Why sustainable?
Why anything else?!?
A definition of sustainability - "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." from "Our Common Future," United Nations, 1987.
In what way is the Cubit sustainable?
Small Physical Footprint
-temporarily permanent installation: requires no permanent foundation, no septic tie-in, no grid connection, no fixed well
-easy to heat: small square footage and energy-efficient envelope translates to low BTU requirement.
Energy Efficient Envelope
-consists of SIP walls (R-24 roof, walls & floor) & low-emissivity argon-filled double pane insulated glass
Natural & Simple systems
-photovoltaic solar electricity: 12-volt electrical system is designed to run lights, charge laptops, cell phones and audio equipment, and run a few electrical appliances
-rainwater catchment: directly taps an otherwise unused source of water
-passive solar heat: south-facing windows utilize solar heat gain in the winter
-natural ventilation: windows are designed to catch and direct breezes for natural cooling in summertime
-natural daylighting - natural light is utilized to reduce lighting load
-compost toilet & greywater system: low-impact systems to manage human waste, and turn the waste into a useful product (compost and irrigation for a garden)
Sustainable Materials
-salvaged lumber used for windows and doors
-siding and trim was locally harvested & milled lumber
-EPS SIPs - waste product (saved from the dumpster) recyclable, durable - SIPs provide efficient insulation with minimal thermal breaks
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Hi! I'm a fellow ESC student, taking the Imagining Audubon class with David Wheeler, and he directed me to see your Cubit while I was over at 111 West Ave for class. I wanted to commend you on your sustainable little house, and I hope that you will post all about your adventures living there once you move in.
ReplyDeleteI also had a question - will the passive solar heating be the only means of heat, of will you supplement that with something else (and what)?
Thanks,
Dareth McKenna, Northeast Center
Dareth -
ReplyDeleteThank you for your interest in my project!
The passive solar from sun-facing windows will be supplemented by radiant hot-water tubes running through the floor, which will be heated by a drain-down solar hot water panel, with a small hot water super-store tank. This will maintain a more constant temperature inside. I will also use a space heater for burst-heating, to get the space up to temp. I have a small propane heater, but I am also considering a bio-char stove.