Re: energy efficiency
From: Jeffrey O. Hobson (johobsonwheel.ucdavis.edu)
Date: Mon, 5 Dec 94 19:51 CST
Writing an article for the Journal is a great idea, I'd be very interested,
and would be happy to help if I can.    

>Right now I am considering writing about choices related to energy 
>efficiency and at what stage in the development process they need 
>to be made. But I could also write about specific technologies and 
>give resources for finding out more about them, ie selecting windows,
>energy efficient lighting, appliances, choices for wall construction,
>passive solar strategies, design and climate, design tools, etc.  

I think a series of articles would really be the best (more work, I know).

The first could be an overview:
Outline what general options people have, focussing on the special
possibilities cohousing design allows (district heating, wall construction,
passive design, windows) what resources they require (regulatory hurdles,
owner labor, careful design, mo' money), and at what point in the process
they should be, or can be, taken into account (site layout, building design,
materials ordering), from whom/where to get site-specific advice on these
issues (architect, energy engineer, utility).

Another article could address where to find or create attractive financing
(or even underwriting) - I'm thinking of programs like the Energy Crafted
Homes (in the Northeast) Nancy Wight is always mentioning.  Tapping into the
energy utility's "community energy programs" history might be useful here
(I'm just reading a report from the Results Center on these - fascinating
and convincing).  

A third article could address individual technologies and techniques.  I
think the specifics would appropriately come later because the first article
could generate reader letters (and cohousing-l conversations) that might
generate items to be outlined, and possibly information to be presented,
that the writer might not think of her/himself, particularly because of the
geographic specificity of some design options.  

Hope that's helpful.  As I say, I'd be happy to help.  At some point along
the way, I'm supposed to combine all the energy/resource-related messages
that have come through for Stuart's web page on cohousing - probably not til
January or so.

I see by your tag line that you're in the Energy Analysis Program at LBL.
Are you a grad student, staff scientist, energy specialist, what?  I may be
coming out your way next fall, if I get into ERG and decide to go.  I'd be
interested in getting more in touch with people who are combining the
energy/resource issues with the social issues (such as cohousing).

Jeffrey Hobson
johobson [at] wheel.ucdavis.edu
N Street Cohousing, 643 Lessley Place, Davis CA 95616  916-756-8697 
Davis Energy Group, 123 C Street, Davis CA 95616  916-753-1100, 753-4125(fax)

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