Green Building Advisor Features ZED's Stephanie Horowitz on Zero Energy Homes

Green Building Advisor posed a simple question to ZED’s Stephanie Horowitz: “Is Zero Energy the Answer?” Horowitz joined a handful of experienced industry experts in submitting short essays on this topic, exploring the challenges, opportunities, and shortcomings of zero-energy homes. Many of the entries focus on rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems, which generate electricity at home, heating systems and insulation, and the role homes play in the global picture of carbon emissions.

Article Link: Is Zero Energy the Answer? (subscription required)

Newton Net Zero, one of ZED’s super-insulated, net zero energy homes. EUI: 0.4kBtu/sf/yr | 0.19 ACH50

ZED's Jordan Goldman To Discuss Mini-Splits on The BS* + Beer Show

The BS* + Beer Show, a weekly talk show focusing on hot topics in building science, will have its next broadcast on Thursday, April 30, 2020 at 6: 00 - 7:30 PM EST. This session “Making the Most of Mini-Splits” will focus on how and where are mini-split air source heat pumps best used, if they are right for every situation, and when are they not the best choice.

Special panelists for this live discussion include ZED Mechanical Engineering Principal Jordan Goldman, Positive Energy’s Kristof Irwin, and Ripcord Engineering’s Jacob Staub.

You can register in advance for the Zoom meeting here.

Fine Homebuilding Magazine and Green Building Advisor provide technical and organization support for the BS* + Beer Show. Previous show recordings are available on Green Building Advisor.

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ZED's Jordan Goldman on Minisplits

At the Fine HomeBuilding (FHB) Summit last year, ZED Engineering Principal Jordan Goldman presented an in-depth and well-received session on minisplit heat pumps.

A specialist in energy modeling, HVAC systems, and mechanical design, Goldman started the discussion with a reminder that the ultimate goal of designing heat pumps is the indoor comfort of the home. He also shared several tips for HVAC engineers, architects, and contractors working with this technology, including its strengths and weaknesses, how to best put it into use in a well-insulated home, and common mistakes to avoid during design and installation.

Recently, Green Building Advisor, which focuses on green building, designing, and remodeling strategies, published a great review of Goldman’s FHB minisplit presentation. You can read the article here.

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ZED Discusses Indoor Air Quality with Green Building Advisor

At ZeroEnergy Design, healthy indoor air quality is sacrosanct to all the firm’s projects.

In an interview with Green Building Advisor editor, Brian Pontolilo, for a new in-depth article on indoor air quality and the potential dangers of VOCs in homes, ZED’s Stephanie Horowitz clarified “This is something we pay close attention to on every project. We write it into our specification, we educate our clients about the importance of it, we make it a top priority.”

Stephanie also discussed how ZED specs select no-VOC paints and floor finishes for the firm’s projects.

Click on the link below to read the full article.

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