Lstiburek believes that rising energy costs—not necessarily the lack of energy resources (he believes we have enough fossil fuels to last 400 years)—will ultimately force a change on builders and buyers.
“There's only three ways to get builders to undertake the learning curve,” he says. “With fear, greed, or law. Fear is the fear of litigation. This has been the most successful technology transfer method in residential construction. Greed? Well, builders want to make more money, so as energy costs go up, they deliver a better house, which they build for the same cost and sell at a higher price. The other way, law, is by legislation, and I don't see that happening.”
Certainly not every builder needs a gun to his head before he starts building more efficient home envelopes. Many products already exist that push the building envelope to new heights of efficiency: insulated concrete forms, SIPs, straw bale, and Poly-Steel panels, to name but a few. Lstiburek doesn't argue that point. He just believes “we need a real mess” in terms of energy supply and pricing before most builders will take energy efficiency seriously.
“There's no question the products are getting better and better,” he says. “It's never been better in terms of new products or using technology. Everybody's gonna make out—the builder, the manufacturer, and the buyer.
Ten Energy TipsUse the best available window glazings.Inspect wall and ceiling cavities thoroughly for insulation voids. Specify insulated entry doors and garage doors wherever possible. Minimize sidelites.Consider use of insulating sheathing or foam to create a thermal break from wood framing.Use advanced framing techniques to minimize structural wood in walls.Consider alternative wall systems such as insulated concrete forms, structural insulated panels, and thermally isolated steel framing systems such as Polysteel.Caulk sills, plates, and windows thoroughly.Seal and insulate all penetrations in the concrete foundation.Balance design with energy efficiency.Consider the impact of all construction choices on future occupants.