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TERMS AND TECHNIQUES

  • Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) - A technique for prefabricating wall and roof assemblies . For more information see www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Structural_insulated_panel
  • Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) - A method of forming foundations and walls. For more information see www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulating_concrete_form
  • Double Wall Construction - An advanced wall framing method that employs two separate exterior walls with an air gap between them.  This gap eliminates thermal bridging, a huge source of a homes energy loss, while the thicker walls provide a larger insulation cavity.
  • Heat Recovery Ventilator - An energy recovery ventilation system. For more information see www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_recovery_ventilator
  • Load Matched Heating - A heating system that closely matches a home's heating load. A system that is too large or small can greatly impact the building occupant’s comfort and health as well as the energy consumption of the structure and heating equipment life.
  • Passive House - A standard for building ultra low energy use buildings. For more information see  www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passive_house
  • Airtight Drywall Approach (ADA) - An advanced method of reducing air movement through wall and roof assemblies.  Applied in conjunction with other tight house building techniques, ADA aids in improving the efficiency and health of a house.
  • Vapor Retarder Paints - Used with ADA above, vapor retarder paints aid in improving the efficiency and health of a house.
  • Building Envelope - The physical separators between the conditioned and unconditioned environment of a home. For more information see www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_envelope
  • ENERGY STAR - A standard rating system for energy efficient consumer products. For more information see www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_star_rating
  • HVAC - Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

IDEAS AND OTHER RESOURCES

Green Building Assembly          www.greenbuildingassembly.com

Green Home Building                 http://www.greenhomebuilding.com

Small House Bliss                        http://smallhousebliss.com

Puget Sound Regional Council  http://www.psrc.org/growth/hip/alltools/adu/

Sustainable Connections            http://sustainableconnections.org

Built Green Whatcom County    http://www.builtgreenwhatcom.org

MORE SITES

Many people are generating extra money with their homes through short term rentals of their accessory dwelling units.  Check out these useful sites to learn more.

Air BnB                                          https://www.airbnb.com

Vacation Rental By Owner         http://www.vrbo.com
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