer program for modeling energy use in buildings, to help produce reports required to apply for Energy Upgrade California (EUC) rebates. These rebates are available to homeowners to help offset the cost of energy-efficiency improvements. The program is promoted by the California Energy Commision (CEC) and paid mainly, in our area, through PG&E.

I decided to follow up on what I learned in the workshop by contacting a fellow SCCG member, General Contractor Scott Milrod. Scott is very involved these days with home energy upgrade projects, and is qualified as a participating contractor in the EUC rebate program. It turned out that Scott had already started on a demonstration project, in
partnership with Ecology Action. The EUC rebates come in two “flavors”:

• Basic – a $1,000. rebate for installation of a prescriptive package of energy-efficiency upgrades,
• Advanced – a $1,000 – $4,000 performance-based rebate. The amount awarded is determined by the amount of improvement (reduction in household energy cost). The contractor and homeowner can choose from a wide variety of improvement measures. Choices are customized to fit the individual situation.

The required “as-built” testing and EnergyPro modeling for Scott’s demonstration project were done, so the work remaining before submitting a “pre-installation” application for a rebate was the dreaded paperwork. That’s where I was able to get involved and help out, while learning about the process.

Actually, “paperwork” is an outdated term, since all of the required forms can be completed and submitted online. This “paperless” process is available through the EUC website, which was set up by the CEC to be a “one-stop shop for energy upgrades”, including rebate and incentive programs all over the state. For our project, the application process involved completing and submitting the following:

1. An on-line, guided application form
2. At least one year’s worth of energy use/cost data. In this case that meant natural gas and electricity use data from PG&E
3. An EnergyPro model of the house, first with the existing conditions, then with the proposed improvements
4. The contractor’s proposal to the homeowner
5. A test measurements form, created by PG&E, for recording safety-related test data, such as interior CO emissions from gas appliances
6. An Excel worksheet containing much of the same data as the online application
7. A copy of an authorization form, signed by the homeowner, giving EUC permission to use the energy data in the rebate application process.

All of this was completed. Now we wait for the application to be reviewed. When that happens, I’ll give you all an update. Another future topic that may be of interest to SCCG members is a discussion of the kinds of home energy upgrade products and methods that are available these days. Energy costs are a concern to everyone these days, so it’s important for designers and contractors to be able to address clients’ needs in this area.

Santa Cruz residential building design by Carey Casey