Energy efficiency and conservation are cornerstone values expressed in many aspects of the Angwin Ecovillage design. Solar panels, ground source heat pumps and energy efficient architectural strategies are a few elements of the Ecovillage designed to shrink energy costs, increase energy efficiency, and protect the environment. Additionally, new homes and retail spaces will meet the energy efficiency standards established by the US Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) rating systems, cutting the amount of energy they consume. Because the Ecovillage will produce a significant percentage of its electricity onsite, only a relatively small percentage of power will be supplied through the conventional grid system compared with a typical development. Our innovative energy strategy will set a higher bar for reduced environmental impact that will serve as a model for other communities.
Above: Exploring and creating alternative energy sources are keys to the success of the energy conservation program of the Angwin Ecovillage.
Energy Efficient Design
The Ecovillage takes advantage of innovative design strategies to reduce the amount of energy consumed by residences and businesses. To decrease heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system energy consumption, ecovillage homes and businesses will have shading devices, special glazing on windows, operable windows, efficient lighting, and increased insulation. Residences may be heated and cooled using a highly-efficient ground-source heat pump (GSHP) system. GSHP systems are more efficient because they use the year-round constant thermal properties of the earth to achieve as much as 100 percent higher rated efficiency. Other strategies, such as the use of Energy Star appliances and equipment, will reduce the amount of power consumed to run dishwashers, computers, ranges and air conditioners. Electric vehicle charging stations will also be incorporated in areas of the ecovillage to support car share programs.
“Green” Certification of Homes and Businesses
LEED Green Building Rating System™ is a third party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED provides building owners and operators with the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings’ performance.
LEED rating systems or their equivalencies will govern the design of homes, buildings, and infrastructure of the Ecovillage. Rating the energy use, air quality, and energy generation of the project will guide the evaluation of the added benefits of the sustainable design approaches. The Ecovillage will annually monitor its energy savings and household carbon footprints to assess the effectiveness of energy saving programs.
On-Site Energy Production
Producing electricity onsite is generally more sustainable than purchasing it from the energy grid. According to the California Energy Commission, only about 66 percent of source energy reaches the user through the PG&E grid, and 45 percent of source energy is produced by fossil fuels. A substantial portion of the electricity at the Ecovillage will be produced onsite by photovoltaic (PV) systems, better known as solar power. The Ecovillage PV system will create enough renewable energy to meet its electricity demands on a peak energy producing summer day. Solar thermal collectors are also being planned for the residences to offset the natural gas typically consumed to provide hot water.
Signature PV arrays are planned for the Village Square to not only produce energy, but provide a visual symbol of the sustainability of the project. The array within the Village Square will be an architectural landmark while meeting the energy demands of the retail spaces, and providing supplemental energy for homes and infrastructure on site. A large collection of solar panels will also be installed to support site wide infrastructure such as the wastewater treatment facility.
Above: The Village Square will be a meeting place for the Ecovillage, symbolizing the heart of a sustainable community. Solar panels will be installed on the roofs surrounding the square, to represent the project’s commitment to environmental consciousness.
Carbon Footprint
The Angwin Ecovillage carbon footprint measures the effect that greenhouse gas emissions emitted from the development will have upon the environment. The true Ecovillage carbon footprint includes the embodied and operational impact of transportation, services, infrastructure, and building energy systems. Embodied carbon emissions will be reduced by constructing the development with local and recycled material. Operational carbon emissions are addressed in the Ecovillage through transportation reduction strategies, electric cars and energy efficiency strategies mentioned.
California Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32) was signed into law in 2006, requiring the state of California to limit statewide carbon emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 using market-based incentives. This reduction represents a 25% reduction over the next decade and is a part of the larger goal to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050. In order to achieve these goals, California will have to invest in energy efficiency programs that promote technologies like GSHP and PV panels The new Ecovillage development already exceeds the lofty 25% reduction goal of AB 32 and will serve as an example for future developers trying to adhere to state requirements. Implementing energy efficient design now will put the Ecovillage in position to meet the 80% emissions reduction target in 2050 without extensive retrofits in the future.
Responsible Energy Strategy
The Ecovillage’s energy efficiency strategies and onsite renewable electricity production are effective and responsible ways to care for our planet. When compared with a typical development the Ecovillage will have a much lower impact on the rate of climate change, ozone depletion, and fossil fuel consumption. By implementing a responsible energy strategy, the Ecovillage takes seriously its impact upon the environment and sets an example for future developments around the nation.