Geos Neighborhood
Project Specifications:
• Walls: R28 Polyurethane SIP
• Ceiling: R42 Polyurethane SIP
• Foundation: R22 ICF
• Windows: R-5 Serious Materials fiberglass
• Heating: Ground Source Heat Pump
• Cooling: Earth Tubes
• Ventilation: Separately Ducted ERV
• Air Tightness: 0.04 NACH
• Solar: 5.0 kW Photovoltaic System (PV)
Geos is a 250-unit development in Arvada that will be net-zero energy and cash flow positive in the first year. Not only will these homeowners have no utility bills (over the course of each year), the cost to purchase the units will be comparable to other developments. GEOS is a master planned community with 40% open space, parks, and trails. Designed with passive solar in mind, the heating requirements for these homes are 80-90% less than a modern built-to-code home.
The community is based on the Passiv Haus standard created in Germany, which is now mandated building code for much of Europe. To meet the net-zero energy goal, Geos uses off the shelf technology such as Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS), Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs), triple paned fiberglass windows from Serious Materials, and an Energy Recover Ventilator from Ultimate Air, earth tube pre-conditioning for the fresh air intake, and a micro-distributed Ground Source Heat Pump system, all powered by a Solar Photovoltaic system (PV). No natural gas lines will be run to the community as the homes will be all electric.
Geos proves that net-zero energy homes are affordable today. Have a look at this PDF that explains how Geos is a cash flow positive investment from the very first year, with equivalent annual returns of 5.7% (how much you'd be making at a bank if you invested the money for this technology).
Sustainably Built has done energy modeling work for the GEOS development, as well as research and development for components of the project such as intelligent blinds, window analysis, and water heating loads. For more information on the project, visit www.DiscoverGeos.com
