Tuesday 2nd October 2012

Graphic designers will be affected because designs for plastics will change as alternatives are found to using oil.  Indeed the demise of oil will affect how we all work.

Last week the video shown was The Age of Stupid.  Interestingly only 1% of scientists worry about climate change whereas 60% of the population believe it is an issue.  In groups, discuss the matter that you prepared a write-up on.

Documentary: Crude Awakening - The Oil Crash, (2006) a documentary creates a bleak portrait of the situation and emphasises the need to live sustainably.  Some matters that come to light in this video include:

• The biggest reserves are not big enough
• Supplies are going downhill
• It hit economies and then drys them up

Following this documentary task two is to research an area specific to Eco design.

I have chosen to research into architecture that save the planet from using its own resources.

Passive houses and how they work

Definition: 

"The Passive House concept represents today's highest energy standard with the promise of slashing the heating energy consumption of buildings by an amazing 90%. Widespread application of the Passive House design would have a dramatic impact on energy conservation...

A Passive House is a very well-insulated, virtually air-tight building that is primarily heated by passive solar gain and by internal gains from people, electrical equipment, etc. Energy losses are minimized. Any remaining heat demand is provided by an extremely small source. Avoidance of heat gain through shading and window orientation also helps to limit any cooling load, which is similarly minimized. An energy recovery ventilator provides a constant, balanced fresh air supply. The result is an impressive system that not only saves up to 90% of space heating costs, but also provides a uniquely terrific indoor air quality." 

http://www.passivehouse.us/passiveHouse/PassiveHouseInfo.html

"The Passive House (German: Passivhaus) is a voluntary building standard, that exceeds the present regulations by far. Built according to 
this standard the need for heating will be reduced by 90%. Compared to conventional build, which has an average heating demand of 150kWh/m2a, 
these homes need only 15kWh/m2a.

- The remaining heating and hot water demand can be covered almost completely by renewable energies.

- Zero Carbon Housing will be achieved by additionally reducing the electricity demand and alternative means of supply.

http://www.passive-house.co.uk/passive_house.htm





"The independent Passive House Institute of Darmstadt sets guidelines and carries out a standardized evaluation of products according to these requirements. Certificated products have the appellation, "passive house-appropriate components" and this indicates excellent quality in terms of energy-efficiency. The choice of certificated components eases the task of the planner and helps achieve the passive house building standard.
"http://www.passive-house.co.uk/passive_house.htm

What is the difference with a passive house and a hermetically sealed house?

1. Completely sealed, especially against the escape or entry of air.
2. Impervious to outside interference or influence: the hermetic confines of an isolated life.
3. often Hermetica. Mythology Of or relating to Hermes Trismegistus or the works ascribed to him.
b. Having to do with the occult sciences, especially alchemy; magical.

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/hermetically

• To sum up, basically a passive house can only guarantee 90 percent were as a hermetically sealed house is 100 percent sealed. However with a passive house you can have fresh air circulating and this would be stale in a hermetically sealed house!