1.++Green+building+project

Welcome to the APES greenbuilding wiki page.

In this unit, we will explore how to make a home more energy efficient, saving money, and potentially benefiting the environment and society! In order to do this we need to learn something about home construction, design and function. Then, we will "retro-fit" an older home to make it as "green" as possible.
 * Purpose**

The first step in "greening" a building is to address energy efficiency. The major categories to explore are appliances, heating, lighting, sealing/insulation, solar energy, ventilation/cooling, water heaters and window/doors. The class will be divided into groups, specializing in one of these categories.
 * The Project**

//Group powerpoint: How does it work?// Your first job is to describe the current appointment of the house. Then, you will investigate how the appliance, device, space or building material "works". You will also report on three energy efficient options. (120 pts + 50 pts)





//Interconnectedness report// Describe how one component of your appliance, device, space or building material is manufactured. Include a description of the "cradle to grave" environmental impact.

//Preparing the quote: Estimating cost and planning for installation// This part of the project will require you research some "How-to" sources. You will also need to visit a home improvement store to price components and supplies of the options you described in the "How does it work?" report, as well as consider the tools that are required for the job. Assume you will do the work yourself, unless the job is large (installing siding) or requires specialty knowledge (furnaces), and that the homeowner has available basic tools, such as hammers and screwdrivers, and some equipment, such as an electric saw. If you require outside help, you will need to get an estimate. Then, you will prepare a quote, in table form, which will allow easy comparison between the options. Detailed cost calculations, including brand-name, prices and extensions, must be included as a supplement to the quote to justify your summary.



//Investigating other factors that influence cost: life cycle and tax credits// The proposed renovation must be cost effective for the homeowner. In this section, you will estimate the yearly cost of the current appointment. Then, you will estimate the potential monetary savings from switching to the more energy efficient option, determining the amount of time it will take to recover the initial investment. You will also research potential tax credits that may apply and thus influence the cost. Finally, you must pick among your options based upon your analysis to this point, providing a justification.



//Project priority list, group discussion: what do we do first?// The groups will present their suggestions for renovation in their area. Then, the groups will debate the scope and sequence of renovation, creating a priority list based upon potential benefits, cost and feasibility, assigning a budget to each group based upon the preliminary cost analysis.



//Resource Binder and Portfolio// Each student will create a resource binder, including all sections of the project, as well as any support materials handed out in class or gathered during the course of research. Include a table of contents, and use dividers to separate sections for easy reference.

//Science Research Group night presentation////: The final proposal// Explain your adventure to your peers and other community members in an interactive format.

//Raising community awareness// The class will contribute their findings to the school web page or other venues as a public service in coordination with the Environmental Awareness Club.

//Self reflection paper// This is your chance to tell me what you personally learned from this experience.