Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What does Factor 9 mean?

A1.  This means a 9-fold reduction in energy use for this home compared with a 1970s-built Regina home of the same size.

The justification for the 9 would be as follows:

• World population is expected to increase by a factor of 1.5 before stabilizing;
• Consumption per person in the world is expected to increase by factor of  3 once equilibrium is established; and
• Climate scientists are calling for a factor of 2 reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from current levels. Multiply the factors together and Factor 9 results.

Q2. When will the home be built?

A2. The home will be built in 2006.

Q3. How will you reduce the energy consumption by so much?

A3.  There are two basic approaches: high levels of energy conservation, and aggressive use of passive and active solar heating.

ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES

• For instance, the attic will have an insulation level of R80. about 7 times as much insulation as a 1970 built home. The walls, windows, basement walls, and basement floor will all have high levels of insulation as well.
• The house will be better air sealed to prevent drafts. Compared with a typical 1970 home, the house will be about 7 times more air tight.
• Energy Star appliances will be used in the house, offering substantial savings compared with conventional appliances.
• Lighting in the house will be mostly compact fluorescent, which are about 4 times as efficient as conventional incandescent lights.
• Water heating loads will be reduced by using a water efficient Energy Star clothes washer and dishwasher, low flow shower heads, faucet aerators, and high insulation levels on the water storage tank and piping.
• An innovative waste water heat exchanger will be used to capture heat that normally is wasted down the drain

SOLAR HEATING

• An active solar heating system located on the south wall of the house will be used to provide most of the space heating and domestic hot water.
• Passive solar heating through high efficiency south facing windows will be used.

Q4. How will you reduce the water consumption by so much?  What are the top water consuming areas of the home?

A4. Two approaches will be used - water conservation measures and roof water collection to a cistern

WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES

• Low-water use appliances such as an Energy Star clothes washer and an Energy Star dishwasher
• Low flow shower heads
• Faucet aerator
• Low water use toilets

RAIN WATER COLLECTION

• Rain water will be collected from the roof and stored in a tank in the basement.
• This water will be used for toilets and outdoor watering needs.

Q5. Why “New Prairie Approach”?

A5.  Back in the 1970s, a very important publication called “Energy Efficient Housing: A Prairie Approach” was produced by the Saskatchewan Government.  The “New Prairie Approach” is an updated approach to reducing energy use in homes.

Q6. How is this project different from the other energy efficient home projects?

A6. A number of very efficient demonstration homes have been built in Saskatchewan.   In 1977, the Saskatchewan Conservation House was built. It had a measured annual consumption of 76 kilowatt hours per square metre of floor area, about ¼ as much energy as a standard house at that time.  The Dumont House, built in 1992 in Saskatoon, had a measured annual consumption of 47 kWh/m2.  The Factor 9 House is targeted to use 30 kWh/m2 per year.

Q7. What will be the savings on energy and power?

A7. With our goal of a 90% reduction in energy consumption, the realized reduction on the energy bills should be slightly less than about 90%. [All homeowners pay a monthly fixed charge for natural gas and electricity unrelated to actual consumption. The fixed charges will of course still be paid.]

Q8. Will the house look radically different from other new houses?

A8.  Only a little. From the front-facing north side, the house will not look different. On the back-facing south side, wall mounted solar panels will distinguish this house from its neighbors.