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To what extent can the application of R-2000 and Advanced House energy standards to affordable housing be cost effective, and what are the most appropriate technologies for attaining this goal? / While the technology to construct energy efficient houses exists, whether or not this is economically feasible at the affordable housing level remains undetermined. The current lack of knowledge of the issues related to energy efficiency in lower cost housing is a significant barrier to change. / The study provides a survey of some of the potential upgrades available on the Canadian market and reviews the incremental cost, performance and potential for acceptance of various options. / While varying fuel prices and economic conditions across the country result in equally variant levels of cost effectiveness, it is found that the R-2000 preferred packages, when combined with an energy efficient mortgage (EEM) discount or 1/4 percent, are cost effective in all but one case investigated. Without an EEM, R-2000 upgrading is not cost effective in regions with low fuel prices. Incremental costs for meeting the Advanced House standard are relatively high, but upgrading to this level is found to be cost effective in Halifax (even without an EEM) and in Toronto and Vancouver with an EEM. R-2000 packages should prove acceptable to both builders and buyers, while Advanced House performance requires more significant changes in current practice but could be popular where it is cost effective. Energy efficient upgrading for affordable housing does not appear to be prohibitively expensive in Canada and an opportunity exists to make a significant impact on residential energy consumption. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Thesis (Ph. D. - Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Arid Lands Resources Sciences) - University of Arizona. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 149-152).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Architecture, 1997. / Computer disk in pocket attached to back cover. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 159-170).

Thesis (M.Env.St.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Geographical and Environmental Studies, 2000. / Bibliography: p. 119-122.

Thesis (M Arch)--Montana State University--Bozeman, 2008. / Typescript. Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Christopher Livingston. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 97-99).

The entire thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file; a non-technical public abstract appears in the public.pdf file. Title from PDF of title page (University of Missouri--Columbia, viewed on September 22, 2009). Thesis advisor: Ronald G. Phillips. Includes bibliographical references.

The Earth's health is deteriorating and will deteriorate even more rapidly unless people adopt eco-friendly policies. Green building has long been a concept but it has not yet been universally applied in practice. The concept of sustainability emerged in the 1970s and can be associated with the energy crisis and environmental pollution concerns. This research is aimed at investigating whether building “green” is more demanding than non-green buildings in terms of cost and the use of green materials against traditional materials; whether professionals in the construction industry are knowledgeable in terms of green buildings; and lastly, to determine whether green buildings are contributing significantly to the environment. The literature reviewed and results of quantitative research amongst professionals from the Island of Mauritius formed the basis of the study. The study revealed that green building is expensive relative to traditional buildings considering. However, the concepts employed (for example: lower energy use, less waste disposal, lower water usage, and sustainable design) provide green buildings with long term savings. Furthermore, the scarcity of natural materials makes it expensive. The study also showed that contractors and professionals have a preference for traditional materials over green materials thus making them more familiar with traditional materials. Contractors and professionals are believed to understand green materials only on a limited basis. This may be attributed to the specific environmental issues involved; however, the research revealed that the professionals are familiar with the basic concepts of green buildings. Lastly, the research showed that green building is still at its infancy but the benefits of green buildings are understood; resulting in green buildings having a good growth potential. The study should be valuable to construction industry professional and clients.

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