Achieving net zero energy consumption is a balancing act between the design of the mechanical-electrical systems, the design of the building envelope, and the energy needs of the building's occupants. David Knight and Larry Weingarten have pursued this balancing act throughout their careers in an impressive array of projects in a variety of ways. Their combined experience with mechanical systems alone includes solar thermal, solar electric, geothermal, and other energy technologies.
David's net zero presentation will cover case studies of projects he has designed and the process used to calculate the energy required as well as options for providing solar energy production and new heating-cooling technologies that allow for efficient use of grid-tie solar electric systems. His results are simple, low maintenance, and surprisingly cost effective systems that can be relatively easily integrated into most new or existing residential projects.
Larry will give a short presentation on his experience in designing and building his own near-zero energy home and his subsequent expertise in solar, hot water, and thermal envelope design.
Tickets will be $20 at the door.
Speakers
David Knight founded the
Monterey Energy Group, which specializes in mechanical engineering design, in 1982. Since then he has designed over 5,000 residential mechanical systems and performed over 15,000 energy efficiency reports. His main areas of expertise include solar energy systems, radiant floor heating, and general energy efficiency. This summer, the Monterey Energy Group has completed the mechanical design of over 40 net zero energy new homes. Before founding Monterey Energy Group, David was a solar energy instructor at Monterey Peninsula College where he developed and taught courses in solar and other alternative energy systems. Over the years he has given seminars for PG&E, California Energy Commission, California Association of Building Energy Consultants, the Radiant Panel Association, and the American Institute of Architects.
Larry Weingarten is a Design Engineer with
Synergistic Building Technologies and is a member of the Board of Directors where he serves as Corporate Treasurer. He has been involved in hot water and energy related work since 1978, primarily through his company, Elemental Enterprises. Larry has developed a variety of tools and methods for maintaining water heaters and has co-authored a book on the topic. He has also co-authored articles on hot water, energy, and plumbing, and teaches on these subjects. Larry lives in a highly-efficient off-grid solar home he designed and built whose radiantly-heated wall systems and daylighting fenestration techniques represent the state of the art in near-zero energy homes.
Sponsors
Transportation
Public Transportation:
Monterey Salinas Transit Line 28
Informal Carpooling:
We encourage offering a donation to the individual who drives to offset fuel costs. Participants should arrive no later than 5 p.m. at one of these locations:
1. Santa Cruz County Governmental Office Building, 701 Ocean Street, near the front doors at the visitor parking spaces.
2. Seaside Home Depot parking lot, near the Shell Station.
Categories:
Monterey Bay |
USGBC-NCC Events
