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Extreme Makeover: The Plainfield NH Elementary School - Self Study

Marc Rosenbaum • Last updated 02/2021

5.0/5 (view ratings)
67 students
1 module
57 minutes
4 assignments

Course description

This course was originally presented at BuildingEnergy Boston 2020, a conference presented by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA)

This small New Hampshire town was faced with a host of issues with its 35,000 sf school. Key areas included IAQ problems, lack of temperature control, obsolete HVAC equipment, and high energy bills. A small group of volunteers proposed a radical solution: take one classroom as a prototype, disconnect it from the central plant, super-insulate it, and install a cold climate heat pump and an ERV. The monitored success led to a step-by-step Deep Energy Retrofit of the school, the removal of all of the oil-fired plant and fuel storage, and ultimately a 155 kWDC solar electric array to power the school. This case study details the strategies and reports the results.

Professional credits (or CEUs, "continuing education units") are not available at this time; check back later for options to earn credits.

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Learning Objectives

Participants in this course will upon completion of this course, be able to:

  • Know how to retrofit current technology HVAC systems into a building enclosure with severe spatial constraints (slab on grade construction, no attics, modest ceiling heights)
  • Reduce heating loads with air-sealing and super-insulation insulation in a phased retrofit of a multi-zone building
  • Use cold climate heat pumps to successfully heat an institutional building in a harsh climate that experiences temperatures as low as -25F
  • Use a comprehensive approach to deliver excellent indoor air quality, comfort and durability throughout a phased retrofit of an existing building

Full course outline

Module 1 - Extreme Makeover: The Plainfield NH Elementary School

  • Extreme Makeover: The Plainfield NH Elementary School (57:01 minutes)
  • OPTIONAL: Subscribe to NESEA Communications

Author

Marc Rosenbaum

Principal, Energysmiths

Marc Rosenbaum, P.E. uses an integrated systems design approach to help people create buildings and communities which connect us to the natural world, and support both personal and planetary health. He brings this vision, experience and commitment to a collaborative design process, with the goal of profoundly understanding the interconnections between people, place, and... Learn more

Ratings

5.0
5 reviews

67 students have taken this course

by pat treadwell 12/30/2020

i live in CZ 2A and plan on doing this to my own house . thank you for the the great information !

by Jerry M 03/08/2023

by Joel R 04/28/2022

by samuel p 01/14/2021

by Kiersten W 01/03/2021

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Frequently asked questions

How does this course work?

This is a free course. Enroll today and get access to all of the materials instantly. The lecture video and other materials are available any time.

How long do I have access to the materials?

For free courses there is no guarantee for how long the course materials will be available.

Is there a certificate of completion?

Certificates of completion are only provided to HeatSpring Membership subscribers. This course has not been approved by any credentialing organizations (NABCEP, AIA, USGBC etc) for Continuing Education Credits (CEUs). This course is for self education purposes only and completion does not indicate a level of professional expertise or credential.

Can I register multiple people?

Yes, this is a free course so you can share this page with other people from your group.

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