Case study: New Orleans home is energy efficient and hurricane tolerable

One of New Orleans’ most recent green homes was built on the site of a hurricane-damaged house that stood for three years before being finally demolished.
Architects and engineers at Building Science Corp. in Boston created the plans and specifications for the 4-bedroom, 2-full bath, house which comes in at just under 2,000 square feet. As designed, the home will achieve a 57 percent energy use reduction when compared to the Building America Benchmark house. This energy use reduction is equal to a HERS score of 56 and an estimated $2,029 annual utility bill cost savings to the homeowner.
Not only is the home energy-efficient, but it is durable as well. Designed to withstand 130 mph winds and built with flood-recoverable materials, the home will serve as an example of high-performance construction in a hot-humid climate.
Topics: Building Green, Cost of Ownership, Foundations, Heating & Cooling, Insulation, Lighting
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