Notes

1. To validate the importance of energy efficiency in housing. (PSVS)

Define what is meant by an energy-efficient home. Homes that are constructed, heated, and cooled with reduced energy demands are termed energy-efficient. The energy efficiency may vary considerably between homes that are deemed energy-efficient.

Discuss and list reasons why it is so important to have energy-efficient homes in Saskatchewan. Topics such as: cost, comfort, ecology, fuel conservation, and climatic conditions should be discussed.

2. To evaluate energy sources for the Saskatchewan home. (CCT, NUM)

Discuss energy sources for Saskatchewan homes. Sources and fuels such as natural gas, propane, gas, electricity, hot water, fossil fuels, wood and coal should be discussed. Students may suggest alternative fuel sources used in some parts of the country or the world such as hydroelectric power, solar power, geothermal energy, etc. These topics may be studied in more detail in Science 10 and Physics or Chemistry. Please consult with your science teacher.

Identify the sources of energy for home heating used in Saskatchewan and why they are used today.

• Homes can be heated conventionally with natural gas, electricity, or wood. Conventional heating should be discussed in terms of economic and environmental costs.
• Students could research unconventional heat sources (e.g., solar, ground heat, ground water, wind generation, straw, heat pumps, etc) .

Outline the factors to consider when judging new or existing homes for energy efficiency. Ideas to explore include:

• ceiling height
• entry ways with storm doors
• porches
• air lock
• closets on the coldest side of the house
• exposure or orientation of the house on the lot for wind control and exposure to sunlight
• frequently used rooms grouped together in the same part of the house
• type of glass used in windows and patio doors
• location of largest windows
• insulation (quality and amount)
• style of furnace and fireplaces
• thermostat control
• storm windows.

Consider housing styles

• shape of the home (square, L shape, T shape)
• use of sunrooms or skylights
• number of storeys
• window shutters
• colour of the roof and size of the roof
• amount of roof overhang to west and south.

Explain how each of these can affect the energy efficiency of the home.

Review other factors that affect the energy consumption of the home, such as site orientation and landscaping, land and structure, (see previous modules in this course).

Discuss earth-sheltered homes. A field trip to a home under construction or the most energy-efficient home in the community should be considered. Sometimes it is possible to see several homes at various stages of construction, allowing students to see the progression and techniques that may not be visible in a home close to completion. Discuss features, such as the placement of windows, window design, insulation, heating and cooling systems, construction to minimize air intrusion, and air exchange.

If Construction, Carpentry is being offered in your school, consult and collaborate with that teacher.

3. To demonstrate knowledge of possible energy-saving construction techniques. (NUM, TL)

Discuss R-2000 homes in relation to energy efficiency. How are

R-2000 building standards different from homes built to regular building standards today? How are R-2000 regulations used in Saskatchewan? Invite a contractor to the class to address these questions. Ask students to research R-2000 standards and how these standards may be beneficial in Saskatchewan considering the climate. The construction sector is working on R-2020 criteria. Investigate these.

4. To discuss passive and active energy sources and management for home heating. (TL)

Define active and passive solar systems and provide illustrated examples for each. Consult with your science teacher.

Passive management systems do not involve any additional technology to control energy management. Active systems include controls that open or close blinds, turn on pumps, etc.

Collect newspaper and magazine articles about passive and active solar homes.

Explain how active and passive solar heating systems work.

List the advantages and disadvantages of using each of these systems in Saskatchewan.

If possible, invite a guest speaker to talk about new developments in the use of active and passive solar heating systems in the province. The speaker may also discuss his/her career with the class.

5. To examine the value of retrofitting a home for increased energy efficiency.

Define what is meant by retrofitting a home. Through classroom discussion, students may suggest ways to make an existing home more energy efficient. Discuss the financial advantages of building or remodeling homes in an energy-efficient manner. (NUM)

Explain the function of: insulation, vapour barrier, ventilation, heat exchanger, weather stripping, caulking, storm doors, low E windows, programmable thermostats, the use of plastic, styrofoam, and tinfoil on windows.

Students may examine their own homes, school, or classroom to determine ways to make them more energy efficient.

Students may consider the use of energy-efficient appliances in the home. Students may calculate the savings over 20 years of certain makes or models of furnaces, fireplace inserts, washing machines, refrigerators, stoves, etc.

Students could report on the relative costs of heating with oil, natural gas, or electricity in their community.

6. To explore the concepts of sufficient or sustainable housing.

Discuss ideas like:

• exercising stewardship of resources
• conserving earth resources
• living independently or communally
• reducing consumer demands
• recycling and using recycled materials
• living lighter
• living in smaller spaces.