A reality-based energy analysis of high-performance residences: Part I

This research initiative attempts to empirically determine, with reality-based (real instead of modeled) performance data from energy suppliers, the energy advantage associated with building high performance residence in Victoria, BC. In addition, this initiative created a much-needed benchmark for contractors to gain a firm understanding of the construction details required to achieve the various levels of the “Step Code” in the newest edition of the British Columbia Building Code. This was accomplished through a comparative energy analysis between a case-study high-performance “above-code residence” (ACR) to a “minimum code residence” (MCR) with the same floor plan. The ACR was built in 2015 before the step code was introduced, and therefore it was not determined what step level it achieved when it was built. It was not built to any particular performance standard, rather it was built using design details that were calculated to exceed Part 9 performance in effective R-value and airtightness. Upon investigation it was determined that the ACR achieved a performance level of “Step 3” bordering on “Step 4” performance. When compared to the MCR, it was found that the ACR has an energy advantage of 22.5 kWh/m2/year. However, many of the components in the ACR assemblies were either for aesthetic appeal (metal-roofing), or comfort (floor-cavity insulation), and therefore it was possible to remove these components (which is important for Part II of this study: An in-depth cost analysis between the two residences) while maintaining an energy advantage of 15 kWh/m2/year and step level 3 designation. This was dubbed the hybrid-residence as it employed a combination of above-code and minimum-code construction assemblies.