Passive Homes and the Environment

The cost of energy is rising rapidly – and not just in dollars. Our environment is paying the price as well: non-renewable energy consumption, carbon emissions, pollution, and inefficiency.

All of these pressures make passive design a very timely and relevant notion. The Clarum approach to building passive and passive-inspired homes supports the health of our environment by consuming less energy, conserving non-renewable resources, and reducing our ecological footprint.

Passive Homes Consume Less

Passive homes represent today’s highest energy standard and can slash the energy consumption up to a whopping 90% versus conventionally-built houses. When you consider that 76% of the electricity generated in the US is consumed by buildings (not by industry or transportation), this impact is significant.

The secret is extreme efficiency:

• High-performance windows and doors
• Super-insulation, “outsulation,” and SIPs panels
• An airtight building envelope
• Minimal thermal bridging
• Solar thermal system that offsets roughly 80% of the energy needs for heating water
• Heat recovery ventilator that maintains exceptional indoor air quality

Extreme efficiency does two things. First, it minimizes energy loss. For example, less heat leaks out the windows. It also optimizes internal gains – any heat you generate indoors, whether from your own body or by running a hair dryer is all you need to heat your home (you eliminate the need for a furnace or other conventional heating mechanism). With careful window orientation and shading, passive homes also minimize your need for cooling without an air conditioner.

Passive Homes Conserve More

A passive home is a comprehensive system. Working with natural resources, free solar energy is captured and applied efficiently.

Heating and cooling require much less energy, which means passive homes help us save the non-renewable energy for other uses. It’s a smart way to go.

Passive Homes Reduce Our Footprint

In the US, 48% percent of all greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings. That makes buildings the largest contributor to climate change, hands down. Just imagine the impact it would make if every new building was constructed to consume 90% less than conventional standards.

With Clarum’s passive homes, there’s no contest. A Clarum passive home skyrockets when compared to a conventionally-built house. The homes we build aren’t just easier on your wallet; they’re easier on our environment, too. With global climate change and rising energy costs, there has never been a smarter time to build a high-performance, energy-efficient passive home.

Call us at 650.322.7069 to learn more about passive homes.