UNIVERSAL DESIGN CONSORTIUM NEWS
February 2008
-UDC has joined forces with Earth First Construction to further reduce the cost of zero energy construction. Earth First is a construction company specifically building green projects throughout the state of Texas. Earth First is a distributor of ICF Build Block, American clay plaster, Solar panels and offers training and guidance for the do it yourselfers. They also specialize in xeriscaping and reduced water landscape design and advanced green building construction to include straw bale, adobe and rammed earth.
-UDC has started research and development of a revolutionary new lighting system that eliminates the need for all traditional lighting in a home. This lighting system uses the natural light from the sun during the day and channels it to all of the interior spaces of the building, while at night time a single lamp provides “on demand” light for the building. Preliminary figures would confirm a reduction in electrical magnetic fields (EMF) and high frequency (RF) of up to 80% (and a reduction of overall electrical usage up to 50%).
-UDC offers design and construction management services to retrofit existing homes and business with energy reducing technologies. It is possible to greatly reduce your monthly electrical and water bills by first, increasing your energy retention capability, second replacing aging appliances and equipment with the new Energy Star rated gear, and third, by installing a renewable energy production source. Our partner; Earth First Construction also offers construction services for both retrofitting existing buildings and adapting landscaping for xeriscape configuration.
-UDC joins the National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA) as a professional design member.
January 2008
-UDC has joined forces with KCBD on their campaign to increase Lubbock awareness of energy conservation. We will be providing “Green Tips” and will be partaking in community activities throughout the year to help spread information on energy conservation. Be sure to watch KCBD throughout the year for our commercials and green tips. Visit www.agreenerlubbock.com for more information and for a list of other green and environmentally friendly partners in West Texas.
December 2007
-UDC has completed plans for the first zero energy house (ZEH), specifically designed and configured for fixed income families, in Lubbock Texas. This house was designed in conjunction with the city of Lubbock community development office to meet local HUD initiatives.
More about the home:
Approximately 1700 square foot in size, this house can be constructed for $90.00 a square foot in Lubbock or $153,000. This houses added cost for zero energy configurations and technology will pay for itself within 3 to 5 years after construction. Yearly, the homes could produce (occupant dependent) $2,000 worth of energy credit for the home owner through net metering.
The home is designed with three elements in mind; Energy retention, Energy conservation and energy production. For our energy retention or insulation envelope we utilized the insulated concrete form (ICF), Energy Star windows and doors and spray in expansive insulation in rafter cavities. To maximize our energy conservation we utilized energy star rated appliances, equipment, lighting fixtures and lamps. Finally, for our energy production we installed a solar array specifically designed to meet or exceed the homes daily requirement for electrical energy. This home as well as all of our homes comes with a home owners manual to educate the homes owner on the capabilities of their new home and to illustrate maintenance and up-keep schedules, a industry first.
Construction is set for early 2008.
This home will be the 1st of its kind in Texas and will be a L.E.E.D. platinum certified home.
November 2007
-Phase 2 of 3 research and development begins to explore the possibility of zero energy principles being utilized in small to medium size commercial applications with a primary concentration on churches, industrial facilities, and city structures.
-Design of the first commercial project to incorporate some of the zero energy technologies is started. The 50,000+ SF Metro church located in Longview, Texas will be the first to have an integrated collection of zero energy technology that should yield a reduction in electrical resources between 50 to 60 % as allowed by its interior space orientation, insulation packages and geothermal mechanical system.
-Universal Design Consortium’s first advertising initiative is launched. A 15 second computer animated commercial opens in movie theaters in Lubbock and Plainview. Be sure to go to the movie theater 30 minutes early to catch it. You can view it here without the audio.
September 2007
- Design for the first prototype zero energy home (ZEH) completed. It is based on the best selling American home design on the market today.
- UDC joins the American Civil Defense Association (TACDA)
June 2007
- UDC joins the United States Green building Council (USGBC).
December 2006
- Phase 1 of 3 Research and development begins to explore the possibility of creating a true zero energy home that is cost effective to construct. With the primary design considerations concentrating on developing a residential design for the low to moderate income families, fixed income/ elderly or senior citizen housing, Family protective shelter with dual purpose application, no to low maintenance for exterior to include landscaping and increased resale value.
Design objectives met: