The use of superinsulation is normally associated with climates that are colder and less temperate than that of Auckland, New Zealand. However, if life-cycle energy analysis is undertaken, which incorporates operating and embodied energies and the energy of replacement parts over the life of the building, it can be shown that superinsulation of standard New Zealand lightweight construction more than halves the life-cycle energy of a typical house.
Discusses the importance of R-2000 homes in the light of renewed concerns about energy costs. States that they are healthier, more comfortable and quieter than standard houses. Scientific studies by Health Canada comparing the health of residents in new R-2000 homes with those living in standard new construction show that there is a measurable improvement inthe health of the residents of the R-2000 homes. Gives calculations for a typical new house in various parts of Canada, compared with R-2000 construction, covering design heat loss, electrical energy cost and natural gas cost.
In the temperate climate, the consistency of bioclimatic designs for heating and cooling is essential. However, the traditional Japanese houses which have excellent cooling techniques often disclose their poor thermal performance in the winter time. Since Jong it has been said that they sacrificed the heating performance in return for the cooling performance, as a result of their choice in the time when the consistency was technically impossible.
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