Posts in Electrification

A Path for California Architects to Easily Achieve Title 24 and Achieve Beyond-Code Performance

California has long been at the forefront of energy efficiency in the United States compared to its 49 counterparts, with its pioneering Building Energy Efficiency Standards, commonly known as Title 24, Part 6, first adopted in 1976. These standards are not static. They undergo rigorous updates every three years, serving as a dynamic benchmark for building energy performance and a critical mechanism for reducing greenhouse gas emissions during construction and operation. This continuous evolution is a deliberate policy strategy by the California Energy Commission (CEC) to systematically integrate the latest energy-saving technologies and construction practices into the built environment.

Architectural Design, Building Enclosure, Building Science, Code, Electrification, Embodied Carbon, Heat Pumps, High Performance Homes, HVAC, Mechanical Design, Off-grid, Passive House, Phius, Solar, Wildfire, Title 24Positive EnergyJune 4, 2025Title 24, Building Energy Efficiency Standards, California Energy Commission (CEC), net-zero buildings, decarbonization targets, 2022 Energy Code, energy reduction, building science principles, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) engineering, Title 24 compliance, beyond-code performance, Heat Pumps, Electric-Ready Requirements, Solar PV, Battery Storage, Ventilation Standards, 2025 Title 24 updates, demand flexibility, time-dependent valuation (TDV), mandatory measures, prescriptive approach, performance approach, Energy Design Ratings (EDR), EnergyPro, CBECC, EnergyPlus, climate zones, prescriptive requirements, insulation, fenestration, air sealing, moisture management, Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems, grid-interactive homes, high-efficiency HVAC systems, smart controls, Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs), Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs), water heating, LED lighting, Phius, passive building standard, net-zero building, quality assurance, continuous insulation, thermal bridge-free design, airtightness, high-performance windows and doors, balanced ventilation, passive solar design, internal heat gains, Phius CORE, Phius ZERO, Integrated Design Process (IDP), labor and expertise gaps, permitting and regulatory hurdles, contractor resistance, building science consulting, energy modeling, MEP system design, Code Compliance, Risk Management.

Positive Energy's Education and Advocacy Efforts

Our comprehensive approach to MEP engineering and building science consulting is deeply rooted in a strategic vision that extends far beyond individual project delivery. Our commitment to the idea of "Healthy people, healthy planet” is unwavering. It is not just a statement, but a guiding principle that permeates our extensive education and advocacy efforts. Through the firm’s Building Science Blog and The Building Science Podcast, we aim to actively cultivate knowledge everywhere we can, demystifying complex technical concepts like indoor air quality and intricate wall assembly dynamics for architects and the broader industry. This accessible knowledge transfer empowers architects to confidently integrate advanced building science into their designs, mitigating risks and ensuring the long-term performance and durability of their projects.

Architectural Design, Building Science, Code, Electrification, Embodied Carbon, Healthy Home, High Performance Homes, Passive House, Phius, Natural Building Material, Mechanical Design, MEP2040, Indoor Air Quality, HVAC, Heat PumpsPositive EnergyJune 2, 2025Positive Energy, MEP engineering, building science, high-end residential architecture, healthy spaces, comfortable spaces, resilient spaces, human-centered design, MEP design/engineering, custom home market, mission, conditioned space, employee well-being, project partner relationships, "Healthy people, healthy planet" vision, collaboration, architects, contractors, owner representatives, lived experience of architecture, indoor space upgrade, mission-focused engineering, healthier indoor environments, electrification, fossil fuel solutions, education, advocacy, market development, high-performance buildings, AEC industry, building science blog, Building Science Podcast, technical information, continual learning, educational content, blog posts, building resilience, energy systems, building enclosures, indoor air quality, moisture dynamics, wall assemblies, ventilation strategies, sealed attics, dehumidification, roof assemblies, "ping pong water, " indoor air pollution, IAQ code, fossil gas appliance emissions, electrification of domestic hot water, hydronic systems, natural building materials, biophilic design, net-zero energy, carbon footprints, risk mitigation, podcast, Kristof Irwin, M. Walker, philosophical aspects of building science, ethics, aesthetics, systemic aspects of building science, high-energy physics, custom builder, AIA BEC, AIA COTE, human factors, integrating ethics and aesthetics, risk management in AEC, bioclimatic design, system thinking, industry transformation, technical solutions, IAQ and materials, material supply chains, philosophical society, critical thinking, speaking engagements, Architectural Paradigms and Adaptation, Building Science 2.0, Facades+, PhiusCon, Passive House, BS + Beer, battery capacity sizing, ASHRAE, AIA Austin Design Excellence Conference, Science and Storytelling, Code Change, ATX Building Performance Conference, True Sustainability and Regeneration, Healthy Buildings, Earthen Construction, Gulf Coast Green, International Builder Show, Testing Protocols, University Guest Lectures, Earthen Architecture, Systems-Thinking Lens, Cooling, Passive House in Emerging Markets, Climate Change, Building Envelope, Refrigeration Cycle, Mechanical Systems, Air as Material, Psychrometrics, Ventilation, Organization & Committee Memberships, ASHRAE TC-2.1, ASHRAE SSPC-55, ASHRAE SSPC-62.2, MEP2040, RESNET, AIA Austin's Building Enclosure Council, AIA Austin's Committee On The Environment, Phius Alliance Austin, Humid Climate Conference, Phius Alliance, BS + Beer Northwest Arkansas, Habitat for Humanity, Industry Publications, Fine Homebuilding Magazine, Journal of Light Construction, Radiant Cooling.

Feldman Architecture and Positive Energy Forge a Path to World Class Architecture

Feldman Architecture is a distinguished firm based in San Francisco and widely recognized for their creation of warm, light-filled spaces characterized by an understated modern aesthetic. Beyond the visual appeal of their designs, Feldman Architecture is driven by a profound commitment to addressing complex problems through design, aiming to significantly enhance human interaction with the built environment and the planet. This ethos finds a powerful complement in our work here at Positive Energy. We are a specialty MEP engineering and building science firm from Austin, TX, and share with our partners at Feldman Architecture a foundational mission to transform the delivery of conditioned space to society.

Architectural Design, Building Science, Electrification, Environmental Design, Healthy Home, High Performance Homes, Indoor Air Quality, Mechanical Design, Natural Building Material, Solar, Wildfire, Embodied Carbon, MEP2040, Architecture 2030Positive EnergyJune 2, 2025Feldman Architecture, Positive Energy, Santa Lucia Preserve, MEP Design Engineering, Title 24 consulting, sustainable design, architectural excellence, ethical design, building science, Living Building Challenge (LBC), Carbon Budget initiative, high-performance design, regenerative principles, technical expertise, aesthetic expression, contextual design, MEP2040 Challenge, carbon reduction, operational carbon, embodied carbon, electrification, building physics, design decisions, performance metrics, code compliance, aesthetics, emotional resonance, material selection, concrete, structural steel, aluminum, spray foam insulation, mass timber, wood doors and windows, locally sourced stone, low-carbon CMU, Red List avoidance, Curveball project, Fog's Edge project, Cloud's Rest project, Stone's Throw project, Modern Craft project, radical candor, intergenerational transfer of ethos, Climate Studio, Tally, energy modeling, daylighting, photovoltaic (PV) systems, AIA California Climate Action Committees, reach codes, advocacy, talent attraction, job turnover, collaboration, specialized consultants, ecosystem, jazz improvisation, role of architect, design constraints, 2030 Challenge, industry standards, business benefits of sustainability, "role power", human well-being, mental health.

The Theresa Passive House: A Blueprint for High-Performance Design in Hot-Humid Climates

The Theresa Passive House, nestled in Austin's historic Clarksville neighborhood, stands as a remarkable example of how architectural preservation can harmoniously merge with modern sustainable design. This 2100 square foot residence, completed in 2020, is not merely a renovation and addition to a 1914 Craftsman bungalow; it is a meticulously engineered dwelling that embodies rigorous targets in energy efficiency, indoor air quality (IAQ), thermal comfort, embodied carbon, and responsible materials sourcing.[1] These ambitious goals were established by the Passive House Institute U.S. (Phius), a leading authority in high-performance building standards.

Architectural Design, Building Enclosure, Building Science, Code, Dehumidification, Electrification, Environmental Design, Filtration, Healthy Home, Heat Pumps, High Performance Homes, HVAC, Indoor Air Quality, Mechanical Design, Passive House, Phius, Solar, VentilationPositive EnergyMay 28, 2025Theresa Passive House, high-performance design, hot-humid climates, residential performance, sustainable design, architectural preservation, energy efficiency, indoor air quality (IAQ), thermal comfort, embodied carbon, responsible materials sourcing, Passive House Institute U.S. (Phius), Phius certification, PHIUS 2018+ Source Zero, ASHRAE Climate Zone 2A, photovoltaic panels, battery backup systems, self-sufficiency, resilience, Forge Craft Architecture + Design, Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects, Studio Ferme, integrated design process, building envelope, HVAC system, on-site solar panels, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) engineering, Positive Energy, building science, human-centered design, net-zero energy buildings, heating loads, cooling loads, source energy, airtightness, energy modeling, continuous insulation, thermal bridges, air changes per hour (ACH@50 Pa), air leakage, Blower Door Test, high-performance windows, triple-glazing, low-emissivity (low-e) coatings, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), balanced ventilation, Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs), dedicated dehumidification, right-sizing mechanical systems, comfort, health, durability, passive survivability, Winter Storm Uri, University of Texas research, climate-specific standards, moisture management, key performance metrics, site energy use index (EUI), renewable energy production, wall assemblies, water control layer, air control layer, thermal control layer, vapor control layer, wood frame system, mineral wool insulation, unvented roof, Marvin windows, indoor pollutants, combustion products, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM2.5), ASHRAE Standard 62.2, ventilation rates, Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heat pump AC, Panasonic Intellibalance 1000 ERV, MERV filtration, heat pump hot water heater, climate resilience, extreme weather events, grid outages, source zero certification, community education, AIA Housing Award, Passive Project of the Year – Retrofit, Austin Green Awards, affordable multifamily housing, building envelope prioritization, mechanical ventilation with energy recovery (ERV) implementation, MEP systems integration, advanced air filtration, MERV ratings, active energy independence, photovoltaics, battery storage, MEP engineer collaboration, climate-specific MEP solutions, commissioning agent

Phius Market Penetration in the US: A Comparative Analysis with Typical Code-Built Houses

The adoption of Phius passive building standards in the United States, while demonstrating a robust upward trend, currently constitutes a small fraction of the overall construction market, which is predominantly characterized by buildings constructed to meet minimum code requirements. Phius certified buildings offer substantial advantages over typical code-built houses, most notably in their superior energy efficiency, which translates to significant reductions in operational energy consumption and associated costs. Furthermore, these high-performance buildings provide enhanced indoor air quality, increased durability, and a greater level of resilience against extreme weather events and power outages. The number of Phius certified projects and the total square footage of these projects have been steadily increasing across the US, reflecting a growing interest in and adoption of these advanced building principles. Moreover, the integration of Phius standards into the energy codes of several states and municipalities indicates a growing recognition of their value in achieving ambitious energy efficiency and sustainability goals. This report aims to provide a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of the current market penetration of Phius standards within the US construction sector, offering a comparative perspective against conventional code-compliant building practices and assessing the implications for the future of sustainable building in the nation.

Code, Building Science, Electrification, Healthy Home, High Performance Homes, HVAC, Phius, Passive HousePositive EnergyMay 26, 2025Phius passive building standards, US construction market, code-built houses, energy efficiency, operational energy consumption, indoor air quality, durability, resilience, extreme weather events, power outages, Phius certified projects, square footage, sustainability goals, Phius certification programs, net-zero energy buildings, continuous insulation, airtight building envelope, high-performance windows and doors, heat- and moisture-recovery ventilation, minimal space conditioning systems, Phius CORE, Phius ZERO, Phius REVIVE 2024, deep energy retrofits, climate-specific standards, US building codes, decentralized regulatory framework, International Code Council (ICC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), model building codes, International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index, ENERGY STAR certification, building permits, single-family homes, multifamily projects, commercial buildings, market penetration of Phius, certification growth trends, energy savings, construction costs, indoor environmental quality, thermal comfort, natural disasters, factors influencing Phius market adoption, regulatory endorsement, decarbonization, training programs, professional certification, long-term cost savings, financial incentives, Qualified Allocation Plans, perceived higher upfront costs, familiarity with passive building principles, specialized materials, traditional construction practices, future outlook for Phius, zero-carbon built environment.

Designing Healthier Homes by Eliminating Fossil Gas Appliance Emissions

Architects, as the primary designers of our built environment, hold a profoundly influential position in shaping the health and well-being of building occupants. Beyond the critical considerations of aesthetics, structural integrity, and energy performance, a deep understanding of the invisible forces at play within a building's envelope is increasingly paramount. This report aims to equip architects with the essential knowledge to proactively design for superior indoor air quality (IAQ), particularly concerning emissions from common household gas appliances. The decisions made during the design phase, from material selection to mechanical system integration, directly influence the indoor environment and, by extension, the health outcomes of those who inhabit these spaces. This effectively positions architects as critical guardians of public well-being within the built space, expanding their traditional role to encompass a vital public health responsibility.

Indoor Air Quality, HVAC, Electrification, Architectural Design, Building Enclosure, Code, Filtration, Healthy Home, High Performance Homes, VentilationPositive EnergyMay 22, 2025Designing healthier homes, eliminating fossil gas appliance emissions, indoor environmental quality, architect's role, indoor air quality, gas appliances impact on home health, combustion byproducts, hazardous air pollutants, synthesizing scientific findings, actionable strategies for architectural practice, pollutants emitted by gas appliances, health effects, design and engineering solutions, fundamentals of indoor air quality, source control, ventilation, filtration, temperature and relative humidity levels, building as a dynamic system, geographic site, local climate, physical structure, HVAC, construction techniques, contaminant sources, occupants' activities and behaviors, air exchange pathways, mechanical ventilation systems, infiltration, air pressure differences, building envelope, "Building Tight, Ventilate Right" imperative, energy consumption, pollutant concentration, energy efficiency, ventilation strategies, indoor air pollutants exceed outdoor levels, internal pollutant sources, "concentration trap", managing and removing internal contaminants, key pollutants from gas appliances, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, moisture, respiratory irritation, asthma exacerbation, infection risk, decreased lung function, fatigue, chest pain, impaired vision, headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, DNA damage, mortality, transmission of airborne pathogens, organ damage, allergic reactions, cancer, dampness, mold growth, electric coil burners, high-dose exposure, pulmonary edema, diffuse lung injury, bronchitis, ambient air quality standards, carboxyhemoglobin, unvented gas space heaters, gas stoves, back-drafting, angia, poor ventilation, ultrafine particles, respirable particulate matter, cooking emissions, airborne particles, pathogens, respiratory aerosols, formaldehyde, benzene, unburned natural gas leakage, environmental tobacco smoke, automobile exhaust, sensory irritation, carcinogens, moisture load, human respiration and perspiration, bathing, washing, plants, pets, appliance selection, all-electric homes, electronic ignitions, proper appliance installation and maintenance, ducted range hoods, capture efficiency, airflow requirements, multi-family homes, whole-house ventilation strategies, tighter building envelopes, backdrafting risks, make-up air systems, targeted spot exhaust, bathroom fan, high-efficiency filtration, MERV-13, infectious aerosol exposure, cost-benefit analysis, air cleaning, indoor particle concentrations, semivolatile organic compounds, monitoring and alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, advanced IAQ monitors, PM2.5 sources, collaboration with MEP engineers, certified technicians, health impacts, continuous leakage, moisture byproduct, all-electric transition, building a healthier future, works cited, RMI, ASHRAE, EPA, LBNL, ventilation and air cleaning, envelope leakage, hazardous air pollutant emissions, residential ventilation requirements.

Navigating the HVAC Refrigerant Transition and the Promise of Hydronic Systems for Future-Ready Architecture

The global heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the phasedown of high-Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants, primarily Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). This shift, mandated by international agreements like the Kigali Amendment and domestic legislation such as the U.S. American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, presents both substantial challenges and unique opportunities for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.

Heat Pumps, HVAC, High Performance Homes, Indoor Air Quality, Electrification, Building Enclosure, Architectural Design, CodePositive EnergyMay 22, 2025HVAC refrigerant transition, high-Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants, Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), Kigali Amendment, U.S. American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, supply chain disruptions, refrigerant costs, technical training, mildly flammable refrigerants, hydronic systems, air-to-water heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, water as heat transfer medium, building performance, global HVAC refrigerant landscape, Montreal Protocol, ozone-depleting substances (ODS), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), HFC phasedown, U.S. ratification of Kigali Amendment, HFC consumption reduction, global warming mitigation, low-GWP technologies, HFC Allocation Program, Allocation Framework Rule, GWP limit of 700, R-410A systems, refrigerant leak detection, refrigerant reuse, reclaimed and recycled HFCs, leak repair, recordkeeping, reporting, labeling, automatic leak detection (ALD) systems, reclaimed HFCs for servicing, cost of compliance, A2L-class refrigerants, R-454B, R-32, refrigerant flammability, safety protocols, certified HVAC technicians, ACCA A2L training, ASHRAE Standards, UL Safety Standards, refrigerant types comparison, R-22, R-290 (Propane), R-744 (CO2), R-717 (Ammonia), AEC industry challenges, project timelines, supply chain constraints, refrigerant shortages, material scarcity, A2L safety training, regulatory compliance and enforcement, EPA regulations, state-level regulations, equipment availability and compatibility, refrigerant recovery machines, hydronic system types, radiant systems, baseboard heating, chilled beam systems, snow melt systems, AWHPs principles, AWHPs benefits, GSHPs principles, GSHPs advantages, ground loop, ground temperature stability, GSHP design considerations, GSHP energy savings, Investment Tax Credit (ITC), Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), technology neutral homes, renewable electricity sources, building envelope performance, HVAC system sizing, thermal insulation, high-performance glazing, air leakage, whole building design, commissioning, thermal performance, airtightness, passive building principles, Phius (Passive House Institute US), continuous insulation, thermal bridging, condensation prevention, super-insulation, minimal space conditioning system, moisture management, dew point temperature, latent loads, dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS), dehumidification, smart controls, material selection for radiant cooling, wall design for hydronics, floor design for hydronics, ceiling design for hydronics, building physics, heat transfer processes, moisture dynamics, indoor air quality, economic benefits of hydronic systems, operational cost reductions, energy efficiency, high-efficiency circulator, VRF system comparison, DX unit comparison, water source heat pumps, lifespan of hydronic systems, maintenance costs, environmental impact of hydronics, decarbonization, solar thermal, geothermal energy, strategic design for sustainable HVAC.

Heat Pump Water Heater Technologies: Evolution and Innovation

The residential heat pump water heater market offers a growing array of system types, each with distinct operational principles and installation considerations. Understanding these variations is crucial for architects to specify the most appropriate solution for a given project.

Heat Pumps, Plumbing, ElectrificationPositive EnergyMay 22, 2025Heat pump water heater technologies, system types, operational principles, integrated (hybrid) HPWHs, electric resistance heating elements, ENERGY STAR certified models, Uniform Energy Factors (UEFs), sound levels, tank sizing, ASHRAE Handbook hot water demand curves, demand-based sizing methods, electrical requirements, digital control panels, remote management applications, grid connectivity, demand response programs, operating modes, installation requirements, venting, condensate drainage, thermostatic mixing valve (TMV), piping connections, check valve, heat trap, drain pan, seismic strapping, split system HPWHs, refrigerant lines, emerging 120V plug-in models, electrical panel capacity, 120-volt circuit, retrofit scenarios, advancements in HPWHs, manufacturers (Rheem, Bradford White, A.O. Smith), refrigerants (R-32, R290, R744, CO2), Global Warming Potential (GWP), cold-climate performance, cold-climate heat pumps (CCHPs), variable-speed compressors, inverter compressors, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), smart home technology, artificial intelligence (AI), Wi-Fi connectivity, CTA-2045 communication, load shaping control signals, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), CalFlexHub, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Transactive Systems Program, distributed energy resources (DERs), building energy management system

The Electrification of Domestic Hot Water: Heat Pump Water Heater Adoption in U.S. Residential Construction

The residential construction market in the United States is undergoing a fundamental transformation, driven by the dual imperatives of grid modernization and enhanced indoor air quality. Central to this shift is the increasing adoption of Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWHs). These highly efficient, all-electric systems represent a critical technology for decarbonizing buildings and fostering a more resilient energy infrastructure. While current national adoption rates remain modest, market dynamics indicate a significant acceleration, propelled by robust governmental policies, escalating consumer interest in new construction, and continuous technological advancements.

Plumbing, Electrification, Heat PumpsPositive EnergyMay 22, 2025Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWHs), U.S. Residential Construction Market, Grid Modernization, Indoor Air Quality, Decarbonization, Energy Infrastructure, Governmental Policies, Consumer Interest, Technological Advancements, Heat Transfer, Energy Savings, Combustion Byproducts, Installation Complexities, Upfront Costs, Emergency Replacements, Incentives, Workforce Development, Consumer Education, All-Electric Homes, Clean Energy Transition, Building Emissions, Heat Decarbonization, Electric Grid Transformation, Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), State-Level Policy Goals, Energy Ecosystem, Societal Shift, Architects' Role, Thermal Energy, Electric Resistance Water Heaters, Energy Bill Savings, Market Dynamics, Growth Trajectory, Market Size (USD), Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), Global Market, HPWH Sales, National Adoption Rate, Consumer Preference, New Construction Integration, North America, Eco-Conscious States, Market Nuance, Housing Stock Retrofits, Manufacturers (Rheem, A. O. Smith, Bradford White, Vaughn, Nyle Systems), Sales Targets, Policy Changes, DOE Efficiency Standards, Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Tax Credits, Rebates, Energy Savings Standards, Carbon Dioxide Emissions Reduction, Appliance Standards Program, Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate Program, ENERGY STAR Certification, Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) Households, State and Local Programs, Utility Rebates, Time-of-Use Pricing, Economic Stimulus, Supply Chain, Job Creation, Energy Equity, Market Transformation Strategy, Grid Resilience, Public Health, Flexible Loads, Thermal Storage, Electricity Consumption Timing, Peak Electricity Demand, Grid-Interactive HPWHs, Infrastructure Investment, Grid Reliability, National Energy Security, Sustainability Goals, Demand Management Programs, Load Shifting, Renewable Energy Integration, Grid Stability, Grid Efficiency, Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings (GEBs), Transactive Energy, Load Swings, Economic Benefits, Future-Proof Energy Infrastructure, On-Site Combustion Elimination, Toxic Combustion Exhaust Gases, Pollutants, Fire/Explosion Risk, Fossil Fuel-Burning Appliances, Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Particulate Matter (PM, PM2.5), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Hydrocarbons (Benzene), Aldehydes, Vented Combustion Devices, Unvented Combustion Devices, Source Control, Ventilation, Indoor Air Quality Concerns, Health Benefits, Vulnerable Populations, Environmental Advantages, Reduced Carbon Footprint, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Technology Maturation, Reliability, Sound Reduction, Installer-Friendly Features, High Upfront/Installation Costs, Retail Prices, Contractor Installations, Skilled Labor Shortage, HVAC/Plumbing Trades, COVID-19 Impact, Installer Training, Project Completion Times, Improper Installations, Workforce Gap, Post-Installation Startup Process, Diagnostic Run Times, Electric Element Behavior, Consumer Awareness, Long-Term Cost Savings, Installer/Consumer Bias, 120V Plug-In Models, Retrofit-Ready Solutions, Holistic Building Design, MEP Engineers, Building Science Consultants, Point-of-Sale Rebates, Direct-to-Contractor Incentives, Tax Credits/Rebates Communication, Licensing Pathways

The Campsite at Shield Ranch

The Campsite at Shield Ranch was designed by our friends at Andersson / Wise . It is a 100% off-grid community designed to engage and celebrate the natural context of the ecologically diverse 6800-acre hill country sanctuary where it sits. The camp features an open-air pavilion, screened shelters, and miles of hiking trails just 22 miles from downtown Austin. Positive Energy was hired to perform MEP engineering, solar design and engineering, and Resilient Systems consulting. The Resilient Systems we master planned for the program include a 64kW architecturally integrated solar array, a 200kWh (100kW peak power capacity) backup battery array, a 60kW emergency propane genset, and we consulted with another rainwater system engineer a couple of 60k gallon rainwater collection tanks for occupancy use with TECQ compliant filtration for public consumption (as well as necessary rainwater storage for fire suppression).

Architectural Design, Building Enclosure, Building Science, Electrification, Environmental Design, HVAC, Mechanical Design, Natural Building Material, Off-grid, Solar, Batteries, GeneratorPositive EnergyFebruary 28, 2023Shield Ranch, Off-Grid Campsite, Sustainable Development, Microgrid, Solar PV System, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Propane Generator, Rainwater Harvesting, Water Conservation, Evaporative Toilets, Wastewater Management, SITES Gold Certification, Conservation Easements, Barton Creek Watershed, Ecological Protection, Vegetation and Soil Protection Zones, Topsoil Reuse, Native Plant Restoration, Light Pollution, Dark Sky Designation, Quiet Place Designation, Climate Change Resilience, MEP Engineering, On-Site Power Engineer, Building Science, Human-Centered Design, Energy Systems Consulting, Solar Design, Battery Array Design, Generator Integration, Regulatory Breakthroughs, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Travis County, Off-Grid Living, Resilient Spaces, Self-Sufficiency, Integrated Design, Collaborative Engineering.